Quick question. Got a 2003 E500 with the Harmon Kardon stereo system. Want to get an XM but would much rather use AUX in than FM transmitter. Anybody know how how can tell if there is an AUX input in this thing? I don't see oen in teh glove box, but did see on another post how to order the cable and install it, but not sure if I even have an AUX input for the stereo system.

Thx,

 

You need command. If you have command there is an Aux at the front, top of the glove box.. You will see the spot if you have it and the spot where it should be if you don't.

 

You get COMAND if you get the premium sound system or the Nav option.

 

I do have the upgraded Harmon kardon Stereo. But I looked in the glove box and do not see a aux input space. I did see another thread where he showed ho he removed the side rail by the passenger seat and plugged in a aux cable he bought from the dealership and ran that to the glove box, but I before I order the cable what I need to find out if there is an aux input or stereo is capable of it in the first place. thx to anyone who can provide help.

 

I got the premium - HK - sound sytem with my '03 and it doesn't have COMAND or, for that matter, an AUX input. I've never heard of an '03 coming from the factory with an AUX input. So far as I know that started with the '04 model year, and that was presumably because M-B deleted the useless cassette deck in '04 and they must have felt the need to provide some method of direct input into the audio system. That points out that the cassette deck on an '03 isn't entirely useless. It provides a semi-direct input into the audio system. It's kludgy to insert the dummy cassette, and then you have to figure out a way to close the little door over the wire enough so that it doesn't beep and tell you to close it. On long trips I use a piece of electrical tape. Classy, huh? It does sound a lot better than an FM modulator/transmitter, though.

 

Useless unless you want to listen to audio books on trips/commute, or use something external as you have found as well. Not what I expect from the typical GM purchaser but I think many Mercedes owners still "read" in some form....I'm just too cheap to buy my own so I borrow from my well stocked local library.

Yes a bit kludgy, but I don't bother with the door. Nothing I care to show on the display when I'm playing from my MP3 player, and it only beeps once when starting the car.

Only nuisance is the mute does not work when the door is open and having to reach for the mp3 player.

I've wondered if the cassette plugs into an aux itself which could be tapped...but I imagine it is bus connector rather than a simple jack.

 

What I did when I had the cassette (Audio 50) was I took the cable that was coming from the casette deck and I stripped it so it was 2 tiny little wires (only where the door closes - about 1cm long) and it closed perfectly. Give it a try.. The adapter is about $5.00 at worst.

 

I use the FM modulator in my Sirius Sportster and find the audio quality to be very acceptable. I would also say that I am an audiophile and have a very high-end home stereo so I do care and appreciate good sound. I know a direct connection would be better but the FM modulator provided a clean and easy method for getting the signal to the head unit.

You should try it before trying more complicated methods.


My 2 cents.

 

I have the AUX input in the glove box and have used it to play an old Iomega MP3 player (Hipster, remember those?). Works fine. True it is not intergrated and must be controled manually, but the MP3 is only a 3rd level source of music. A $4.50 connector jack from Radio Shack sure beats a $300 Ipod kit and $300 installation with a day at the dealership. In my view MP3's are meant to be worn, not transported in a vehicle.

My 2 cents

Dark and wet in San Francisco