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.

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.

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?

autojava

That is tough question, since I don't know what mods is. Do there have other staff be added?

nickgailloux

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?

autojava

Thank you very much. But if it is prewired with switch control already, why needs MHI module?

autojava

Since I live in California, Law prohibits to make call without hand-free head set. If it costs too much, I will give up.

acr2001

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.

BF_JC230

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

TruTaing

lol. All this time I was trying to figure out wtf that H stood for.... :P Ya learn something new everyday!

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?

acr2001

How can you be concerned about reliability because a bulb burnt out on a used car?!

autojava

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.

autojava

Hi, Guys:
The same issue shows again at 06/02 night and disappears as the same way at 06/03 morning.

acr2001

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.

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.

anthonyy

you are not alone!

e1000

I'm pretty sure 2007's aren't "pre-wired" and need even more parts than 2006's to make the phone features work.

OneOfaKindTrini

Damnnn $1700? Thats crazy. You Can just go get a COMMAND for that.

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.

autojava

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.

acr2001

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.

benzc230

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.

Random Nick

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

Tom P.

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