My files are top notch. It's the fact that it's not amplified. The max volume on ipod is about 70% of the Music Register. And the base is not that good as well. Trust me when I tell you it sucks

 

Wow. It's not often that I run across someone that is as conceded as you. So you are the authority on music quality? The final word, huh?

Amazing. Especially when you don't know the difference between "base" and "bass."

 

coming from a person who doesn't know the difference between "conceited" and "conceded" ????? Good for you buddy..........

 

The reason why some Apple devices charge and some do not is because Apple changed the charging voltage from 12V firewire spec to 5V USB spec. This is the reason why certain cables/adapter will not charge, they are still using the old 12V spec.

Now, with MB and cables. There are 2 options, the older iPod interface 2008-2009, option 057, this uses the cable attached to the right side of the glove box. This is the option in my pictures, the old cable is white, the newer cable that charges is black.

The newer 2010 and later models have option 518. This one can take USB, iPod and other cables and it's attached to the top part of the glove box.

So you need to determine first which option you have 057 or 518, check the location of the cable, it's the easiest way to tell. Then order the correct cable.

 

I got the Griffin adapter from Amazon for my new iPod Touch. A few reviews indictated it does not lock onto the iPod like the glovebox cable does. That's true but it has a fairly snug fit and I find no problem with it at all. It's smaller than the Scosche adapter, which I also considered. The sound appears to be equal to that without the adapter and it charges my iPod Touch now! It's a simple and cost-effective solution for me.

 

I agree I have HK and the sound from the Ipod surpasses that from the Music Database, DVDs, CD, etc.

 

I do not have the HK and I think the iPod sounds great. I also like the steeing wheel controls. It's much easier to change things there IMO.

 

I am not a big fan of the iPod adapter. The sound quality is probably fine, but the volume is too low, and I hate I can't control anything on my main screen.

To be honest, I basically paid $350 for an iPhone charger in my car. I find the PCMCIA Adapter w/ 16GB SDHC a much better option.

 

I find the volume more than adequate (actually louder than my radio volume on the same setting). FWIW, I don't have the MM I/F,... not sure if that matters.

 

I had the ipod amplifier installed from MB under warranty and it sounds great now!

 

so i need the universal media interface to use this eh ?

 

Same question here.

 

Weird, my car came with the black iPod plug and it doesn't charge my iPhone.

 

My car also came with the black ipod plug and it doesnt charge mine or my wifes Iphone, it does charge my old ipod. I took it to the dealer and they were cluless about it so for the mean time I just use a seperate charger untill there is a fix.

 

Heyya all -
Just ordered the black iPod cable from the dealer and am attempting to install myself. I went out and pulled off the side panel and traced it into the dash and it disappears. I don't see any "Ethernet" type connection and it looks like it goes into a box that's tucked up by the glove box. Has anyone else experienced this?
Thanks,
Matt

edit...I do have the white cable and I am replacing it with the black tipped one. I follow the current white tipped cable so that I can replace the "white" one with the "black" one and it goes pretty deep into the box.

 

it's in the top of the glove box, you have to have the mercedes cable...

 

I edited my post to maybe make more sense to you. Maybe?

 

Take delirium's advice and get the iPod amplifier (the GERMAN one not the Chinese-sourced).
Part No. A204 870 39 94. Cost $65 at a US MB dealer.

The iPod Interface manual recommends these setting once the iPod amplifer is installed:
Volume of the iPod = "8"; EQ = "POP".

This will make the output of the iPod the same level as a CD or the Radio.

As far as crappy BASS is concerned, MP3 is compressed because it throws away 90% of the quality in the amplitude of the waveform (where all the BASS is). Only Apple lossless encoding will give true original CD bass quality and dynamics. MP3 stinks, frankly.

 

What site or where can you get the cable? Can you post a link?

 

Mine came with the white tip cable and it DOES charge my iphone 3gs.

 

Where did you get the part from?