BLC300

Hey guys.. new to the forum here!!
i just have one question. I just got my C300 and i was wondering if the iPod interface is good or not? Anybody out there?

mbe3504matic

sux ***** the ipod interface.

iatacs19

Yeah it sucks, I only use it to charge my iPhone.

NickCats

When I first got my car I had the iPod interface ( just the plug in the glove compartment ).

It worked ok. The volume is lower than when listening to the radio or satellite, and the only way you can control the ipod is through the steering wheel ( nothing displays on the center screen ).

Since I didn't have navigation, I ended up installing the UMI ( universal media interface ). It's about $2100 installed, but it gives you navigation, traffic updates, the ability to plug in a USB thumb drive full of music, and full iPod control ( everything you see on the ipod displays on the center screen and is controlled by the knob on the center arm rest ). The low volume issue remains, but to me it's not that big of a deal.

Question - those of you with factory Navigation, does the iPod information display on the nav screen ? Or do you have to control everything via the steering wheel ?

( sorry for the hijack )

Nick

BTW - neither charges my iPhone 3GS

Star & Laurel

Alright lets clarify here. The original IPod interface was pretty weak. Only controls through the steering wheel and can only see in the instrument cluster.

BUT. You have a 2010 C, which means you had the option to get the better integration. So the question is what Ipod interface do you have? The accessory interface, or the factory option code 518? The factory option 518 is much better in which is is viewed in the command screen and controlled via the center console control knob.

The way to know if you have code 518 is to check the cable you have in your glove box. If the cable can be unpluged and removed from the vehicle simply in the glove box then you have 518. If it is a permanent wire in the glove box then you have the accessory interface.

AMGTTV8

nope, even with MM, the info does not display on the screen - just in COMAND

to be honest, I don't even know why they even have the iPod jack - the sound quality sucks big nuts

sameer13

I have an 09 C300 with the factory Navigation Multimedia and the factory IPod interface and everything displays on both the Dash and the Navigation screen and I have full control. I also have an interchangeable cable for a USB memory ken or any other Aux.

There are a lot of dealers here that charge twice as much as what the factory charges for a ****ty Ipod interface. Those are the ones that are not fully integrated. I had insisted that my Ipod interface was ordered from factory.

woedee

If I understood correctly, the factory installed ipod integration system is different from the retrofitted ipod integration one would get at the dealer, as the latter doesnt offer control via MM screen. Is this true?

sameer13

Sounds like it woedee.

Star & Laurel

If you go to MBUSA.com and build your own C-class you will see under packages tab the Mulitmedia and Command package. I beleive if you got either of these you should have 518 which is the independantly removable cable this lets you control the Ipod via command system.

If you ordered from the options tab "Ipod Integration" you get the older version permanent cable that is controled via steering wheel controls.

WWMIndy I am refering to model year 2010 only in US. '09's had just the accessory / optional interface.

Canada had this option before us hence the other responder from canada that had an '09.

Illusive

I have an 09 C350 4MATIC with the COMAND Nav + iPod Integration package and it sounds like the same setup as above. I can see my iPod on my nav screen and control it through the knob on the center console. Do C's in the US get a different system? I'll take some pics of mine and post them up tonight.

BLC300

wow! the response has been overwhelmingly negative.
i guess i will find out tmr myself when i go pick up my car.

AkaSigFreak

I have the audio 20 system (no command or MM) and I had the Ipod interface installed after I bought my car. I like controlling the ipod through the heads up speedo display and I don't have a problem with sound quality.
Maybe I'm the minority.

Illusive

Here is my iPod interface with COMAND Navi. I can control my iPod through the COMAND system and knob.

dalazernet

Get outta here... I've been listening to that song like non-stop this weekend! Sorry, just found that uncanny ;-)

Illusive

LOL Jay Z's tour dropped by Calgary last Wednesday. Show was EPIC! Figured it would be good to represent!!

micropower99

Hey, how come your ipod adapter lets you view it on the COMMAND unit? I can only view mine in the dash? (Mine was installed at the dealership, not from factory). Also, I'm from Canada too but how come your COMMAND is blue? I like it, lol a lot better than our beige.

dalazernet

The UCI interface (as apposed to our older ipod interface) managed to let you control the iPod using the MM comand system.... Regarding the blue - I believe the display looks this way in "night mode"... and cameras just happen to make it look more blue when you take a picture. Although, that being said -- I don't recall my MM having a time on top in an "extra row" before the top functions on the screen... so perhaps his is a different version of the firmware.

** UPDATE ** I found some old picts of my COMAND screen... I do have that row on top. The loaner only has the smaller screen so I've already forgotten what mine looked like! Hah!

I'd go out and check my car, but its at the dealership for its service. Lucky me - I'm getting a firmware update to my COMAND system and it didn't "take"... to those geeks out there, they basically "bricked" my COMAND system, so they need it for a few more days. On a plus side, got a hot red courtesy sports model... :-)

I'll be sure to let everyone know what version of the firmware I get and/if there are any changes...

PS - Didn't see the Jay-Z concert yet... heard good things though.

dalazernet

...and I have the MM system with original iPod interface (no MM control of ipod functions)... The sound quality is fantastic - I'm a bit of an audiophile. Keep in mind, MP3 bitrate really matters and I only rip my files in 256k or higher. I kinda wish I had control through my COMAND system, but c'est la vie. Maybe the next car - or if I slip my SA a nice bottle of something for Christmas when the UCI becomes available through the parts department ;-)...

micropower99

Ahh k k, Thanks for the info. Yeah I too think the sound quality in our iPod interfaces are fantastic.

supacrazykev

Sound quality corresponds with MP3 quality as well. If you're playing 192kps or lower mp3s of course Radio, Sat, CDs will sound a lot better.

tishC300

I'm sorry, but I'm a bit lost here. I have the 2008 C300 with the orginal crappy Ipod Integration.

Can I upgrade to the 518 Integration to control my Ipod through the center console OR do I have to get the UMI?

I dont want to spent the additional $2k for the UMI.

I am Jeff

I agree that the Ipod integration sucks major ***** as it does not even charge my IPHONE. WTF!!!

If the 518 integration really do work, I think it'll be a nice add on to have.

dalazernet

In order to get charging -- you need to bring it to the dealer and have them swap your current ipod cable with white connector to a new one with a black connector. There is a new iPod cable that supports charging just fine.

dalazernet

99.99% sure that you'll have to get the media interface (but not with navigation which is the only one currently available). We shouldn't see the ipod/media interface option just yet, but I'm hoping for it in the next few months as more new 2010's start rolling off the lot with it from the factory...