Kent Seaton

So I'm an all-in Google / Anti-apple kind of person. I have a C300 and love it. Just picked up a 2008 CLK350 Cabriolet today. I've been searching through the forums to see what options might be available, but everything keeps coming up apple. Blech. The factory head unit is the HK system, and I'd like to keep it as stock as possible. So, I'm trying to figure out my options.

The system has a 6-disc changer in the glovebox, as well as the decrepit 30-pin ipod interface. The cradle for the handsfree thing is there... but I'm not going to use it, I just want audio. The initial solution I've found doesn't sound very good... audio only, no text/data to the head unit.

Suggestions please...

Oh yes... obligatory first CLK350 picture post.

Rudeney

Try a Bluetooth dongle that plugs into the iPod 30-pin cable.

Kent Seaton

Went with one I've heard works flawlessly. I'm thinking when I can find a head unit without a disc player and has Android Auto, I'll probably do the upgrade to that. Yank out all the apple junk.

eteller

Just so you know there is a aux cable behind the side panel where the 30 ipod connector comes out from. pop off that side dash piece and you will see it.

Rudeney

You cannot use the AUX input with the factory iPod interface installed. The iPod interface connects to the back of the radio between it and the car's wiring harness and "intercepts" the AUX input. Of course you could remove the iPod interface and then the AUX port will work.

If you are interested in doing that, here's the installation instructions:

http://benzbits.com/IpodWiring.pdf

Or, if you want to keep it, the operating instructions:

http://benzbits.com/ipodIntegrationKitOverview.pdf

Personally, I am a bit like Kent in my dislike for Apple products. I had a very good customer support experience with them when I bought my first iPod in 2003. It was the best option for digital music in my ML320 (using a Ice Link interface). I still have that iPod in my SL now and while the screen is scratched and has some "LCD bleed", and the battery is no good, it works well in the car. Even though the SL's COMAND has a built-in HD music bank plus and SD card slot, I still keep the iPod as it has my entire music collection. My problem is with how they keep obsoleting products by not allowing older models to support later IOS versions, and then forcing developers to only support the latest iOS versions. On top of that, their latest products just don't seem well made, and having to wait in the crowds at the Apple Store for some Millennial "genius" to fix (or not) the problems is just annoying. I'll stick to Android, thank you.

Kent Seaton

Looks like it's surgery time. Going to have to do this appledectomy to get rid of this infestation in the car. Of course this will be a temporary fix until I have a decent Android Auto device installed in the dash.