kamel23

Just bought a 2013 C300. This is my first Mercedes and I am hoping you can help. I tried connecting my iPod up through the USB cable in the center console with the apple cord. When I select USB from the list, it says "USB Device Unreadable" Is there a special cable i need for this? Is this an additional option? I have the multimedia package and assumed that it would be a part of it. I just want to be able to use my iPod in my car using the car controls and not have to handle my iPod. Thanks for your help

Go Navy

Just to eliminate a couple of easy gremlins, a) did you select the "disc" button on the dash? b) did you verify that the iPod is on? c) does your iPod require a password?

I'm running an ancient iPod Classic in my 2012 C350 through the same connector you're using and it works dandy.

zero0809

Select ipod instead

kamel23

Still no luck. Don't have iPod choice only USB storage. Do you think this why it's not working?

Acapulco Bill

Your new Merc should come with a separate manual in the glove box describing the audio/MM system with how to connect and select everything. This is what always has bothered me about MB tech, at least in the W204. Totally lame IMO. The cheapest Hyundai, Ford, Fiat etc. is all just plug-n-play and everything clearly displayed on a screen. With MB you pay thousands for a supposedly sophisticated MM system, and its useless.

zero0809

sorry go to AUX, then look for ipod...it should be there

AkaSigFreak

I dont have the multimedia system but if I select Media- i have the option for Disc, USB storage, ipod, and Bluetooth Audio. If i use a standard ipod cable and plug it into the USB- i receive that error message. I have to use the MB supplied cable that has the apple connector and the 3.5 mm audio jack.

kamel23

SigFreak. I'm pretty much having the same issue except I don't have a choice for iPod. I have disc, memory card, music register, USB storage, Bluetooth, and aux. For having this many options I should be able to get this to work! I have 100+ gigs of music and just want to be able to control that iPod with the car controls.

AkaSigFreak

If I disconnect the MB iPod cable my iPod option is removed. Do you have the correct cable?

Acapulco Bill

AkaSigFreak makes a very valid point. Supposedly if you have the correct cable the iPod option will be displayed, Recommend going back to MB and insist with the dealer to show or provide you with what is necessary to fulfill your needs.

kamel23

I got in contact with the dealer today. We shall see what the outcome is. Ill update when I have one. Thanks for the help

Drazil

There should be two ports inside your center console, one big proprietary-appearing port that comes with three interchangeable cables (usb/3.5mm/ipod), and then your standard USB port. You need to use the big port along with the ipod cable for it to detect your ipod. Else if you are using the USB port, your device has to be in "usb storage" mode (i.e. appear as just a regular storage device) in order for the car to access the data.

JaredP

This is correct. If you purchased the multimedia package, you should have received 3 cables that plug into the MB port in your center console. The USB port is for USB storage devices, I usually plug a flash drive with music into it. 30 pin apple devices will work using the MB cable, and you can use a 30 pin to thunderbolt adapter for the iPhone 5.

kamel23

Ok so this is what I am starting to figure out. I have the multimedia package, in my center console i have 2 'plugs/ports'. One is the USB and the other is AUX which is the 3.5mm jack. I do NOT see the option for the MB plug. Is the MB plug you are talking about this one?

I can get the ipod to play through the 3.5mm but have no controls over the ipod with the car, i have to do it all manually. I am not sure if this changed for 2013. It looks like it was def that way in 12. Again i appreciate all of the comments, i am still trying to get this figured out!

kamel23

OK Update. I am on mercedes website and I am seeing that the multimedia package has the following options:
Multimedia Package
$2,790
Rear view camera
Enhanced Voice Control
Navigation with 80GB hard drive, 3D map views
7-inch high-resolution color-LCD screen
Gracenote® Media Database, including album cover art
In-dash DVD/CD Player and SD memory card reader
10GB Music Register
Sirius XM Traffic and Weather

The Premium package has the following options:
14-way power driver seat including 4-way power lumbar support
Power steering column
Driver's seat memory system (includes side mirrors and power steering column)
MP3 Media Interface
SiriusXM Radio with 6-month All Access trial
harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system
Heated front seats
Split-folding rear seats

Is this the difference? I spend all the $$ for the Multimedia but do NOT get the MP3 interface?
Do you think this is the problem?

Thanks

Drazil

For me, the multimedia inteface was a separate $375 option from the COMAND multimedia package. I'm guessing that for those who didn't specifically add the multimedia interface, they just put in the 3.5mm audio jack in it's place, because I don't have that jack anywhere. I'll take a picture of my center console and upload it when I get home tonight. Thought I had one on my phone but must have deleted it...

Drazil

Here are the pics of the port and the ipod cable.

Acapulco Bill

Looks like Drazil has what is needed to hook up the iPod. However, where is the iPod information displayed? Seems pretty steep to pay $375 just to be able to provide iPod functionality (that was the cost of the older complex iPod Integration Kit). Fords and Hyundais do this for free on their base models @ $17k.

Can you shoot some shots of your dashboard screen showing how the iPod information looks, and describe how you can control this? Thanks!

kamel23

Yeah I def do not have that. Cant say I'm thrilled about having a 2013 thats not equipped with this option.

AkaSigFreak

Wow! I cant believe that is an "option" in a Mercdedes. Not sure if it works for the Multi media- but i can control the basic functions of my iPhone playlist using the Bluetooth Audio input and the track info is displayed on the screen.
Id be mad if i opted for the Multi Media and didnt have the IPod connector.

Drazil

I don't own any Apple devices so I'll have to borrow one to take the pics so it might take me a few days. The only cable I've used is the 3.5mm jack to watch some videos and test my backup cam feed. I don't know why they also give a USB cable since there's a USB port right there. I agree that a lot of things should be standard on a Benz considering many less expensive brands have them standard... Like the memory seats wtf Benz.

Drazil

Here are the ipod shots. It took longer than I thought, turns out almost nobody I know even owns apple stuff anymore. It's nothing to write home about, it looks and functions exactly like the bluetooth streaming. Once I get off my lazy *** I'll try uploading songs to the music register in the car and let the HU do the audio decoding which I think might sound better, that or just leave an SD card in the slot. For me, the $375 for the multimedia interface is only worthwhile for video input.

Acapulco Bill

Nice shots from Drazil. IMO well worth the $375 as now the iPod content is visible on both the center screen and the speedo. Really wish I had this!!!!!! Means whomever is riding shotgun can control the tunes vs. the Ipod Integration Kit which only shows the iPod selection in the speedo.

As for "It's nothing to write home about", not true! Bluetooth streaming is only 6% of the bits of an Apple Lossless MP4 (same decoded as a full Red Book AIFF original CD). Between MP3 compression and Bluetooth bandwidth limiting this combination of protocols currently throws away 94% of the original audio information.

Like taking a beautiful woman and turning her into hamburger. That's all that is left with Bluetooth, the "music" is devoid of dynamics, structure, harmonic texture and emotion.