BeNz C350

is their a way to view the ipod info on the radio screen instead of showing on the other screen ?

Arjy

nope, the way MB did it you can only view it in the instrument cluster

aprince2die4

i think if you install the VIM module from midcity engineering...it will display the ipod on the main screen

AMGTTV8

False - there is a way...

Unfortunately it requires using the input on the head unit for the CD changer, rendering it useless.

We used to do it at a store I worked at - from what I understood they used some sort of adapter and it was plug and play...

Sorry for the brevity, but that's all I've got!

Chris

Polar Bear

It CAN be done, but not from MB. The W204 MM unit does support direct USB connection, but it is not enabled, and uses the traditional CAN/AUX iPod connection in 2009. I imagine the 2010 will have true USB integration, which will do what you are asking.

doms1214

So is there any way to control the ipod throught the system? Whn i plug mine i can listen to a song, but i cant change to a different song or see the song on the screen. Is this how it is supposed to work?? Any help would be great.

Arjy

all controlling is done through the steering wheel buttons. press the left or right arrow buttons until you get to the audio menu, and then press the hang up button then you can use the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the ipod menu, and use the okay button to select which playlist, artist, album, song, etc. Once you try it out its pretty easy to get the hang of it. On of my favorite features in the w204.


EDIT: note that this is only if you have the ipod integration kit in your car, which uses the 30pin dock connecter not the 3.5mm audio jack

Egonvdv

i say they failed miserably with the whole ipod conenction;

why can't you control the ipdo via the radio?
and of course; why don't songs show up on the radio screen?
why doesn't it show the song title AND the artist?
why can't you create an on the go playlist?
why can't you play a playlist in "random" ?

Arjy

I agree that they could have added more usability features, but for me personally the features they gave are all that I need.


Its not by any means a perfect system but I found it the most appealing ipod integration system of any car I checked out.

sleewell

i can control mine just by touching the screen, everything is safely tucked in the glovebox with no messy wires hanging out. go aftermarket, you wont be disappointed!!!

doms1214

When you say touch the screen, do you mean on the actual screen that displays the radio and navigation, or on the ipod?

sleewell

i mean my kenwood aftermarket screen which basically owns any MB OEM system. i would highly recommend looking into one, i am really happy with it.

Polar Bear

I agree - considering it was developed around 2004 it is not that bad.

navi

Hey guys, if you have the Media Interface option installed, you get full ipod integration on the command screen. You can scroll through all your playlists, songs etc. with the command controller. It works great:

tivoboy

Does anyone have any links to the MIC, that is for this C300? If it is a simple part type, I might try to pick a few up when I am in STR next month at a discount.

cdye12

How much was the option, and did you get it installed before picking up the car? This option wasn't available to me, I've got an 09, and it would be nice to control it through the command controller rather than the steering wheel.

delirium

Yes, more info please! I really want to get this feature.

Does it also allow you to scroll/browse through your songs without having to actually play them? So you can listen to a song & browse for the next one as the first one plays?

Polar Bear

It's not a factory option on the W204 yet - I think you will have to contact midcityengineering.com for installation in a 2008-2009 model. The software and hardware is there, but there are some parts missing/not version coded.

delirium

isnt that a picture of it in a w204 in the post above?

Polar Bear

Yes it appears to be. I would assume that it was retrofitted after the fact by the dealer or an independent, although I could be wrong and it may be possible they are selling it now directly from MB.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fmcf25CV0E

joshg1001

they are selling it at MB for a huge cost. its the same package that gives the non navi cars navi on the small screen plus they get real time traffic and a host of connectibilities in the glove box. i believe that was like north of $2000. i dont know what they are charging for navi cars

doms1214

Mid city does not have the full integration kit, only the harness that allows you to use it on the instrument cluster. Does anyone know where to get the kit?

Polar Bear

The video posted above has comments from a Mid City employee that the interface is about $1200 from them. Perhaps they have abandoned the product - I am not sure.

The COMAND in the W204 was released in 2008 before the MMI was ready, so the W204 was "left out" although much of the stuff is already in there.

Polar Bear

Probably the same if I had to guess. Was this an official MB accessory with MB dealer installation you were quoted?

joshg1001

this is a dealer installed option for those who regretted not getting the Comand system.