iPod interface
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 432
Likes: 2
From: Chicago
2018 E300 4MATIC Sedan
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
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
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 208
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
C 350 Obsidian Black
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,028
Likes: 7
From: Orlando, FL
2026 AMG GT63 Pro
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
to be honest, I don't even know why they even have the iPod jack - the sound quality sucks big nuts
Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
2009 C300 4Matic
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.
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.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 232
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From: Los Angeles (213)
w205 - Black
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?
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Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 208
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
C 350 Obsidian Black
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB
2012 C63 AMG
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 47
From: Orlando, Florida
E350 Sport/ML350RWD
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.
Maybe I'm the minority.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 28
From: Little Falls, NJ
2020 GLC300 4MATIC
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB
2012 C63 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, BC
2008 Mercedes C300 4Matic
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.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 28
From: Little Falls, NJ
2020 GLC300 4MATIC
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.
** 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.
Last edited by dalazernet; Oct 18, 2009 at 06:34 PM. Reason: Correction
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 28
From: Little Falls, NJ
2020 GLC300 4MATIC
...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 ;-)...
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 353
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From: Irvine, CA
GLE 450 2021, SLK 350 2013, Honda Civc Type R 2019, Suzuki GSXR 750 2014, Ducati Diavel 2018
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
2011 E350 Coupe
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,286
Likes: 62
From: eNyCe
Steel Grey Metallic C63!!
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.
If the 518 integration really do work, I think it'll be a nice add on to have.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 28
From: Little Falls, NJ
2020 GLC300 4MATIC
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.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 28
From: Little Falls, NJ
2020 GLC300 4MATIC
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...
