derf

Anyone here installed Ipod media interface (not the UMI)? where you can also control your ipod via command screen ( for non MM package W204's). Any update?

Bokx_350

You already asked this question on a thread with the EXACT same title. This will just get people who want to help you confused.

derf

Yup. just deleted the other thread... anyway we'll continue...

kaku

you might wanna look into the multimedia interface. it's a $90 cable that offers a connection to your ipod (as well as usb).

usb/ipod/aux - pn# A 001 827 65 04

derf

Universal Media interface ( UMI )= around $ 1,800.00 parts and labor
Ipod Interface = around $ 600.00 parts and labor
I'm leaning towards Ipod interface only if this is true.. and if available for 2008 W204s upgrade..

BTW, How does $ 90 multimedia interface cable work? I have AUX input only.

kaku

the Universal Media Interface (UMI) for $1,800 is something other.

the thing i was talking about is the Universal Consumer Interface.

have a read here :: http://www.slkworld.com/slk-r171-gen...interface.html

Bokx_350

Dont confuse UMI (about $2000 installed at the dealer) with the UCI (also called Media Interface) which is currently a factory installed option only(option 518) and I think it costs around $350, they are totally different things, but they both give ipod and usb through the center console.

Additionaly, these should not be confused with the iPod interface (the one they are offering you for $600) which only gives you ipod though the instrument cluster and wheel controls.

I read somewhere that $90 cable works only if you have the UCI, which only comes with either the iPod or the USB cable, but I might be wrong here.

For more info on this subject go here:
http://www.comandonline.co.uk/home.php?cat=249

derf

At present, this is my way of setting up my ipod and GPS.. ( not visually appealing but IT WORKS great for me.) I'm not sure if ipod integration kit or ipod interface is worth to have a dealer installed upgrade...

navi

Hey man, I have to say if you have the $$$, go for it. The ipod integration is one of my favorite features in the car. There's nothing like sticking your ipod in the glovebox and having your entire ipod interface options show up on the command screen.

That being said, there are a couple things that bother me about the integration:

1) The battery on the ipod will not charge while the ipod is in the glovebox, it will just stay at the same level it was at when you plugged it in.

2) If you scroll through the ipod playlists and sort by Artist, or Song etc. and want to quickly move from A to Z, you have to go through your entire list. There's no quick way to jump letter to letter. Adding to this problem is the fact that if you have a lot of different artists on your ipod, it takes 3-4 seconds sometimes to load artist names if you scroll really fast with the command controller. While the system loads the artist information, it will just display "Unkown artist" for the 3 or so seconds until it loads up.

These problems are minor and overall I love the sytem but thought I'd let you know as it might sway your decision a bit.

RickP330

derf

Thanks guys for the input..Maybe I'll just wait 4 a while..

bones932

I love mine........just got it 2 days ago.....I believe if you have the 4th Generation/Ipod Classic it does charge...that is what data tells me and it works for me. Also I have a 250GB Western Digital External HD from my laptop...it plugs into the usb and works great 250 GB of music...for those that do not have the IPOD....have not checked the Streaming audio yet though. If anyone knows where u can get POI updates for system....let me know

Lar

delirium

sounds like UCI is what I want since I already have MM? factory only install? i wonder why?

killacam7479

Same here. I got the iPod integration kit and I almost never use it. The volume sucks and controlling it with the steering wheel while trying to drive is annoying. Will MB ever let you go to the dealer and get the UCI?

gogators

Is there a pn for the uci or is it still a factory only option?

delirium

any update? controlling the ipod thru the steering wheel & the limited display sucks!

kaku

forget the ipod.

go with the pc card.. you'll be able to control via the steering and the command knob.

you can buy the pc card from Ebay (seller: adapterbest) for $20 w/free shipping.

tw1nny03

How does this work?

kaku

get an SD memory card and load it into the pc card. then, just stick the pc card into the slot in the middle console and away it loads.

obviously, you need to load MP3s or WMAs files onto the SD card first. some computers already have slots for these; for others, you can get a cheapie $2 adaptor.

delirium

I would like to use my ipod in the car so that I can also take it & use it on my runs/workouts/bike rides, and i use it to manage smart playlists etc... so the SD card option, although a good one, doesnt work as well as an ipod would.

woedee

Totally agree with kaku's recommendation. Ive also ditched my ipod for for pcmcia.

qwqwerertyty

also when my friends are riding it would be nice if they can just plug their ipods in and not have me be the one trying to find a song using the steering wheel arrows while driving, while the 3 frds try to peek into the small instrument cluster display in awkward silence..

so whats the cheapest way to have ipod show up in MM?

justthinking

http://www.comandonline.co.uk/home.php?cat=274

Get the Media Interface Kit (UCI) then you can have iPod displayed over MM screen..

kunz

I bought a used UCI kit off e-bay but it didnt come with any of the fiber optic or power wires. Does anybody have the part #s of the of the wires below?


Credit to rob13572468 for the picture

NewtwoMB

Hi Derf,

I called Comand Online (www.comand.co.uk) in the UK (I live there). They have a great solution that gives you full control through the Comand screen. They fitted it all for me - I'm sure they ship elsewhere - but you need to have it set up with Star to activate the new set up. Now I have the iPod set up I rarely use the CD/DVD/HDD.