For those of you that want the functionality of MB's iPod kit, and don't mind spending a few extra dollars... this is it! I stumbled across this excellent DIY in another forum, it shows how to install on the w203 specifically as well as many other models. I just did this today and it took me about 45 minutes.

FYI:
The MB iPod Integration Kit doesn't "support" the iPhone, HOWEVER, your iPhone WILL work with it... it just wont charge (I don't think the iPod Touch either, but not 100% on that).

Also, if you're planning on buying this - call a few dealers. I called the dealer where I normally get service done, they quoted me $350! So I called another MB dealer in town and they quoted me $265!


http://www.mercupgrades.com/IPOD+Ret...rticle-35.html

 

+1. One of the best things I've done to the Merc. It's an excellent DIY for installing an iPod kit. There's way too much pushing/pulling on plastic bits for my taste to install one so knowing where to apply force is invaluable. It took me around 45 minutes also even with me taking my time.

The article doesn't mention that the kit as provided reduces the sound level quite a bit compared to the radio/sirius/CD. MB offers a plug in amplifier for under $1 usd to boost the sound level, though it does seem to compress the frequency range a bit too much for my preference.

 

I would love to have this feature. Alas, I am not nearly brave enough to attempt it.

 

I have the iPod adapter but I don't have the ampliphier. Does anyone have the part number for the amp?

 

Honestly, this is my first time taking anything apart in the interior of my Benz... It's ridiculously easy, and MB is smart enough to use snaps and clamps that don't break when you pull them out and put them back. It was stupid easy. ;-)

 

I replaced my factory ipod kit with a new headunit. So I have the kit and amplifier for sale. Also have an old 4G ipod for cheap as well. PM me if you're interested.

 

it's a good DIY, but it omits something that Jose and I were having a problem with...

the fiberoptic connector. you need to remove the fiber from the old harness and put it into the daisy-chain new harness for it to work properly on systems that have H/K.

man, this was a PAIN in the *** DIY. when I took it to the dealer for coding, they asked "you did it yourself? REALLY? no one has ever done that..."

 

What did you need to have coded? I've had the kit in my car for 4 years now, never had anything coded!

 

I don't recall have any problems switching the fiber cables, but there could be differences.

If your message center (whatever the center display is called) shows a Telephone page when you toggle through the pages then you don't need coding.

 

I'm pretty sure I recall something in the DIY about the fiber cables. Anyway, I haven't experienced any issues with this DIY, everything's working in tip-top shape. ;-)

 

fiber cables are also in the non-h/k for the cd-changer too i believe...that is i believe they are for the changer, i know they are there...

 

Yup.. I can attest to this as well. I have a non-h/k, and the changer definitely did have fiber cables.

 

I was an idiot, when I had Steve come in and code some other stuff, I had him remove the telephone screen b/c I didn't like scrolling through it and he ask "are you sure you're not going to get a phone or iPod kit" and I said yes. little did I know that I would get an iPod kit. So I had to have the dealer re-code it back to turn the phone on.

 

I didn't think it was that hard of an install..... The E-Class however.. I heard that was a different story!

 

Anyone know the part # for the inline amplifier? How much does it go for? Where is it installed (after the iPod box, at the harness?)?

 

installed between the ipod wire and the box...aka ipod>wire>amp>box>harness>h/u

 

Nice... sounds like an easy install. How much does the part cost?

 

I believe it's like $20.

 

yep 20

 

Mine was something like 0.98 cents about 9 months ago.

 

Where at?

 

I got mine at Schumacher MB in Scottsdale, AZ. It's a dealer part. Here's an earlier thread on the part. It's from the GL forum, but all the iPod kits are the same at their core.

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...installed.html

 

$.98? highly unlikely that any MB stealer would sell you an item like this for less than a dollar! haha

 

Apparently they felt guilty for selling a poorly thought out, overly filtered radio shack piece for $350.

 

It's funny, the dealer I normally go to told me $350 for the iPod kit.. but I bought it from another MB dealer for $265. What did everyone else pay for theirs?