northyork

I just got my first MB and at that, it's a 2006 C55 AMG. It is replacing a 2000 528i. I am LOVING IT!

I noticed there is a ipod connector wired into the CD changer, and though I can play tunes, there are no controls on the Iphone or the COMAND unit. The Iphone says it's a ipod connector. Anyway, is there an upgrade to this connector?

Also, was blue tooth an option in this car? Can it be bought after market? If so, where?

Thanks!

viper501

Bluetooth is an option. Need a BT kit installed (look in your center console's upper compartment to see if there is a) a "puck" or b) a mounting point for the "puck". If you have the puck already in place you're in business, just need to mate it with the phone. If no puck is installed but you have a mount for it, you just need to buy the puck. If you have no puck and no mounting point you're ucked. :-) Actually you're not. You can buy the BT kit and install it, or have it installed, but it is ridiculously expensive as an after the fact installation.

northyork

What might the puck look like?

I do see a wire running into the upper compartment. I presume this is for the 2 service buttons.

I assume this is the only way to install an aftermarket phone like the iphone?

Tump43

Search for www.cartronics.com and/or iTronics on this forum. I have a great BT module by iTronics hooked-up behind my Comand. With it I have total OE control over my Blackberry & addresses. I imagine it works with any BT phone, keeping all OE controls active. Bought it on this forum for $500, $100 install -- new its $900.

JonMBZ

I have a friend who is selling the OEM kit for 600 installed if you are interested he is a mbtech. I have it in my car with an iphone it works very well. Normal install price ranges around $1500

viper501

Puck is about 4 inches long, sort of eliptical at the ends and looks like something from star trek. It slips into a small receiver slot mounted in the upper console. The receiver looks like this
http://www.cartronics.com/images/UHIconnector.jpg

redC55

Did you have to have anything coded for this to work? I'm wondering if there are any 06 C55 owners who have installed anything from cartronics

JonMBZ

Yes it requires version coding via star diagnosis system.

Tump43

I did not have to have anything coded after installation. It simply worked. I paired my BT enabled Blackberry with the iIronics and it was good to go. Apparently, iTronic takes the MB system into account when they program their box.

JonMBZ

Oh Sorry I meant for the MB system it has to be coded. The itronix uses it's own interface since the normal MB system connects in the trunk via MHI contol unit.

redC55

Marc,

Which MB did you put it in? Have you or anyone you know installed anything other than the BT adapter from Cartronics.com? I'm thinking about the backup camera and remote start too, does anyone know if STAR diagnostics is needed for installing these items?

redC55

Nevermind, I called Cartronics and they said coding is never required for remote start or backup camera. He said, (I'm paraphrasing) "for the BT, it shouldn't be required unless someone has messed with the coding since the car was made."

I ordered the backup camera and BT, wish me luck.

Tump43

Good luck, and I had it installed in my C55 by a local high end radio shop. It took them about 45 min. with no scratches on my trim.

redC55

They have videos on youtube of an itronics installation. I'm going to attempt to install it myself, they make it look easy in the video. It's supposed to be plug-n-play.

redC55

I installed the backup camera and bluetooth/ipod from cartronics. I've had issues and they say I installed the boxes in the wrong place. I think I've got a problem with the install because the back-up camera is all red untill I give my radio a little love tap on the side and full color returns. Looks like I'll be taking my dash apart again. I really wish at this point I had just gone aftermarket. I'd have a sweet system for as much as I spent on the stupid cartronics stuff.