ATL_E420

I have a '97 E420 and I am wondering what to do with the installed phone, Cingular says it wont work on their network I dont know if I believe that but what the heck Ive asked 3 stores and the corporate office and they all say the same or they say go to the MB dealer I wasnt aware MB provided cellular service but what do I know right?

Im thinking of pulling it out totally I can use the space for something else like a XM radio built in under the flip up dash (thats where the one part of the phone is) or something... but Im worried it will screw with the electronics or alarm.

And this is a great forum I have found the answers to a few problems I appreciate the help.... need to post some pics just got Konig 18's mounted and it looks sweet...

sosh

Your phone is most likely the older analog type and that will not work with Cingular any longer.

E55 KEV

MB does not offer cell phone service but they sell cell phones that install in cars. However, since your system is analog it is best to just remove it or leave it be. When I got a phone with your car I had specify a particular handset that works with either TDMA or CDMA digital service, or something. I have a MB optional phone system in my 2002 and my handset only worked with ATT and Cingular service when I got the car. They offered 2 handset - the other worked with Verizon service.

ATL_E420

Does anyone know if it will screw up the electronics if I pull it? Seems like a waste of valuable dash space I could fill with dvd players and other fun stuff.

sosh

It should not disturb anything provided you do not short out any wiring when removing it. As far as a DVD or CD changer goes I think you will have difficulty fitting one in where the phone is and I do not know if it would be compatable with the radio/sound system you have.

SmokeSilver

I had mine pulled...it is no big deal. Also, you should have the unit in the dash pulled as well...I have my servie done at MBS motors in Duluth. They are on Pleasant Hill Rd. near Buford Hwy. Ask for Axel. They have a bunch of the in dash storage boxes that replace the cell phone speed dial bank. They do great service their too...they are fully authorized.

ATL_E420

Thanks Smoke I will check them out looking for a good service place, RBM of Atlanta suck in my opinion.

gqmagic

If you want to use the phone Verizon has analog service

roomor

ATL... I realize your post is a couple months old now, but FYI we have a '98 E430 which also came w/the analog built-in. I just finished pulling the system today - takes 15 minutes. On the console handset, open the lower half of your center console (storage) and there is a small panel at the back of the compartment that will snap open (forward). Back behind that panel you will find a mod-jack (phone connector) and you can actually unplug the handset and then fish the cord out with the set from above. This disturbs no wiring and the connection jack actually remains right where it was in the car.

For the dash unit, you should have the dialing center (keypad) taking up about 2/3 of that flip-open compartment, and a (useless) cubby box for the remaining 1/3. Use the handle of a long screwdriver or a pc of dowel and push the cubby "in" toward the front of the car. It slides into the dash from inside -- not from the face. It fits into some grooves and you can basically push it and it will slide toward the front of the car and "into" the dash. Next, take the same handle or another firm object and give the right-hand side of the face of that keypad a good rap. It too will come loose and move into the dash. I could then get my hand in there and work it the rest of the way forward to get it sideways. The keypad is also connected by a mod-jack and a short wire lead out the back of the unit. You can unplug the mod-jack and fish the keypad unit out of your dash. Now you'll have an opening remaining and a workable door -- I plan to visit the MB dealer this week and find a large cubby or other storage unit to snap in place.

-roomor-

ATL_E420

Thats awesome funny you posted this today I figured out how to get the handset... Im off to the garage to get the rest out of there. Let me know how much the dealer bends you over on the cubby I am guessing $40

roomor

Will let you know what I find for a cubby. I'm sure the techs have a "proper" way to remove that keypad, but this didn't appear to leave any damage behind.

Cocca

I can get verizon svc w/my 2002 E's integrated phone? Really? I'm going to try this or next week and will report back.

Also, why can't I just get some cell phone installer to put whatever phone I want and run that phone thru the E's wiring so it works like the OEM?

Has anyone tried that?

E55 KEV

I believe there is some proprietary software built into the MBZ phones that works only with the COMAND system and others will not work. Like, when I connect my phone to the cradle it reads the stored phone names and number. Also my MBZ V60 has an external connection for the antenna built into the cradle that connects to a hole under and on back of the handset.

E55 KEV

Hey, I just found this on the forum. Looks like one of the sponsors has a solution:

http://www.mikbox.com/