wOOge

I'm trying to find out how to plug my iPhone 6 (or iPod) into my MB's audio system so that I can navigate my playlists and music. Have searched through many posts on this forum and others, but many of the discussions are for 2011 and older models.

What I know/have

- I already use Bluetooth to stream music wirelessly. However I have no in-dash playlist control (plus I want to get all of the audio benefits of (relatively) lossless wired audio)
- In my center console I have: 1 USB port and 1 3.5mm Audio Jack
- I don't have Navigation (or COMMAND / Voice Activation)
- When I plug my iPhone 6 into the USB port (using my lighting -> USB cable) I have to select "USB Storage Device" from the media menu —*but the system doesn't recognize the iPhone as a USB Storage Device.
- I know you can use USB sticks (formatted to FAT or FAT32) but it would be more convenient to use the playlists already on my iPhone

Questions:
1) Is there a way to connect my iPhone through USB to the audio system to allow me access to my playlists (not just the raw music)?
2) Do I need to replace the head unit to get this functionality, or is there another way (I guess there are always aftermarket heads... recos?)
3) If I need to replace the head unit, what's the model number for my 2013 W204 (with facelift) that would help —*do I have to re-route vents and fans or is that only in 2011 and older models?

I'm going to speak to my local MB dealer, but I have a feeling the answer will be in the multiple thousands of $'s, so any help that points me in the right DIY direction is greatly welcome. TIA

MB Marko

$$$$ is the only thing I can tell you. make a play list on your phone and put it in the order you like and I noticed sometimes when i connect with my bluetooth it it automatically goes on mix and just played random junk from another play list like that damn U2 album i haven't taken off my phone lol

or find a smashed w204 and take parts from it you need (there are some out there)or go on eBay. saw a head unit for 1000$ but then you need the dash cluster its seems like a big job plus wiring.

SCTinkering

I'm not a pro on this, but if you don't have the media interface option, then you're not going to get a native connection.


Even if you had it, you'd need to buy the MB specific media interface to lightning cable or the MB media interface to Apple 30 pin plus a genuine Apple 30 pin to lightning adapter. Apparently the cheap Chinese cables lack a chip in the adapter that manages media DRM.

wOOge

Ok so this seems to be the peice of the puzzle I think I'm missing - there is a "media interface" option that the car needs (usually from dealer at time of car purchase)

I bought mine preowned so I'm playing catch-up.

Thanks for the replies!