Ipod integration kit with a Audio20
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 50
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From: South Africa
E Class 3.2 Diesel 2006
Ipod integration kit with a Audio20
I have a 2006 W211 3.2 cdi.
I have the Audio 20 sound system, and I wish to install the ipod integration kit.
According to a few articles that I have read it is not possible to install this kit in a W211 with an audio20 kit, as there is no AUX input. However many seem to have installed this kit into an A Class and C Class with the Audio20 radio.
My question to you is:
1) Does the Audio20 radio for the E class physically not have the audio input jack. I.E. is the Audio20 used in the E Class a totally different radio that that used in the C and A Class,
2) Or is the Audio input jack in the E Class used up by the External CD Shuttle,
3) If point 2 above is correct, can I remove the External CD Shuttle and fit an ipod integration kit.
Thanks
I have the Audio 20 sound system, and I wish to install the ipod integration kit.
According to a few articles that I have read it is not possible to install this kit in a W211 with an audio20 kit, as there is no AUX input. However many seem to have installed this kit into an A Class and C Class with the Audio20 radio.
My question to you is:
1) Does the Audio20 radio for the E class physically not have the audio input jack. I.E. is the Audio20 used in the E Class a totally different radio that that used in the C and A Class,
2) Or is the Audio input jack in the E Class used up by the External CD Shuttle,
3) If point 2 above is correct, can I remove the External CD Shuttle and fit an ipod integration kit.
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I have a 2006 W211 3.2 cdi.
I have the Audio 20 sound system, and I wish to install the ipod integration kit.
According to a few articles that I have read it is not possible to install this kit in a W211 with an audio20 kit, as there is no AUX input. However many seem to have installed this kit into an A Class and C Class with the Audio20 radio.
My question to you is:
1) Does the Audio20 radio for the E class physically not have the audio input jack. I.E. is the Audio20 used in the E Class a totally different radio that that used in the C and A Class,
2) Or is the Audio input jack in the E Class used up by the External CD Shuttle,
3) If point 2 above is correct, can I remove the External CD Shuttle and fit an ipod integration kit.
Thanks
I have the Audio 20 sound system, and I wish to install the ipod integration kit.
According to a few articles that I have read it is not possible to install this kit in a W211 with an audio20 kit, as there is no AUX input. However many seem to have installed this kit into an A Class and C Class with the Audio20 radio.
My question to you is:
1) Does the Audio20 radio for the E class physically not have the audio input jack. I.E. is the Audio20 used in the E Class a totally different radio that that used in the C and A Class,
2) Or is the Audio input jack in the E Class used up by the External CD Shuttle,
3) If point 2 above is correct, can I remove the External CD Shuttle and fit an ipod integration kit.
Thanks
The only option for iPod interface would be through an after market kit instead of the MB iPod kit.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 640
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From: Phoenix, AZ, USA
2005 C240 4MATIC, 2020 GLC300 4MATIC
Honest, I would say get the Mercedes OEM kit. I installed it on my C two weeks ago, and there is nothing like having everything work like it's supposed to. The E installation is much more complicated, but then you will have full control of the iPod with charging, not lose your CD changer, and have good audio quality.
My two cents.
My two cents.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jul 2008
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mercedes E220cdi W211
Yes i agree the OEM kit would be the best but my dealer tells me it wont work on my audio20 basic system since i dont have AUX IN. Looks like Denison is the only option. ANyone used it on a audio20?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 640
Likes: 5
From: Phoenix, AZ, USA
2005 C240 4MATIC, 2020 GLC300 4MATIC
I have an Audio 20. They are all built the same - they are the same model. The wire harness plugs on the back panel are configured the same. You do have an Aux In. Your dealer is wrong. The new wire harness from the iPod kit runs the audio feed from the iPod wire leads into the Aux In on the back of the head unit.
Do this: hold down the CDC button on your head unit for a few seconds when it is turned on. It should change the display to Aux Active.
Do this: hold down the CDC button on your head unit for a few seconds when it is turned on. It should change the display to Aux Active.
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Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,105
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From: the Netherlands
Nothing MB related (sorry)
ChrisBrown, Euro spec 211 E-classes can also have the Audio 20 unit in dash. But unlike the 2005+ 203 / 209, these 211 Audio 20s (as well as the 171 SLK Audio 20s) do NOT have the AUX input. Meaning that they can't 'just' get the MB iPod kit installed.
One would need to upgrade to DVD comand. Or get a modified Audio 20 unit + (also modified) MB iPod kit if one has the 171 SLK. Something MBenzNL can offer.
I don't know for sure if it is actually possible to do the same sort of modification for the 211 Audio 20; that's something MBenzNL has never tried...
greetingz,
BigSis
One would need to upgrade to DVD comand. Or get a modified Audio 20 unit + (also modified) MB iPod kit if one has the 171 SLK. Something MBenzNL can offer.
I don't know for sure if it is actually possible to do the same sort of modification for the 211 Audio 20; that's something MBenzNL has never tried...
greetingz,
BigSis
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mercedes E220cdi W211
HI Bigsis,
would you know if the denison 500 would work on my audio20 with a bluetooth add on for my phone? would the phone be controlled via the steering wheel? and ipod text on the dash screen?
thanks
would you know if the denison 500 would work on my audio20 with a bluetooth add on for my phone? would the phone be controlled via the steering wheel? and ipod text on the dash screen?
thanks
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Ipod options on Audio 20 in W211
I'd be very interested in any progress on this as well.
It appears and I have just confirmed with the local MB dealership that the Audio 20 in the E-Class is different in that it does not have the Aux-In (compared with the Audio 20 in the W203/204 etc). I've also tried pressing and holding the CDC button on the Audio 20 for more than 3 seconds but no "Aux-In Active" shows.
I'm now leaning towards the Denison GW500 but having no install experience this could be tricky on my brand new W211 - don't want to break anything. However not having the text-display sucks plenty since I cannot use the steering wheel controls.
Anyone tried swapping out the Audio 20 unit with a Command capable system to take advantage of the MB Ipod kits? Is it worth the $$?
It appears and I have just confirmed with the local MB dealership that the Audio 20 in the E-Class is different in that it does not have the Aux-In (compared with the Audio 20 in the W203/204 etc). I've also tried pressing and holding the CDC button on the Audio 20 for more than 3 seconds but no "Aux-In Active" shows.
I'm now leaning towards the Denison GW500 but having no install experience this could be tricky on my brand new W211 - don't want to break anything. However not having the text-display sucks plenty since I cannot use the steering wheel controls.
Anyone tried swapping out the Audio 20 unit with a Command capable system to take advantage of the MB Ipod kits? Is it worth the $$?
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 0
From: the Netherlands
Nothing MB related (sorry)
I'd be very interested in any progress on this as well.
It appears and I have just confirmed with the local MB dealership that the Audio 20 in the E-Class is different in that it does not have the Aux-In (compared with the Audio 20 in the W203/204 etc). I've also tried pressing and holding the CDC button on the Audio 20 for more than 3 seconds but no "Aux-In Active" shows.
I'm now leaning towards the Denison GW500 but having no install experience this could be tricky on my brand new W211 - don't want to break anything. However not having the text-display sucks plenty since I cannot use the steering wheel controls.
Anyone tried swapping out the Audio 20 unit with a Command capable system to take advantage of the MB Ipod kits? Is it worth the $$?
It appears and I have just confirmed with the local MB dealership that the Audio 20 in the E-Class is different in that it does not have the Aux-In (compared with the Audio 20 in the W203/204 etc). I've also tried pressing and holding the CDC button on the Audio 20 for more than 3 seconds but no "Aux-In Active" shows.
I'm now leaning towards the Denison GW500 but having no install experience this could be tricky on my brand new W211 - don't want to break anything. However not having the text-display sucks plenty since I cannot use the steering wheel controls.
Anyone tried swapping out the Audio 20 unit with a Command capable system to take advantage of the MB Ipod kits? Is it worth the $$?
The DVD comand (Euro spec) has MP3 and DVD compatibility. You will also be able to get the separate navigation drive installed in the trunk (although this is more complicated in Euro spec 211s compared to US spec 211s). And if you get a DVD comand with TV connector at the back, you could also get the MB TV tuner and / or center monitor hooked up.
Not cheap! But again, it's for you to decide whether or not it's worth it.
Regarding the Denison... that's something I don't have experience with. Sorry.
greetingz,
BigSis
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,499
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I'd be very interested in any progress on this as well.
It appears and I have just confirmed with the local MB dealership that the Audio 20 in the E-Class is different in that it does not have the Aux-In (compared with the Audio 20 in the W203/204 etc). I've also tried pressing and holding the CDC button on the Audio 20 for more than 3 seconds but no "Aux-In Active" shows.
I'm now leaning towards the Denison GW500 but having no install experience this could be tricky on my brand new W211 - don't want to break anything. However not having the text-display sucks plenty since I cannot use the steering wheel controls.
Anyone tried swapping out the Audio 20 unit with a Command capable system to take advantage of the MB Ipod kits? Is it worth the $$?
It appears and I have just confirmed with the local MB dealership that the Audio 20 in the E-Class is different in that it does not have the Aux-In (compared with the Audio 20 in the W203/204 etc). I've also tried pressing and holding the CDC button on the Audio 20 for more than 3 seconds but no "Aux-In Active" shows.
I'm now leaning towards the Denison GW500 but having no install experience this could be tricky on my brand new W211 - don't want to break anything. However not having the text-display sucks plenty since I cannot use the steering wheel controls.
Anyone tried swapping out the Audio 20 unit with a Command capable system to take advantage of the MB Ipod kits? Is it worth the $$?
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 0
From: the Netherlands
Nothing MB related (sorry)
And yes, the new 2009 comand NTG 2.5 has the same connection as the Audio 20 unit which should make the install in a car with factory Audio 20 easier.
greetingz,
BigSis
Almost a Member!
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NTG 2.5 for W211?
You are right. The very early 211s with Audio 20 (pre March 2003 manufacture date) also have the audio gateway factory fitted.
And yes, the new 2009 comand NTG 2.5 has the same connection as the Audio 20 unit which should make the install in a car with factory Audio 20 easier.
greetingz,
BigSis
And yes, the new 2009 comand NTG 2.5 has the same connection as the Audio 20 unit which should make the install in a car with factory Audio 20 easier.
greetingz,
BigSis
I was still looking at the Command-APS retrofit but it is appearing to be far too onerous than initially thought ie. AGW-fit in the rear and maybe even having to run some wiring harness > this is even assuming that I leave out the Navi module and just use the Command-APS for my audio needs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 6,499
Likes: 335
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
This is promising news! Would the NTG 2.5 be a straight swap with the Audio 20-CD which is the usual standard in non-Command APS W211 cars? Presuming this also uses the MOST network.
I was still looking at the Command-APS retrofit but it is appearing to be far too onerous than initially thought ie. AGW-fit in the rear and maybe even having to run some wiring harness > this is even assuming that I leave out the Navi module and just use the Command-APS for my audio needs.
I was still looking at the Command-APS retrofit but it is appearing to be far too onerous than initially thought ie. AGW-fit in the rear and maybe even having to run some wiring harness > this is even assuming that I leave out the Navi module and just use the Command-APS for my audio needs.
COMAND APS (the old one) is the COMAND head unit plus the navi processor at the trunk, if you only install the head unit, you would have COMAND but not COMAND APS, to be accurate.
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Command Retrofit
It cannot be exactly plug-and-play already because of the GPS antenna but in addition to that, it can be a reasonable task.
COMAND APS (the old one) is the COMAND head unit plus the navi processor at the trunk, if you only install the head unit, you would have COMAND but not COMAND APS, to be accurate.
COMAND APS (the old one) is the COMAND head unit plus the navi processor at the trunk, if you only install the head unit, you would have COMAND but not COMAND APS, to be accurate.
(a) MOST ring - this appears to be the "pre-wired" part of the fibre-optic network? So in theory I just hook-up the various components on the MOST ring ie. plug-n-play with the AGW (+ Navi processor optional?) and Command head unit?
(b) The CAN-bus (to enable control via steering and HDU) - again this is plug-n-play by removing and plugging it from the Audio-20 CD to the Command?
(c) The speaker wires that came out of the rear of the replaced Audio-20-CD - now has to be routed from the AGW back to the speakers? What other wires will come out of the AGW if it now sits on the MOST ring?
(d) I keep hearing about this wiring-harness - is it an aftermarket or a MB part assuming that it is optional to make retrofitting easier? I would have thought that all the W211 would have the wiring in place - just NOT utilized if the options were not specified when the car was first purchased. Mine is the facelifted MY2008 W211.
(e) If I am going through all this trouble - would it make sense to install other options as well ie. phone/bluetooth; voice recognition; navi etc. At this point my needs are for audio (ie. Ipod) but what other "nice" stuff that I'm missing.
Appreciate comments.
Last edited by moondragon; Aug 22, 2008 at 08:44 PM.
