C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

2006 C280 Pre-wired Telephone

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 23, 2009 | 04:24 PM
  #1  
autojava's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
C280 2006
2006 C280 Pre-wired Telephone

Hi, Guys:
I just bought a used 2006 C280 sedan from dealer. I have questions and
hope to ask from you guys:
My C280 has cell-phone prewired package. Dealer will charge about
$1,700 to make it work. Does anyone know how to make it work or hear about third-party solution? such as extra part, procedure.
Thanks.
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2009 | 04:47 PM
  #2  
acr2001's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
STFF!!

You need: MHI module, contact plate, and bluetooth puck.

Forget the stealer. If you wait for a good deal on eBay or the forums you can get all the parts together from anywhere between 500 and 1000.

There is one aftermarket solution (STFF!) but honestly, it's not as good as the latest bluetooth puck (updated software). The site mentions a bunch of options that it gives you over the stock system, but really, most of them are flat out lies because the stock system has most if not all of those options. Also at certain times (when downloading phone book IIRC) you will get an error message with the aftermarket product.
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2009 | 06:01 PM
  #3  
my06C280's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Fullerton, CA
2006 C280
Originally Posted by autojava
Hi, Guys:
I just bought a used 2006 C280 sedan from dealer. I have questions and
hope to ask from you guys:
My C280 has cell-phone prewired package. Dealer will charge about
$1,700 to make it work. Does anyone know how to make it work or hear about third-party solution? such as extra part, procedure.
Thanks.

I think your the only other C280 on this forum. Well i'm new here as well and I have not see anyone else with a C280. So far it's you and I. U looking for mods on ur C280 as well or r u just here for the phone module?
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2009 | 12:03 AM
  #4  
autojava's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
C280 2006
What is Mods

Originally Posted by my06C280

I think your the only other C280 on this forum. Well i'm new here as well and I have not see anyone else with a C280. So far it's you and I. U looking for mods on ur C280 as well or r u just here for the phone module?
That is tough question, since I don't know what mods is. Do there have other staff be added?
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2009 | 12:10 AM
  #5  
c230yvr's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 1
In case you didn't notice, your C280 is just a C230 with a different engine. Any electronics mods from the same year still apply. Is that not obvious?
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2009 | 01:55 AM
  #6  
autojava's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
C280 2006
Originally Posted by acr2001
STFF!!

You need: MHI module, contact plate, and bluetooth puck.

Forget the stealer. If you wait for a good deal on eBay or the forums you can get all the parts together from anywhere between 500 and 1000.

There is one aftermarket solution (STFF!) but honestly, it's not as good as the latest bluetooth puck (updated software). The site mentions a bunch of options that it gives you over the stock system, but really, most of them are flat out lies because the stock system has most if not all of those options. Also at certain times (when downloading phone book IIRC) you will get an error message with the aftermarket product.
Thank you very much. But if it is prewired with switch control already, why needs MHI module?
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2009 | 01:59 AM
  #7  
autojava's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
C280 2006
Since I live in California, Law prohibits to make call without hand-free head set. If it costs too much, I will give up.
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2009 | 01:47 PM
  #8  
acr2001's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Originally Posted by autojava
Thank you very much. But if it is prewired with switch control already, why needs MHI module?
You get those buttons no matter WHAT. Even if your car is not prewired in any way for a phone system, you still have those buttons. They mean nothing. You need an MHI module along with the other parts. If your car was not prewired you would need the wiring and extensive labor to go along with it.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 24, 2009 | 02:20 PM
  #9  
BF_JC230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 110
From: WNY
2005 w203 C230
MHI = Multi Handy Interface

Handy is European for cell phone...

Contact www.MBENZNL.Com, and search teh forum too...

Welcome and have fun with the MODS! (Mods = Modifications to your car)
Jake
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2009 | 04:17 PM
  #10  
TruTaing's Avatar
Moderator Alumni
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 22
From: Seattle
w203 m112
Originally Posted by BF_JC230
MHI = Multi Handy Interface
lol. All this time I was trying to figure out wtf that H stood for.... :P Ya learn something new everyday!
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2009 | 02:19 AM
  #11  
autojava's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
C280 2006
Thanks you guys. I feels that I'm in some kind environment of family member. Mods, No one can get the meaning without told. After two weeks as the owner, driving experience is excellent, but small issues show up. The rear left brake lamp is gone, it may be burned or loose. This makes me concerns the reliability of C280. Do yours cause any trouble?
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2009 | 01:56 PM
  #12  
acr2001's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Originally Posted by autojava
Thanks you guys. I feels that I'm in some kind environment of family member. Mods, No one can get the meaning without told. After two weeks as the owner, driving experience is excellent, but small issues show up. The rear left brake lamp is gone, it may be burned or loose. This makes me concerns the reliability of C280. Do yours cause any trouble?
How can you be concerned about reliability because a bulb burnt out on a used car?!
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2009 | 12:52 PM
  #13  
autojava's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
C280 2006
Hi, ARC2001:
Becasue some issue show up.
The audio system work fine on the road when I sent my daughter for piano class. One hour later, when I start the car, then audio system has gone.
There has radio station (FM 101.3) or CD track info, but no sound. Also, when I select CDC, it says no CDC. I try to adjust the volume, nothing happens. The switch on/off button works fine though.
Next morning, When I start it in garage, everything works fine.
On the paper, my car has
320 Entainment Package, which include:
810: Harman Kardon Sound system.
819: 6-Disc CD Changer.

See my other post message.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2009 | 05:33 PM
  #14  
autojava's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
C280 2006
Hi, Guys:
The same issue shows again at 06/02 night and disappears as the same way at 06/03 morning.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2009 | 09:03 PM
  #15  
acr2001's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Your car has a bad device or fiber on the MOST loop (audio system). Might just be a loose connection. Easiest way to figure it out is to read the error logs. Unfortunately to do that you need the special diagnostic computer which for the most part, only your dealer has unless there are any MB specialty shops near you.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2009 | 11:10 AM
  #16  
ganjigopal's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
C280 2007
Hi AUTOJAVA,

Have you figured out how to get the bluetooth installed on your C280? I have C280 year 2007 with all the illusive buttons on my steering and panel as that I can make/receive calls. It seems, I need to install a MHI as per one techy at Benz over the phone. When I went to their service center to ask same question they say it is not possible on my model. I am frustrated as I donot get correct answers. I am not sure that should I visit some third party technicians? Worry is , I am still under warranty.

Last edited by ganjigopal; Nov 10, 2009 at 11:13 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2009 | 12:10 PM
  #17  
anthonyy's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
2006 C280
Originally Posted by my06C280

I think your the only other C280 on this forum. Well i'm new here as well and I have not see anyone else with a C280. So far it's you and I. U looking for mods on ur C280 as well or r u just here for the phone module?
you are not alone!
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2009 | 12:21 PM
  #18  
e1000's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,677
Likes: 9
From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
Originally Posted by ganjigopal
Hi AUTOJAVA,

Have you figured out how to get the bluetooth installed on your C280? I have C280 year 2007 with all the illusive buttons on my steering and panel as that I can make/receive calls. It seems, I need to install a MHI as per one techy at Benz over the phone. When I went to their service center to ask same question they say it is not possible on my model. I am frustrated as I donot get correct answers. I am not sure that should I visit some third party technicians? Worry is , I am still under warranty.
I'm pretty sure 2007's aren't "pre-wired" and need even more parts than 2006's to make the phone features work.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2009 | 04:00 PM
  #19  
OneOfaKindTrini's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 2
From: Queens, Ny
Nike Turbo Shox
Damnnn $1700? Thats crazy. You Can just go get a COMMAND for that.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2009 | 04:57 PM
  #20  
ganjigopal's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
C280 2007
Hi e1000,
If my vehicle is not pre-wired for bluetooth, any third party mechanics can wire? What would be cost? However Mercedes is not willing to do any wiring on my car.
Thanks.
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2009 | 01:31 PM
  #21  
autojava's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
C280 2006
Hi, ganjigopal:

I am not. Since Dealer ask me about $1500. I just give up. Now I just use
wireless bloothteeth about $50 when I am driving.
Thanks.
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2009 | 05:11 PM
  #22  
acr2001's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Originally Posted by ganjigopal
Hi e1000,
If my vehicle is not pre-wired for bluetooth, any third party mechanics can wire? What would be cost? However Mercedes is not willing to do any wiring on my car.
Thanks.
Although it is possible to get the phone system (and bluetooth puck) working on an 07, for most people it's not feasible.

You would need all of the parts previously mentioned plus wiring loom(s) you would also need a new center console that has the upper compartment for the bluetooth puck - unless you want to take the "ghetto" route and hide the puck some place else - but you still have to be able to access the button on it when you want to pair a phone. You would also probably need additional relays and fuses. The aftermarket bluetooth kit might work on an 07 though! So search around for info on that.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2009 | 06:53 PM
  #23  
benzc230's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
2006 C230 Sports Sedan with Comand MCS II
It is hit or miss on some of the 2007 C's. Some are pre-wired and som aren't, but from what I see most are not. I hope this helps.
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2010 | 11:31 AM
  #24  
Random Nick's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C280 2006
MHI module, contact plate, and bluetooth puck DIY manual?

Originally Posted by acr2001
STFF!!

You need: MHI module, contact plate, and bluetooth puck.

Forget the stealer. If you wait for a good deal on eBay or the forums you can get all the parts together from anywhere between 500 and 1000.

There is one aftermarket solution (STFF!) but honestly, it's not as good as the latest bluetooth puck (updated software). The site mentions a bunch of options that it gives you over the stock system, but really, most of them are flat out lies because the stock system has most if not all of those options. Also at certain times (when downloading phone book IIRC) you will get an error message with the aftermarket product.
Thanks for the information.
Is there any DIY "manual" on how to do it?

An other question: my C280 2006 seems to somewhat pre-wired: there are cables in the center compartment (pic 1), but it's not connected to anywhere (pic 2 and pic 3) - I guess that's what the the contact plate is for, what you are mentioning.

Thanks for the help!
Nick
Attached Thumbnails 2006 C280 Pre-wired Telephone-pic1.jpg   2006 C280 Pre-wired Telephone-pic2.jpg   2006 C280 Pre-wired Telephone-pic3.jpg  
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2010 | 06:23 PM
  #25  
Tom P.'s Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Thunder Bay, ON
2011 C300 4Matic
Hey Nick,
I have the same car... 2006 C280 and same wiring in the center console as shown in your pic. I also have the multi-pickup mic in the rear-view mirror and antenna top of rear window as well as the dash and steering wheel controls. So it is all pre-wired for a built-in phone but from what I've read, still an expensive add-on. I'll be interested in seeing what you do with yours.

- Tom
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:35 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE