mistertonyn

Are there any BLUETOOTH phone/kit that will work on our E-320 (W210)?
I did not buy the phone option back then because they wanted too much for the packakge. I would like to take advantage of the radio and speakers that is already wired in the car.

husk323

Your best bet is to get the argos unit since its basically plug and play and easy to install....the other optoin is to buy the cradle, pse etc and the bluetooth puck....Try the audio forum they have a sticky on this topic

mistertonyn

But costs around $1100 installed. I'll wait until the price drops....if it ever does.

husk323

i thought it was 600 dollars I got mine for arouond 800 with the fiber cable.....Its pretty easy to install im not sure where you are getting the installation quote from but it seems high since it takes about 5 minutes to install it.

mistertonyn

...after you mentioned the Argos unit...I did some research and found
Incartronics website that carries the Argos unit...and then it listed an authorized dealer in Moorpark (Southern California) called Autotech Security.
I called them (Autotech) and he explained that it would cost $1099 installed because he would have to rerun/redo some fiber optics lines and install/modify fuses as needed...claiming it would take him from 1-3 hours to do..depending on how many fuses he has to do. So I don't know if he is trying to make a killing on these installs or what???? He claims he does work for 12 different MB dealers....
I was surprised to hear that it only took you 5 minutes to plug and play.
Again, mine is a 1999 E320....should be the same process as yours?

husk323

I have a 1999 E300 so it should be the same process.....

depending on if you have cd changer or not you will have to make a fiber optic loop....THe way this is accomplished is by purchasing the additional fiber optic cable and basically removing the two connectors behind the trunk liner and connecting this inline to the connector. You then will connect the centronics cable to the argos unit and you are basically done. It took me about 5 minutes to do it after reading the instructions. The person quoting you 1-3 hours to do this is charging an excessive rate. If you get the argos unit I can help you, the price he is charging is probably more inline with the factory mb bluetooth puck. This actually requires some version coding , and running of wires etc to get it to work properly.


If you do not have a cd changer it will take even less time you basically plug in the cd changer connector (already located under the trunk liner) and the centronics cable, use the included zip ties to attach the unit and you are done. Its amazingly simple and it would be silly not to do it yourself.

mistertonyn

so at this point I am sure if the $600 or so is a good investment at this point.
Half of me is saying spend the money and take advantage of the already built in phone system (head unit and speakers)....the other half is questioning how often am I going to utilize the system.
But it is definitely good to know that it can be done ...thanks to members on this forum.

husk323

i believe its the law july 1st in california to have a handsfree system in the car.. That being said there are several systems out there for 1/10th the price that offer handsfree capability. The only benefit of the Argos is the ability to control everything from the car. If integration is not a big deal then it might be smarter to go with a visor or handsfree earphone etc. Personally I prefer the ability to use my cars head unit to answer and receive calls. It all depends on personal preference, if you want car integration or not etc.

mistertonyn

Is the sound from the OEM phone speakers loud and clear? Also the microphone by the visor works just as well? I have not experience it on our
W210.

husk323

yes they sound is loud and clear and I have not recieved any complaints from people on the other side of the line when using the built in microphone....I am not sure if the phone system utilizes a different speaker than the regular speakers but it sounds good.

mistertonyn

There are 2 speakers dedicated for the phone function.
If you look towards the side mirrors you will see 2 triangular shaped speakers...those are the audio source.