Polar Bear

Hi folks,

I just picked up the iPod integration kit from the dealer for my 2005 E320 CDI today and am going to attempt the installation. The dealer doesn't seem to be interested in doing the installation as they at first said the car would not accept the kit, but did say they would version code it for me if I attempted the installation. I feel they are probably just too busy or don't have enough techs experienced to do the install.

Anyway, I have searched the forums and picked up the documentation for the installation, but thought I would post before I get started to see if there are any suggestions or pointers I need to know before I get started (i.e. removing panels without breaking tabs, and fasteners, etc.). I used to deal with audio equipment a few years ago so I feel sure I can do the install, but don't want to break anything

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks

Yacht Master

How much was your kit?
I am torn I have a large movie library for my I-Pod and was going to try this.
Please post a DIY with pics.
http://www.gnetcanada.com/navvideo-m...b2x_mbw211.asp

Polar Bear

I paid around $248 for it from the dealer and they had it in stock.

I will try to get some pics.

Yacht Master

Pics would be great, I understand the I pod integration allows the i pod battery to charge, steering wheel controls and MFD in the speedo display but no display in the nav screen. Now all of this is through the main plug in the bottom of the i-pod, so the audio/video jack is still open? Dose the kit come with a mount/dock for the i pod?

Polar Bear

That is correct regarding the control of the iPod. I personally like the controls and think Mercedes did an excellent job with the kit. It would be a nice added feature if the COMAND displayed iPod data, but with the display in the MFD you don't have to take your eyes off the road as much.

There is an optional holder for the iPod that fits in the glove compartment for about $16.00, but I didn't get that as I really don't see a need for it.

The only connection is through the dock connector, and it does charge the iPod, so any additional connections the iPod has would be open. I have an iPod Photo (60GB) and while I know it will connect to a TV to do a slideshow, I have never used this feature, and I am unsure how the newer iPods display video and where it comes out of the iPod at.

A friend's CLK350 has the iPod integration from the factory and it works great, and we haven't experienced the low audio issue that I have heard complaints about. She purchased the car in early 2006 and it was one of the first ones with the kit installed and actually came with a free iPod.

I am currently driving a 2008 ML350 and I do notice a significant difference in the volume of the factory iPod kit vs the radio or CD/Changer. Although annoying if you are listening to the iPod at a loud level and change sources, it is not a significant problem at all to me - I really value the functionality of the integration kit so I overlook it.

CrimeDoesPay

idk but why not just do a euro command swap instead of having your nav screen being interupted and then do the ipod kit aswell

Yacht Master

In the Euro HU it reads the movie from the DVD, one disk one movie. I have 50 movies and 9000 songs on my little 80G Classic I Pod. So, for me to do the DVD thing would involve way too many DVDs. I am still in the planning phase for the I-Pod integration, and I have started the I Phone integration with a bluetooth install so far. I am super interested in anyones projects and installs that involve any thing I-Pod/Phone.