Clk55 Bluetooth connectivity
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2004 clk55 AMG
Clk55 Bluetooth connectivity
Hi all, just wondering if anyone has done or knows of the best way to enable a Bluetooth connection for music via smartphone. I have an 04 clk55 amg equipped with the viseeo 1000 in the cradle which enables Bluetooth phone calls fine, but it stops there.
I Do not want to put in an aftermarket head unit as its a very clean motor throughout untouched and completely standard and fitted with designo interior. Only 51k on the clock!
Any suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys (and girls)
I Do not want to put in an aftermarket head unit as its a very clean motor throughout untouched and completely standard and fitted with designo interior. Only 51k on the clock!
Any suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys (and girls)
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W209 CLK55 - 2003
I appreciate you have said you do not want this…
but there are lots of Android type units that look very close to OEM.
I had concerns about going aftermarket but the styling of the device is very similar and things like Google Maps, YouTube and CarPlay are brilliant.
but there are lots of Android type units that look very close to OEM.
I had concerns about going aftermarket but the styling of the device is very similar and things like Google Maps, YouTube and CarPlay are brilliant.
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2004 clk55 AMG
For example? What did you go for have you got a pic. A lot I looked at just seem to look too modern for the car. I know this will probably be the easiest and best way to go but I need to be convinced it will look not out of place. Thanks
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W209 CLK55 - 2003
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2004 clk55 AMG
I bet you surprise even yourself with your genius!!
This could be my best option I couldn't find anything so OEM looking
Thanks matey
Do all the command and steering controls work with this?
Last edited by RP04 AMG; Aug 16, 2021 at 05:53 AM.
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W209 CLK55 - 2003
This is a post I put up a little while ago that might help.
Lessons learned:
Overall I'm really happy with what I now have. A full function Android head unit, CarPlay and OEM looks. I've saved some weight in the car too.
Lessons learned:
- Android head units offer much more functionality than factory units (clearly, you know this)
- Your choice is to go with a major brand name (Panasonic etc) that will be a generic fit with a plastic surround or a less recognized brand that looks factory. I went with the latter. The only issue with retaining OEM looks is you end up with a useless CD/DVD drive and quite a big unit as a result. If you were willing to compromise on that it would be much slimmer.
- For aftermarket Android units, do be prepared for a bit less of a polished product (things like needing to Google to make sure your connections are correct, possibly updating firmware etc).
- The factory kit is heavy and poor quality, but it does have value, so you can sell it and get some money back
- The factory kit (at least in my car) is an optical system that cannot be upgraded in parts. The amplifier, CD changer and phone modules all use a specialist bus and the factory speakers run different rating to normal car speakers
- By far the easiest thing to do is remove the old head unit, changer, phone modules, amp, speakers and sub in one go
- I replaced with a single head unit, four speakers (two in each door) and later (a) a DAB USB adapter and (b) a USB CarPlay adapter
- The USB CarPlay adapters can be a bit hit and miss. As above, the experience wasn't the most polished. I bought CarLinkIt from Amazon. Be aware there are lots of fakes and they do not work reliably.
- If you care about sound, do consider a separate amplifier, because the aftermarket head units are not that powerful. Obviously buy speakers that match the amp. Some nice compact units from brands like Panasonic that can sit behind the dash.
Overall I'm really happy with what I now have. A full function Android head unit, CarPlay and OEM looks. I've saved some weight in the car too.
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W209 CLK55 - 2003
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2004 clk55 AMG
What do you mean when you say the controls do not work perfectly all the time and loose the navigation?
What you referred to in your post before about an external amplifier and upgraded speakers I did want to stay away from that route as the car has a bose system I know it's old but this should be pretty good no? And wanted to leave it all as standard as possible but obviously some upgrades are needed to make it more user friendly.
I cannot spend the rest of my weekends listening to NOW CD's lol
What you referred to in your post before about an external amplifier and upgraded speakers I did want to stay away from that route as the car has a bose system I know it's old but this should be pretty good no? And wanted to leave it all as standard as possible but obviously some upgrades are needed to make it more user friendly.
I cannot spend the rest of my weekends listening to NOW CD's lol
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2004 clk55 AMG
What do you mean when you say the controls do not work perfectly all the time and loose the navigation?
What you referred to in your post before about an external amplifier and upgraded speakers I did want to stay away from that route as the car has a bose system I know it's old but this should be pretty good no? And wanted to leave it all as standard as possible but obviously some upgrades are needed to make it more user friendly.
I cannot spend the rest of my weekends listening to NOW CD's lol
What you referred to in your post before about an external amplifier and upgraded speakers I did want to stay away from that route as the car has a bose system I know it's old but this should be pretty good no? And wanted to leave it all as standard as possible but obviously some upgrades are needed to make it more user friendly.
I cannot spend the rest of my weekends listening to NOW CD's lol
Senior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 257
Likes: 31
W209 CLK55 - 2003
What do you mean when you say the controls do not work perfectly all the time and loose the navigation?
What you referred to in your post before about an external amplifier and upgraded speakers I did want to stay away from that route as the car has a bose system I know it's old but this should be pretty good no? And wanted to leave it all as standard as possible but obviously some upgrades are needed to make it more user friendly.
I cannot spend the rest of my weekends listening to NOW CD's lol
What you referred to in your post before about an external amplifier and upgraded speakers I did want to stay away from that route as the car has a bose system I know it's old but this should be pretty good no? And wanted to leave it all as standard as possible but obviously some upgrades are needed to make it more user friendly.
I cannot spend the rest of my weekends listening to NOW CD's lol
For example, if I use the steering wheel controls to change the radio station, the dash will also cycle through different screens. This is a very minor point, otherwise all good.
On navigation, I seem to remember that the original COMAND unit gave directional arrows on the dashboard. Any new unit will not be able to do that. Honestly, I don’t miss it!
I always thought the Bose system in my car was poor. I think four good quality speakers, with a good quality amplifier hidden behind the dash will give you a better sound. If you want to go more advanced then perhaps even a 5 channel amp with a compact sub somewhere. Not for me.
I did spend a lot of time researching whether I could reuse the original amp. Answer was no, although there were cable adapters for the older Mercedes amps. This issue is that the W209 amp requires the optical connection to turn on. I’m glad I got rid of it in hindsight.
