Please help with the following: I need to pair iPad with BT in my 2011 C250W 4MATIC (basic radio, no NAV) Canadian model. I can pair only phone - BB ; BT does not list other devices.

By searching the forum, I understand that COMMAND needs the software upgrade to allow BT Audio mode. However, the dealer is saying the car does not have necessary hardware to enable BT Audio streaming as well as the software. Is that correct? What should I do to enable iPad pairing as well as BB phone - to seamlessly switch on/off to receive/place a call ?

Appreciate any information or help on the matter.

The 2011 MY audio unit should be able to receive BT from the iPad. It may need the software update, but it should work as it is the same BT universal standard. However I am unsure if the unit can handle two devices at the same time e.g. phone PLUS the iPad.

If you are thinking of using BT for music streaming from the iPod or a phone, the quality is just HORRIBLE, as the bandwidth throws away 7/8 of the information of an MP3, which by itself has had thrown away 70% of the original AIWW audio data. Recommended if truly good audio is desired, plugging the iPad or phone via de mini jack or USB, instead of music via BT, which sounds like it has been destroyed through a wood chipper.

Thank you, AcapulcoBill. What model is your car? If it is 2011 C250, could you kindly post the software version you have that enables BT Audio ? I am posting below the link from our friends at E-class forum where one may find all the details about the software version and iPad pairing info, seamless functioning and audio quality when iPad and the phone were both pared with BT on E-class model... (post#4 is especially interesting)
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212/387652-w212-regular-maintenace-service-stuff.html
I have sent this link to the service advisor at the dealership - to be told this is not applicable to C250... (which I doubt is correct)
Hopefully, more helpful info for my case will come up

As far as I know the base Audio 20 unit and the COMAND are identical in the C and E class for those MY. Mine is a 2010 C300, but Eurospec, although to date since the end of the late 2009 MY (July 2009 assembly date) device BT is enabled. There was a software update for the Audio 20 which included enabling the parametric equalizer. There have been changes since mid 2011 as USB was added directly to the Audio 20.

If you are not going to use the iPad as a phone (4G), I suggest forgetting the BT and just hooking up via USB (the 2010 didnt have it) which will also keep your iPad charged and may provide access functions from the center control knob. Insist getting the latest ROM update for your unit, its free.

Lame of MB, like complete ignorance of the existence of the iPad introduced in 2010, now in its fourth generation and MB is CLUELESS how to help you pair it wth BT.

The basics, here is MB info, plus a tutorial which takes 45 minutes !!!!!!! Who has the patience? Ford's Sync asks you if you want to pair "yes" or "no" and thats that, includng all phone contacts, settings, and even GPS. Mercedes has less features than Hyundai in the tech department.

http://www.mercedes-benz-mobile.com/...3:2011-02/faq/

http://www.allthingsmedia.com/merced...ing/bluetooth/

Maybe you should splurge for a UMI (Universal Media Interface). I had installed when new the iPod Interface a year before the UMI came out. Sorry that the UMI wasnt available in early 2010.

Extracted the English part of the UMI manual, here in PDF:

Do you have iPod hook up?

Yes, I have the iPod Integration Kit, which s truly inferior to the UMI. After a lot of work and redoing speakers (see link below) and replacing the iPod amplifer twice, sound s about as good as it will get without the HK system.

I find the speedo display with the iPod integration kit is distracting as it only shows one line at a time. Better the list provided by te UMI which makes selection faster and more importantly SAFER to choose an album r tune whle driving. Also the passenger has access to select with the UMI.

To answer canmb's question, I have never tried to do BT with my 2010 C300 and Audio 20. But Mercedes is still back in the dark ages with C-Class tech IMO. Ford actually has an iPad dock available now, besides the fantastic Sync and My Ford interface. Hyundai offers iPad Mini nav integration. All of this should be plug and play and Mercedes is LAST of luxury auto manufacturers. Compare the W204 to the A4 or A Audi !!!!!!!!!!

Even the old 2004 BMW M3 had USB, iPod AND MP3 from in-dash DVD, something that Mercedes had only 5 years later!!! The $3000 UMI barely offers features STANDARD in the cheapest Ford product. That is why my Ford is my daily driver and the W204 has only 14k miles after 3 years. The Belgian-built Ford has better build, better tech, better materials, better steering, better ride and 100 times more comfortable. Only the brakes are better in the Merc IMO.

Speaker upgrade link:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...r-upgrade.html