UNIVERSAL MEDIA INTERFACE INSTALLED
01-20-2009, 03:34 PM
#52
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W204 C63 / W212 E63
Does anyone know the part number of the Media Interface (factory option 518, NOT the UMI) so that I can order this thing?
There is no need for me to order the full UMI kit for $2500 when I already have Navigation, etc. via my COMMAND. I just want to control my iPod on the COMMAND, that's all... is that so much to ask? LOL
01-20-2009, 03:54 PM
#53
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I think most of you are talking about the Universal Media Interface which costs over $1600 and takes some time for the install. This option is for those without a COMMAND (or the Multimedia Package in the US). But for those of us with a COMMAND, it appears that a $375 option is now available to provide just the USB, Aux, and iPod on COMMAND screen functionality.
I just contacted a Mercedes dealership in Canada and apparently they got information on the new Media Interface yesterday so they are trying to sort things out. I should have more information very soon...
I just contacted a Mercedes dealership in Canada and apparently they got information on the new Media Interface yesterday so they are trying to sort things out. I should have more information very soon...
01-20-2009, 05:30 PM
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When I asked my dealer, they pointed out the options as being:
1) Radio/CD (APS 20) + UMI (nav/Ipod/USB)
2) Basic GPS (APS 50) + Media Interface (Ipod/USB)
3) Full GPS (COMAND APS) + Media Interface (Ipod/USB)
Media Interface is a factory option, nr 518 (as already mentioned here).
Option (1) has small colour screen, HD map navigation, TMC, USB & Ipod connection, BT streaming, regular CD player, AUX IN.
Option (2) has small colour screen, DVD map/arrow navigation (*), TMC, USB & Ipod connection, DVD player, AUX IN.
Option (3) has large colour screen, HD map navigation, TMC, PCMCIA & HD music storage, USB & Ipod connection, DVD player, DVD playback facility, voice command and AUX IN.
In addition you can get a DVD changer on options (2) and (3), which in the case of APS 50 also includes voice command.
(*) APS 50 is listed as being 'arrow' navigation, however in reality it is a hybrid system which shows arrows while driving along on a road and maps when coming to intersections. It seems to be fully capable of showing maps (also shows them when you first enter a destination if I recall correctly), however only as static images (i.e. not moving/scrolling along as you drive).
In Europe it looks like (1) could be interesting, as it offers slightly more functionality than (2): HD maps (much better than having to use a DVD) and real map navigation. APS 50 does however have a DVD player (not for video, but useful for music - OTOH what's the use if you already have Ipod, USB and AUX IN connectivity). Furthermore it should not cost much more (APS 50 + MI costs 1.200€ extra over APS 20, while I've heard UMI is around 1.000€ - though I'm not sure that includes installation).
COMAND still remains the superior option, but costs approx. 1600€ more than APS 50 (assuming no DVD changer), which itself costs 1900€ (APS 20 is 900€). The difference is perhaps reduced somewhat if you consider that COMAND does not really need the Media Interface, as it already has PCMCIA connectivity and HD storage for your music needs.
So basically, if you are in Europe and on a budget, APS 20 + UMI looks like a good idea. If you can spend more freely, COMAND remains the logical choice.
Me, I got the APS 50 + Media Interface. Why? Simple, the lease company included APS 50 for free.
1) Radio/CD (APS 20) + UMI (nav/Ipod/USB)
2) Basic GPS (APS 50) + Media Interface (Ipod/USB)
3) Full GPS (COMAND APS) + Media Interface (Ipod/USB)
Media Interface is a factory option, nr 518 (as already mentioned here).
Option (1) has small colour screen, HD map navigation, TMC, USB & Ipod connection, BT streaming, regular CD player, AUX IN.
Option (2) has small colour screen, DVD map/arrow navigation (*), TMC, USB & Ipod connection, DVD player, AUX IN.
Option (3) has large colour screen, HD map navigation, TMC, PCMCIA & HD music storage, USB & Ipod connection, DVD player, DVD playback facility, voice command and AUX IN.
In addition you can get a DVD changer on options (2) and (3), which in the case of APS 50 also includes voice command.
(*) APS 50 is listed as being 'arrow' navigation, however in reality it is a hybrid system which shows arrows while driving along on a road and maps when coming to intersections. It seems to be fully capable of showing maps (also shows them when you first enter a destination if I recall correctly), however only as static images (i.e. not moving/scrolling along as you drive).
In Europe it looks like (1) could be interesting, as it offers slightly more functionality than (2): HD maps (much better than having to use a DVD) and real map navigation. APS 50 does however have a DVD player (not for video, but useful for music - OTOH what's the use if you already have Ipod, USB and AUX IN connectivity). Furthermore it should not cost much more (APS 50 + MI costs 1.200€ extra over APS 20, while I've heard UMI is around 1.000€ - though I'm not sure that includes installation).
COMAND still remains the superior option, but costs approx. 1600€ more than APS 50 (assuming no DVD changer), which itself costs 1900€ (APS 20 is 900€). The difference is perhaps reduced somewhat if you consider that COMAND does not really need the Media Interface, as it already has PCMCIA connectivity and HD storage for your music needs.
So basically, if you are in Europe and on a budget, APS 20 + UMI looks like a good idea. If you can spend more freely, COMAND remains the logical choice.
Me, I got the APS 50 + Media Interface. Why? Simple, the lease company included APS 50 for free.
01-20-2009, 05:32 PM
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By the way the lack of APS 50 ('arrow' navigation) option in the US might explain why the US price seems like such a rip-off compared to Europe. In Europe they cannot price UMI like that, because else it would cost far too much compared to APS 50.
01-21-2009, 02:20 PM
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I checked today, the official price quoted by the importer for UMI (parts & installation) over here (Europe) is 1.400€, which equates to 1.800 USD.
At that price, APS 50 + Media Interface looks like a slightly bettter deal (it only costs 1.000€ over APS 20 as a factory option + the 200€ Media Interface option). I suppose it depends on how much you want to have 'full' map navigation. Although after seeing the UMI in action today, don't expect too much of it (I reckon that due to the small screen the arrows used by APS 50 are probably easier to interpret).
At that price, APS 50 + Media Interface looks like a slightly bettter deal (it only costs 1.000€ over APS 20 as a factory option + the 200€ Media Interface option). I suppose it depends on how much you want to have 'full' map navigation. Although after seeing the UMI in action today, don't expect too much of it (I reckon that due to the small screen the arrows used by APS 50 are probably easier to interpret).
01-21-2009, 02:22 PM
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That's a pretty crazy idea. The screen is not only very small, it's also the wrong format and has a resolution so low that even if you could somehow display a DVD movie on it, it wouldn't be worth the bother.
01-21-2009, 03:41 PM
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I checked today, the official price quoted by the importer for UMI (parts & installation) over here (Europe) is 1.400€, which equates to 1.800 USD.
At that price, APS 50 + Media Interface looks like a slightly bettter deal (it only costs 1.000€ over APS 20 as a factory option + the 200€ Media Interface option). I suppose it depends on how much you want to have 'full' map navigation. Although after seeing the UMI in action today, don't expect too much of it (I reckon that due to the small screen the arrows used by APS 50 are probably easier to interpret).
At that price, APS 50 + Media Interface looks like a slightly bettter deal (it only costs 1.000€ over APS 20 as a factory option + the 200€ Media Interface option). I suppose it depends on how much you want to have 'full' map navigation. Although after seeing the UMI in action today, don't expect too much of it (I reckon that due to the small screen the arrows used by APS 50 are probably easier to interpret).
http://www.comandonline.co.uk/produc...cat=270&page=1
http://cgi.ebay.de/Mercedes-Universa...1%7C240%3A1318
I believe there was one with a lower price but could not find it now.
01-21-2009, 03:46 PM
#61
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Does anyone know the part number of the Media Interface (factory option 518, NOT the UMI) so that I can order this thing?
There is no need for me to order the full UMI kit for $2500 when I already have Navigation, etc. via my COMMAND. I just want to control my iPod on the COMMAND, that's all... is that so much to ask? LOL
There is no need for me to order the full UMI kit for $2500 when I already have Navigation, etc. via my COMMAND. I just want to control my iPod on the COMMAND, that's all... is that so much to ask? LOL
http://www.mercedes-benz-parts.co.uk...com_virtuemart
01-22-2009, 01:08 PM
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1974 Bronco
Can't speak for everyone, but I hated the popup screen. Too high and was an eyesore. I've always been one for smooth dash. Even the current non-mm screen isn't that great cause of that cover. They should have just integrated the screen to the front console like the other mercedes models and be done with it. Was going to go with a DD setup like got_thang, but this might be a reasonable alternative. And the Harman Kardon system isn't that great. I'd rather just spring for the C63 Bang & Olufsen sound system upgrade or do something more custom.
just happen to spring an extra $25k [AMG] when you didn't spring $3k [MM]
01-22-2009, 03:48 PM
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1400 is too high:
http://www.comandonline.co.uk/produc...cat=270&page=1
http://cgi.ebay.de/Mercedes-Universa...1%7C240%3A1318
I believe there was one with a lower price but could not find it now.
http://www.comandonline.co.uk/produc...cat=270&page=1
http://cgi.ebay.de/Mercedes-Universa...1%7C240%3A1318
I believe there was one with a lower price but could not find it now.
01-22-2009, 04:31 PM
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2008 C300 Sport!
01-23-2009, 01:22 AM
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I have not done it (already because the C-class is about to be built at the factory now) but a couple of forum members have done it on their own.
Parts costs vary depending where you get them, officially you would need the new head unit, screen, wiring harness, GPS antenna and the blower with air pipes.
01-23-2009, 02:07 PM
#72
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Does anyone know if we can get the $375 MI 518 part on a non-MM car? All I really want from the UMI is the ipod and usb though the radio knob/display, I couldn't care less for navi or BT music, and $1800 is out of the question.
01-23-2009, 03:01 PM
#74
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Thanks for the info. If that is the ipod kit that you can only control through the steering wheel and it only shows on the instrument cluster then i'm not interested. I'll wait untill someone finds a way to retrofit the 518 to a non-MM or a similar solution.
01-23-2009, 03:05 PM
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In the European car configurators you can only select 518 if you take at least the APS 50 (small screen GPS) option or the COMAND APS (= US MM). So it won't be possible if you only have the standard radio.
