MeiMbVa23

Hi guys,

I asked the dealer to do a couple of things to my car:

• upgrade my halogen headlights to bi-xenon
• install ipod integration kit

They just gave me a quote, and I would like to check if they are reasonable. Also, I think this info might be useful for other people looking to do the same.

First, the bi-xenon headlights

• OEM headlights: $1,300
• Vehicle level sensors front and rear as well as a new front SAM control unit and light switch: $1,000
• Labor to install all of the needed parts could be $800 to $1000

Total: $3,300

Second, the iPod integration kit
Regarding adding an aux input to the radio. They said Mercedes does not offer this, although they do offer an ipod integration kit for about $500.

Do those sound about right pricewise?

Thanks!

Glyn M Ruck

While it is a lot of money for a dealer install it is pretty fair. I've seen FAR worse.

phister

You can buy OEM bi xenon for way less and had a good Indie shop do it for a quarter of the cost and the iPod can be done for wayyy less at any audio store.

havoc_vulture

The ipod integration is way to expensive at that price .... I was quoted for about 230 at a dealer

Glyn M Ruck

I agree you can save on labour but remember for Bix they have to pull the new wiring harness which is a pain & you have to have a Star to set up the auto leveling.

I was not commenting on the iPod integration kit.

Yes you can do it all cheaper.

Milkm4n

i have a used MB aux cable installs in five min, i upgraded to the MB i pod kit which i installed myself took me about 45 min, if i did it again probably 25-30 min. if u can change your oil u can install an i pod kit.

sammydragon3

call independent shops for quotes

the lights could be like 1500

and the ipod could be 300

Glyn M Ruck

The lights will never be about 1500. What do you think the cheapest price you can buy the full BiX headlights, levelers, sensors, wiring harness & processor for NEW!! The parts are a lot more than 1500 even in the US.

phister

Anyway it'd be 1500 is if you can salvage one out of a junkyard

sammydragon3

oh i didnt know u need all that other crap...

thats not worth it lol just for lights

anonymousmoose

I just went with the Audio Jack install and play my music through my iphone there. I didnt want to pay that much and I usually drive with talkback or classic FM anyways.

My car came pre-wired with the phone kit in the upper armrest. So I bought a $185 OEM Benz bluetooth kit from ebay so my phone part of the iphone works through the system.

anonymousmoose

Bulldust! They said the same to me. Look in your glove compartment, do you see a little circle in the fabric on the left hand side (may be opposite for USA cars). If you do, I bet it is pre-wired. Mine was. The cable cost me $80 and it was so quick, the independent didn't charge me for labour. Heck, they forgot to send me the invoice for the job even after I followed up in person 3 times so it was free

MeiMbVa23

Hey guys,

Thanks a whole bunch for commenting. After considering the feedback from you guys, I decided not to have the dealer do the upgrade. =)

havoc_vulture

DIY!!!! LIKE A BOSS

Glyn M Ruck

If you are going to DIY. I have the retrofit procedure for you.

phister

I'd spend the money for the Ipod integration and just get a nice double din player with ipod adapter built in it lol

Cartronics

We do have a full digital fiber optic iPod kit(vs the dealer analog Aux input iPod kit) for $499

VERY easy to install.