TurboMerc

Has anyone successfully installed MIP (part code 515) in a 2012 C-Class?

Kaewen

don't all the new 2012 C comes with the MIP?

TurboMerc

Kaewen ... No, in fact, you have to order even the iPod/MP3 Media Interface Package, part code 518, as an extra-cost option -- only $310. It is included in the Premium One Package, if you get that option with your car.

If your car comes with that setup, then you go to the Parts Dept and, for $298, you buy a MIP package. Its a small device, maybe the size of cigarette pack or an a pack of index cards. You remove the 518 Media Interface cable and plug in the MIP.

However, all this is currently a moot point for 2012 C-Class purchasers, because, as I learned Friday, when MB Customer Service called in a Product Specialist who (when I told him that neither I nor Service techs nor Parts guys could get my 2012 C250 Comand System to recognize the MIP) called a Development Engineer. Only then did the Product Specialist correct his mistaken impression and discover that the MIP doesn't work on 2012 C-Class models!

MIP does work on 2010 and 2011 model year C-Class cars. Go figure!

What does this mean? For me, only the lost hope of being able to see and control Pandora Playlists through car controls rather than off iPhone.

So, I returned MIP to Parts for full refund.

Now what I do is plug an iPod into the regular Media Interface -- that #518 optional cable I mentioned -- and carry the iPhone in my pocket, running Pandora. The C250 (mine came with Premium Package and Comand System with Hard Drive Navigation -- you probably need both to run the setup I am describing here) easily switches between iPod and iPhone running Pandora. But, unless I want to take iPhone out and try to switch Pandora stations (must be latest Pandora update which just downloaded a couple of days ago) on the phone, then my Media Interface options are iPod or the one Pandora station I selected before starting to drive.

Since the latest Pandora download shows me the song info, I'm pretty satisfied -- but, with all the ballyhoo both MB and Pandora made about MB's commitment to full integration of Pandora into MB cars, it was a surprise to discover that the celebratory news does not apply to MB's best-selling C-Class cars.

Love the car, though.

Hope that helps.
TurboMerc

wireless200

Not sure but my c350 has three inputs. The Iphone one, another input cable, and a plug in. I simply took a memory stick and threw a bunch of MP3s on it and plugged it in to the USB slot. Radio immediately recognized, song names, everything. Couldn't be easier. My NTC droid easily connected over bluetooth but I don't keep music on it. The car has Sirius, HD radio, and the aforementioned MP3s. Haven't had a reason to search out more music but I'll check and see if I can stream from the phone.

Petje

Whats MIP ? I have a 2012 C and have an aux input and an USB input. My iPhone Music goes over BT. And my USB full with mp3 works great.

So what is the extra with MIP ?

acr2001

I wonder if they have something up their sleeve that will plug into the USB port? I have MM in my 2012 but without any ipod interface (just the USB and Aux port). Pandora can be (mostly) controlled over Bluetooth audio but I assume you aren't fond of Bluetooth audio quality.

TurboMerc

Okay ... If your car came with Multimedia Interface, then (for example, in the case of the 2012 C-Class) in the compartment between the seats there is a cable plugged into the multimedia slot.

If you buy the MIP, you unplug the cable an plug in the MIP.

Features of the Media Interface Plus include:

Pandora® Radio for iPhone® (3G, 3GS, 4)

Steering wheel buttons and the central controller will allow you to listen & control the Pandora® app.
Playlists can easily be accessed and songs be given a "Thumbs UP" or "Thumbs DOWN".

Bluetooth® Audio Streaming

Audio content or the Pandora® app can be streamed wirelessly from your mobile phone.
Functionality limited to central controller and track selection.

iPod® / iPhone® Audio & Video

Browse & play audio and video files on a connected iPod® or iPhone®.

Phonebook Download

Transfer contacts to the COMAND system via business card import.

Mobile Device Charging
Charged via micro USB Adapter.

Actually I have found sound really good on my 2012 C250 with Bluetooth streaming of Pandora -- as good as iPod played through cable.

What I wanted from MIP (if it had been compatible with 2012 C-Class, which it isn't) is only Steering wheel buttons and the central controller will allow you to listen & control the Pandora® app. And Playlists can easily be accessed and songs be given a "Thumbs UP" or "Thumbs DOWN".

TurboMerc

Like this -- you have to buy it from Parts Dept for $298

Petje

Ok clear, thanks for the info.

Never heard about the pandora app. and i see this isnt available over here.

JaCe88

So basically for those who don't live in an area with Pandora (or care for streaming audio), the only real new feature for an iPhone or iPod user would be the ability to play videos on the COMAND system for $300. Bit pricey lol.

TurboMerc

JaCe88 ... Some older model year MBs won't Bluetooth download the iPhone contact list. MIP would also add that.

I see that you also have a 2012 C-Class. My Media Interface (comes with Premium Package or iPod/Mp3 Media Interface Package) and Comand-NAV system downloaded my iPhone 4s contact list via Bluetooth so we wouldn't need the MIP to add that. So, if you also don't want or don't have access to Pandora Radio, then, yes, mainly MIP adds iPod video while car is in Park.

JaCe88

My bad, this was my first Mercedes which I've bought myself/lived with/etc and I forget that before my time, COMAND wasn't as feature-filled as it is today. Thanks for the clarification.

Acapulco Bill

Too bad, was considering the switch from the lame iPod Interface Kit to the MIP for my 2010 W204.

Everyone else is so light-years ahead of MB for in-cabin technology, a cheap Ford with Sync and MyTouch plays tunes on voice command and the Nav is so far superior to the silly system COMAND offers. As for maps for the COMAND system, one is not even available for where I live.

A plug-in GPS with touch screen work admirably for just $100, and updates are free, download by satellite. Go choke on the $400+ DVD for map updates for the Benz.

Its shameful, the tech electronics in MB products. When will we get anything like iDrive, or the "M" button? And the stock W204 loudspeakers are a joke, even the cheapest Hyundai at 25% the cost, comes with better sound.

TurboMerc

Acapulco Bill ... With your 2010 C-Class, you would actually see a lot of positive changes with the MIP.

What appears to be the case is that only with the 2012 Comand System and Media Interface did MB jump forward enough so that Voice control of everything is smooth and easy and iPod/iPhone control looks and feels up to date.

acr2001

I agree with most of this. Mercedes is always lagging behind and screwing up their tech packages. It's worth mentioning that the 2012 lets you play music with voice command. Press the button and say "search for music" then you get choices to search by artist, album, title, or "free music search" where you can say anything and it will show albums or songs with that word in them. Is this a 2012 feature or do the older models do it too?

About the audio - I have the stock audio (no HK) in my 2012 and it sounds pretty damn good. I can easily hear the difference between Sirius compression and my own high bit rate MP3s if that means anything. I very much doubt the cheapest Hyundai comes close. I'll have to check my friends.

TurboMerc

Acr2001 ... I think you are correct in acknowledging both that MB has lagged behind and is now catching up. Probably spurred by BMW's Apps, MB has done three things: (1) MIP for 2010 and 2011 C-Class, adding Bluetooth streaming audio, download of phone numbers, and improved steering wheel iPod control; (2) incluided optional sophisticated Media Interface with voice or M-button control of all Comand features; (3) announced iPhone Media Interface for summer 2012.

[B]y comparison, every 2011 Hyundai Sonata comes with iPod/USB connections, XM Satellite radio and Bluetooth phone connectivity as standard equipment. The base audio package feeds 104 watts through a six-speaker system (with AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3). A 360-watt system, adding a subwoofer and a six-disc CD changer, is optional on the GLS and SE and standard on the Limited. It also has a voice command system that has been praised in reviews.

Petje

Om my audio 20 i can audiostream over BT from my iphone4 , also import contact list. this new system is better than the audio20 in my old W204

Acapulco Bill

@TurboMerc: Thanks for the comments, just why did it take MB 5 model-years to "catch-up to other manufacturers minimum standards?

I am exporting my car to another country, and will let a Merc dealer there convince me of getting the MIP. I understand that it can provide NAV to the 5" screen?

TurboMerc

Acapulco Bill ... MIP is a $298 device. It doesn't add NAV if your car didn't come equipped with NAV.

Your car had to come equipped with the iPod/Mp3 Interface in the glovebox or between the front seats -- not simply the AUX interface. If you have that interface already, then MIP adds 5 functions: (1) Steering wheel buttons and the central controller will allow you to listen & control the Pandora® app.; (2) Audio content or the Pandora® app can be streamed wirelessly from your mobile phone, with functionality limited to central controller and track selection; (3) Browse & play audio and video files on a connected iPod® or iPhone; (4)
Transfer contacts to the COMAND system via business card import; (5) MIP has a micr USB adapter that can be used to charge a mobile phone.

So, in short, MIP is a plug & play entertainment solution for vehicles with iPod / MP3 Media Interface. It uses the 5-inch NAV screen, but doesn't add NAV if the car doesn't alreday have it.

Your guess is as good as mine as to why MB has lagged behind Hyundai, Ford, BMW, etc. My speculation is that the population of MB owners is, in aggreagate, older and has shown less urgency about state of the art technology in cars. When I read or listen to MB talk about MIP or the upcoming iPhone Interface Plus, they emphasize younger buyers who tell MB that their social life centers on their iPhone, their music, and the internet. MB is starting to go after that demographic.

I also think MB is reluctant to make big leaps that make their pre-owned inventory look antiquated. So, first they make MIP available for the last few years of their cars. Then they update the tech-phone-music system on the new 2012 C-Class so it really doesn't need MIP (as long as you get the iPod/Mp3 Media Interface installed (a $310 option and the Premium Package option).

That's how I read MB's thinking, anyway.

Good luck with the export. My experience has been that some Parts Dept personnel, some service techs, and even the Product Specialists at MB Headquarters Customer Care don't fully understand the MIP or why it doesn't work with the 2012 C-Class.

Acapulco Bill

@TurboMerc: Thanks s much for your extensive compleat answer!!!

The iPod interface is actually stuffed behind the glove box connected first to the Audio20 headunit, then an iPod Amplifier plugged into the Interface to provide 10dB gain that MB engineers screwed up on, then the iPod.

After wrestling with terribly high THD in the system, it boiled down to replacing the iPod Amplifier from China with a German-sourced unit, which solved both the gain and distortion issues. Still, even the pre-2012 W204 with COMAND and Nav are clumsy and hilarious to use, there are videos on Cnet Tech showing their tech editor trying to simply locate an address a few blocks away with the voice-actuatued navigator, without success.

Although the MIP must certainly be a step in the right direction, even Korean $12,000 cars include these functions and more as standard. The C300, when exported, will probably get some kind of iPad holder, which will allow reception of aural emails, send spoken emails, do Nav competently via Google and do telephone calls via voice command. If the MIP does get installed, at least it will allow the passenger to control music. Since there is no current Nav, the iPad will just have to do this function.

It is shameful for MB to not have Nav maps for all the countries where they boast dealerships. As mentioned there are plug-in touch-screen Nav units for around $100 that function well and are updated without cost. MB should have partnered with Garmin or Magellan and provided premium quality maps and service, unfortunately their mindset is in the past, even in their engine offerings, as GM now has a 2.0L turbo that produces 280HP and 260 torques, vs. the measly 206 HP the C250 gas engine produces as the "new and wonderful" 3.0L replacement.

Makes me want to just sell the C300 and purchase TWO hot Ford Fiestas or Focus (Focuii?) or one of each, and get Sync, My Touch, first "B" service at 50k miles, 280 HP and 44 MPG.

SilvC250

Hi all new here this my first post and first MB just a question about this media interface am i able to use a external hard drive instead of iphone or the internal hdd

Acapulco Bill

Yes the MIP has both an iPod/iPhone connector, plus an AUX connector for standard MP 3 players. Plus some jacks for video input, as I understand.

SilvC250

Thanks

TurboMerc

SilvC250 ... I've attached a USB thumb drive to my C250's USB Port and played songs without trouble. Can't see any reason the car would not play well with a USB hard drive.

MDMercedesGuy

The only issue I would see with a hard drive would be if there is enough power to spin the drive up.

When you plug it in/turn it on - put the drive to your ear and make sure it spins up fully. If you hear it clicking rhythmically like a clock - it most likely isn't getting the juice it needs to get turning.