UNIVERSAL MEDIA INTERFACE INSTALLED
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
SLK 55 - 2013
Let us know how much that ipod/mp3 multimedia interface from canada is. The Glk has it also in the US, for about 375 dollars, but nobody seems to have the part number!!!
The old can interface is being phased out, but the US still has to deal with this stuff in the US. All other markets have the newer interfaces.
The old can interface is being phased out, but the US still has to deal with this stuff in the US. All other markets have the newer interfaces.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 430
Likes: 2
From: Boston, MA
C350
The main harness for the Audio 20 is not that different from the Command, besides the monitor cable and the GPS antenna, not to mention the Audio 50, which uses the same screen as the Audio 20, and still they offer the 518 option for the Audio 50.
On top of that, the first Ipod interface offered (the one that only shows through the instrument cluster) was available for both the Audio 20 and the MM Comand as an added option, and it was the exact same part, which indicates that both units share similiar input systems.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,498
Likes: 335
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I wonder if the 518 part will really not fit the Audio 20, or is MB forcing us (people without Navi) to purchase the +$1000 navigation by not offering the 518 to us.
The main harness for the Audio 20 is not that different from the Command, besides the monitor cable and the GPS antenna, not to mention the Audio 50, which uses the same screen as the Audio 20, and still they offer the 518 option for the Audio 50.
On top of that, the first Ipod interface offered (the one that only shows through the instrument cluster) was available for both the Audio 20 and the MM Comand as an added option, and it was the exact same part, which indicates that both units share similiar input systems.
The main harness for the Audio 20 is not that different from the Command, besides the monitor cable and the GPS antenna, not to mention the Audio 50, which uses the same screen as the Audio 20, and still they offer the 518 option for the Audio 50.
On top of that, the first Ipod interface offered (the one that only shows through the instrument cluster) was available for both the Audio 20 and the MM Comand as an added option, and it was the exact same part, which indicates that both units share similiar input systems.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,904
Likes: 29
S350 BT 4MATIC
STARTEKINFO has instructions for retrofitting the UMI option. So if you want to do it yourself, get on STARTEKINFO and search for the
AZ82.85-P-0004CW Retrofit Universal Media Interface. There are multiple procedures called out in this document to complete the task.
AZ82.85-P-0004CW Retrofit Universal Media Interface. There are multiple procedures called out in this document to complete the task.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
C
I wonder if the 518 part will really not fit the Audio 20, or is MB forcing us (people without Navi) to purchase the +$1000 navigation by not offering the 518 to us.
The main harness for the Audio 20 is not that different from the Command, besides the monitor cable and the GPS antenna, not to mention the Audio 50, which uses the same screen as the Audio 20, and still they offer the 518 option for the Audio 50.
On top of that, the first Ipod interface offered (the one that only shows through the instrument cluster) was available for both the Audio 20 and the MM Comand as an added option, and it was the exact same part, which indicates that both units share similiar input systems.
The main harness for the Audio 20 is not that different from the Command, besides the monitor cable and the GPS antenna, not to mention the Audio 50, which uses the same screen as the Audio 20, and still they offer the 518 option for the Audio 50.
On top of that, the first Ipod interface offered (the one that only shows through the instrument cluster) was available for both the Audio 20 and the MM Comand as an added option, and it was the exact same part, which indicates that both units share similiar input systems.
Another important point to consider is that both of MBs key competitors (BMW and Audi) offer at least USB (BMW) or USB/Ipod (Audi) factory options in combination without having to choose navi.
On the other hand, you do have the UMI, which offers something similar. But there's no telling how technologically close to one another the 518 and UMI are.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,498
Likes: 335
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
But if you mean "they could have built Audio 20 to support the 518 kit", I agree, it is probably still a marketing decision, wise or not.
UMI is a completely different option by complexity, after all it includes a full navi processor to start with. Having the necessary control for the 518 kit from such a device is a piece of cake.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 430
Likes: 2
From: Boston, MA
C350
For example, the backup camera is not offered on the w204 but it is "possible" to add it by going into the secret menu of the COMAND unit
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 684
Likes: 2
From: Dallas TX area
M5, C63, 335Ci
Has anyone been able to determine the part number for the interface and cables to add this to a COMAND equipped car? I really want to have iPod control from the COMAND screen, but not enough to pay $1600 for it. Now $375 or $400 and we're talking about my next mod.
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Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 85
Likes: 1
From: Ann Arbor, MI / Seoul, Korea
W204 C63 / W212 E63
Mercedes has yet to release an aftermarket version of the parts for this, but perhaps they will soon?
In the meantime, I understand that a retrofit kit may be ready from the guys at comandonline soon, with the costs obviously much lower than the $1600 for the full UMI kit. I guess we just need to patiently wait for all of this.....
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
C
What I ment by "possible" is if we can just buy the 518 parts and install it to our audio 20 ourselfs without the need of serious mods.
For example, the backup camera is not offered on the w204 but it is "possible" to add it by going into the secret menu of the COMAND unit
For example, the backup camera is not offered on the w204 but it is "possible" to add it by going into the secret menu of the COMAND unit
Anyway, I'd be interested to see someone try it (you never know)...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,904
Likes: 29
S350 BT 4MATIC
You mean the MB workshop by "they"? There is even an MB retrofit guide for this and I don't see why a shop would not be able to do it.
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.
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.
PREMIUM SPONSOR
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 615
Likes: 3
From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
Guys, we have been retrofitting the UCI kit for 6 months now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fmcf25CV0E
note the date on the video. Option 518 is the UCI kit which is the same as what comes in the new 2009 ML/GL/R/E/CLS/SL. The C can have this added provided:
1. it is a MM unit (non MM units only work with the more expensive UMI)
2. The command has the latest telematics update which provides UCI support
3. The command is SCN coded to have UCI turned on in the audio menu
4. You need the parts: The UCI module, fiber cable, power connector with 12v/gnd/wakeup, breakout cable (the cable that sits between the UCI box and the glovebox) and finally the ipod pigtail.
go on epc and look at the 2009 ML/GL/R for the part numbers.
If you guys are interested in a UCI plug-and-play kit let me know and Ill get you guys a group buy price...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fmcf25CV0E
note the date on the video. Option 518 is the UCI kit which is the same as what comes in the new 2009 ML/GL/R/E/CLS/SL. The C can have this added provided:
1. it is a MM unit (non MM units only work with the more expensive UMI)
2. The command has the latest telematics update which provides UCI support
3. The command is SCN coded to have UCI turned on in the audio menu
4. You need the parts: The UCI module, fiber cable, power connector with 12v/gnd/wakeup, breakout cable (the cable that sits between the UCI box and the glovebox) and finally the ipod pigtail.
go on epc and look at the 2009 ML/GL/R for the part numbers.
If you guys are interested in a UCI plug-and-play kit let me know and Ill get you guys a group buy price...
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville, FL
2009 C300
Guys, we have been retrofitting the UCI kit for 6 months now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fmcf25CV0E
note the date on the video. Option 518 is the UCI kit which is the same as what comes in the new 2009 ML/GL/R/E/CLS/SL. The C can have this added provided:
1. it is a MM unit (non MM units only work with the more expensive UMI)
2. The command has the latest telematics update which provides UCI support
3. The command is SCN coded to have UCI turned on in the audio menu
4. You need the parts: The UCI module, fiber cable, power connector with 12v/gnd/wakeup, breakout cable (the cable that sits between the UCI box and the glovebox) and finally the ipod pigtail.
go on epc and look at the 2009 ML/GL/R for the part numbers.
If you guys are interested in a UCI plug-and-play kit let me know and Ill get you guys a group buy price...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fmcf25CV0E
note the date on the video. Option 518 is the UCI kit which is the same as what comes in the new 2009 ML/GL/R/E/CLS/SL. The C can have this added provided:
1. it is a MM unit (non MM units only work with the more expensive UMI)
2. The command has the latest telematics update which provides UCI support
3. The command is SCN coded to have UCI turned on in the audio menu
4. You need the parts: The UCI module, fiber cable, power connector with 12v/gnd/wakeup, breakout cable (the cable that sits between the UCI box and the glovebox) and finally the ipod pigtail.
go on epc and look at the 2009 ML/GL/R for the part numbers.
If you guys are interested in a UCI plug-and-play kit let me know and Ill get you guys a group buy price...
thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
ML350 W164
UMI Installation on RHD
I guess this is the right thread to post my pictures of UMI installation. It's a RHD though.
It's my first time posting picture. I'm not sure how to do it, so I try with one picture first.
It's my first time posting picture. I'm not sure how to do it, so I try with one picture first.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
ML350 W164
UMI Installation on RHD, Head Unit Removal
Sorry I don't have more pictures of HU removal. Just the location of the screws. Hopefully based on the last 2 pictures, it gives some idea how to slide the HU out.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
ML350 W164
UMI Installation on RHD, Glove Compartment etc. Removal
The outer side panel of the glove compartment.
Location of the screws of the panel below the glove compartment. Picture taken from above. Notice the hook.
The location of the screws that hold the glove compartment.
Location of the screws of the panel below the glove compartment. Picture taken from above. Notice the hook.
The location of the screws that hold the glove compartment.
