sac500

I recently had the iPod integration installed in my '04 E500. It works great, but the output level/volume is significantly lower than the CD player or Satellite radio. Does anyone know of a line level amplifier or other method to increase the level from the Ipod source?

KYBENZ

I have also noticed that problem on an E class we did here at the dealer.
The service guys always come to me for my Ipod after an install and I always sit in the car during the test. That is the exact reason that I did not put one in my '06. However we also did an R class and the Ipod sound was the same level as all other audio. It seemed to me that the sound was a very noticeable difference, and yes my Ipod was turned all the way up on both cars.

bvkeys

Is there an ipod kit for older models? I have a 97 E420 - and an ipod - I've just been using the cassette adapter.

konigstiger

Many would rather have the ability to store thousands of songs than listen to high quality sound. Audio manufacturers (i.e.: Sony) offer digital audio enhancement designed to restore some of the sound quality lost in creating the compressed digital files on portable devices. There are also efforts to improve the quality of the files themselves with less compression.

Having said this, quite possibly the R-Class COMAND amplifies auxiliary inputs therefore playing all sources at the same level. Hopefully the 07 (anticipating new electronics) will correct this.

DWP

Not from Mercedes. I have an '03 and I just missed the cut.

http://www.mbusa.com/features/iPod/index.do

j3cubcapt

DWP, I too have a 03 E320, what other options do we have to listen to our iPod in the 03 model?

Will

macgyber

I thonk that according to qualityof source, or according to encoding method---apple loseless encoder,AAC,...--the volume output may be vary.
Usind good cd source and using apple loseless encoder, I recommend.

DWP

The only easy options that I know of (that don't involve major surgery) are:

1. Using a cassette adaptor/input - in effect, using the cassette player as the AUX input that the '03 doesn't have

2. Using an FM modulator/transmitter.

Option 1. gives better sound quality, probably almost as good as you would get with an AUX input.

I'm not an iPOD person, but there are all kinds of cassette adaptors and FM modulator/transmitters out there, either from Apple or from other makers. I've seen one of the latter that very neatly plugs right into the 12V outlet. They don't have to be iPOD-specific - all you need is something that will plug into the head phone jack (or line out jack, as the case may be) of the iPOD.

Here's a cassette adapter kit for the iPOD from Best Buy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1083714106301
... and here's an example of an FM modulator; there are others:
http://reviews.cnet.com/iRock_Beamit....html?tag=also

aceman

Guys -

I'm on the fence about getting the kit for my 05. From what i've read - the kit only puts the song being played on the dash display - NOT on the COMAND radio display. Is this correct? If that's the case? what's it buying me over just plugging the ipod into the aux input in the glovebox (which i've extended to my ashtray).

Aceman

DWP

Some would say that seeing the track information on the MFD is better than seeing it on either the COMAND display or on the iPOD's own display, but that's a matter of personal preference. Also, with the integration kit you get to control track and volume with the steering wheel buttons rather than through the iPOD. Most would consider that a definite advantage.

aceman

Guess all integration gives you is the up/down arrow use (next/prev track) and song name on the dash. The steering wheel volume control works for aux input but i'm wondering if people have the same low volume issue via the aux input...

aceman

chet

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, having just bought a CPO 2003 E320. Hope it proves to be reliable and low maintenance. I am a former BMW 540 owner that didn't like the looks of the new 5-series.

I tried hooking up my iPOD via the cassette method, and the cable to the iPOD interferes with the closing of the cassette door. So I think the wirless FM transmitter method is the way to go.


chet