jchristena

Hey guys.

Picked up a 2012 C63 on Friday. Have the Nav/Multimedia pkg and it does have the HK stereo.

I've ordered the parts to install the rear camera kit. As I'll already have the head unit pulled, I figured I'd throw in the iPod kit while I have it pulled apart.

Hopefully someone can clarify here. Do I understand correctly that if I have the HK stereo, I DO NOT need an inline amp?

I see this on eBay and was wondering if this is the extent of the 'iPod kit' for a car equipped with HK.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131110474198

I also see this kit, but it appears to have the inline amp.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161066946706

Can someone clarify and possibly provide the correct part number?

Much appreciated.

chrisdean

HK is just the speaker option isn't it? You'll have Audio 20 or COMAND. Is your car pre or post facelift? Facelift cars with COMAND just need a Media Interface to ipod cable to plug into the armrest MMI.

jchristena

Don't know for sure. From what I'm reading, the non HK cars need an amp for the iPod? Like I said...I dunno. Regardless, it is a COMAND car.

So, I have an iPod cable in the arm rest. Is that the extent of the kit? The other kits I have seen have a cable that plugs into the back of the head unit and mounts in the glovebox. Maybe that is for older cars?

Thanks for the response.

lemonstand

I'm interested in this thread too. I want the same setup. Jchristena, do you have a USB in the glovebox? The other (multimedia) connection?

If you have the USB plug (like I do) then from my understanding we'll need to replace that connection with the multimedia interface (where the iPod connects).

jchristena

I have nothing in the glovebox that I saw. I just have a cable in the armrest with a usb end and an iPod connection. If I'm reading this correctly, I just need to replace that cable with the iPod interface cable.

I have to go to the dealer in the morning. I'll ask the parts guys what the deal is and get a part number.

lemonstand

Sorry yes, I meant to say armrest. Please let us know what the dealer says. I think we'll have to replace the entire USB module/interface with the mutimedia module/interface.... I've searched these forums but found little on the topic.

Good luck with the camera install its fairly easy and a straight forward install but let us know if u have questions....

chrisdean

Do you have two sockets in the armrest? If so, one will most likely take a MMI to ipod cable but you really need to identify your head unit before anyone can help you.

lemonstand

I have NTG 4.5. It has 1 USB and 1 stereo mini 3.5mm plug.

jchristena

The only info I have on the head unit is that it is COMAND and the car is a Harmon Kardon car with Logic7. Also have this pic of the used sticker...maybe that has the info you might need?

jchristena

So, I went to the dealer and they said the interface in the armrest is it. It is a proprietary to iPod connection. I told him I thought that was just the AUX interface and that an iPod specific interface could be added...either in that socket as a replacement cable, or a new cable attaching to the head unit directly with the iPod residing in the glovebox. He told me that was on older cars only...but he wasn't sure and didn't want to put forth anymore effort than that. So, I'm back to I really don't know. It's possible all I need is an iPhone 4 to iPhone 5 adapter for that interface...but I was under the impression that the 'AUX' interface offered reduced functionality for iPod control.

lemonstand

By Aux interface I assume you mean the USB plug? I've connexted my iPod via the usb connection using the standard ipod usb plug and it does not function the way an iPod abould (with fully integrated menus and functionality). It reads the ipod as a hard drive and places all the songs in an odd folder structure and even some of the songs are renamed. In other words it works but with reduced functionality as you described and is not easy to navigate.

I guess We'll have to continue waiting for an answer.
Also I'm not sure if it makes a difference but yours has the HK setup. Mine doesn't.

jchristena

Yea, you've confirmed what I thought was the case about the reduced functionality. From what I've seen, we need to add a new cable to the head unit(which is referenced in the main backup camera install video) and that runs until a cut out hole in the glove box. The only difference between yours and mine supposedly is that non HK cars need an inline amp...hence the different kit i referenced in my first post. I may email the seller of that auction and see if they have any insight.

chrisdean

This is the only cable that you need... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-ME...-/161552335946

lemonstand

This assumes we have he multimedia port in the armrest,which I don't have (I have 1 usb and 1 stereo mini 3.5mm connection). I believe the OP has usb as well so this wouldn't work for us.

chrisdean

Mine's 2011 facelift with COMAND ntg4.5 and has both USB and MI ports side by side in the centre armrest. The cable that I have allows full ipod control via the head unit.

jchristena

So for once, things were simpler than expected. Located the MMI cable and the port was, as you said, in the armrest. I have full iPod control with playlists and everything. Thanks a bunch.

chrisdean

Now try and find all the Album Art!

lemonstand

So am I the only wierdo who has 1 usb and 1 stereo mini and no Media Interface connection??? i can always do bluetooth streaming but would prefer to have a dedicated ipod always connected.

jchristena

I would assume that you just aren't prewired. The guy in this video actually mentions what you need I think. Just grab the multimedia cable and pull the head unit is what I got from digging through posts.