LeifW

I thought people might be interested in this.

Leif W.

"Mercedes-Benz is First Automaker to Deliver Full iPod Music Navigation


MACWORLD EXPO, SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AppleŽ and Mercedes-Benz USA today announced the iPodŽ Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz, making Mercedes-Benz the first automaker to provide full iPod music navigation for drivers to listen to their entire iPod music collection through the Mercedes-Benz audio system, as well as select their music using artist, album or playlist with the multifunction controls on the steering wheel and the integrated multifunction display on their instrument cluster. The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz will debut this April in the US with the newly redesigned 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and for most other 2005 and 2006 models later this year.
"Music lovers want to listen to their digital music in their cars, and we're delighted to be working with Mercedes to offer a fully integrated solution," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz features the quality and attention to detail Mercedes is famous for, perfectly complementing Apple's innovative iPod."

"We are very excited to partner with Apple to deliver this wonderful solution," said Paul Halata, president and CEO, Mercedes-Benz USA. "Bringing motorists the world's most elegant iPod offering with full navigation and display continues the Mercedes tradition of offering our customers the innovation and premium quality they expect."

The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz provides outstanding sound quality while charging the iPod, and conveniently connects and stores in the glove compartment. The solution also allows the driver to "See What You're Hearing" with music title or playlist information shown on the integrated multifunction display on the instrument cluster. Drivers will be able to easily access their entire iPod music library, shuffle songs and skip between tracks and playlists.

Pricing & Availability

The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz will be available to customers for the MSRP of $299 (US) plus installation from authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz will debut this April in the US with the newly redesigned 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and for most other 2005 and 2006 models later this year. In addition, the solution can be retrofit to many model year 2005 Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Please visit www.mbusa.com/ipod for details. iPod products, sold separately, are available in the US through the Apple StoreŽ (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers."

ultraseven

It's about time. I wonder if the kit can be retroffited on pre 2005 models.

nlpamg

finally, just behind bmw... I gotta ask my dealer now, I wonder what's involved.

I just saw "selected 05 models", I'm gonna take a guess and say that the "selected" models are the ones with command. Who knows, hopefully all MB's can do it (probably not the 05 ML, but hopefully everyone else).

Marktini

This is great news, and about time!! I was using iTrip with varied results but no ability to control without taking my eyes off of the road. I'm off to my dealer tp pick up my car after anoil change, i'll see if they have any idea about compatibility.

RohithT

Behind, but by all indications far better. BMW's implementation is pretty poor, more or less tricking the head unit into thinking the iPod is a CD changer. Half the point of the iPod and other hard drive-based digital music players is to be able to pick any song you want quickly and easily: the BMW way forces you to put songs into one of 6 playlists and make you remember which playlist it's in and which number.
It's kind of a shame that BMW's version is so bad, especially since the iDrive knob would make for an intuitive substitute for the iPod click wheel while driving.

noka

Really interested to know what's required for current C55 IPOD compatibility.

How many miles on your ride ... for the oil change? Have you had to add any oil yet? I picked up 1qt of Mobil1 0W40 and haven't had to put any in, but I only have about 900mi so far.

Rgds,
Norm

NORTH 44 C63

http://www.mbusa.com/main/container....iPod/index.jsp

Here's the link to the MB/Ipod site

Marktini

Norm:

First, my dealer did not yet have the iPod info, apparently they've been flooded with inquiries (damn I wish I would have bought Apple stock in 2003!!) There's a FAQ section on the web-site : http://www.mbusa.com/main/container..../iPod/faqs.jsp

From the web-site " For which vehicles is the solution available?
The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz will initially be available for the newly redesigned 2006 M-Class SUV. Market availability for additional Model Year 2005 and 2006 Mercedes-Benz vehicles will also follow: C-Class, CLK-Class, B-Class, E-Class, SLK-Class (vehicles equipped with COMAND system only), R-Class, CLS-Class."

2 - I brought the car in at just under 2,500 miles. I have not had any oil loss at all, the main reason I brought it in was to get the filter changed. I ususally change at 3,000 miles but I wanted it done while the weather was still decent. 4 unexpected long trips in December added about 2,000 miles more than I expected to have on the car, I could have rented, but the car is just too much fun to drive!!

noka

Thanks for the FAQ link. Keeping my fingers crossed that the C55 will have a kit available.

Not a bad idea. It seems the oil will outlast the small filter from what I understand.

Rgds,
Norm

SaxManiac

Great feature....but $299 (PLUS installation?!)???

That's more than the iPod if you own a mini. I mean, it's a neat feature and all, but ~$300 for a user interface?