E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

2006 E350 - Radio

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 3, 2008 | 11:26 PM
  #1  
dvmak's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 189
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
'06 E500 Flint Grey - Charcoal
2006 E350 - Radio

Looking to pick up a '06 E350 and it has the stock radio vs the Harman Kardon. Can someone tell me if there is a big difference between the two? I do enjoy listening to music so a good sterio is a must but if the only difference is 460 watts .. probably not necessary ..


Also, how well does the aftermarket ipod integration work? Is it worth buying?
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2008 | 11:32 PM
  #2  
Polar Bear's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 143
W221 S600, W220 S55 AMG Kompressor, W124 300E, W140 S320, W210 E3204M W164 ML320 Bluetec
Originally Posted by dvmak
Looking to pick up a '06 E350 and it has the stock radio vs the Harman Kardon. Can someone tell me if there is a big difference between the two? I do enjoy listening to music so a good sterio is a must but if the only difference is 460 watts .. probably not necessary ..


Also, how well does the aftermarket ipod integration work? Is it worth buying?
I assume you are referring to the Mercedes iPod Integration Kit. Yes, if you have an iPod, it is worth buying IMO. Not to say it doesn't have a few shortcomings, but it is better than not having the integration.

The shortcomings seem to stem from the fact the COMAND has a volume limiter on the AUX input (which the iPod integration kit depends on) so the volume is typically lower than from other sources (Radio, CD, etc.). There are workarounds that reduce the impact of this however.

Others complain that the iPod is only controlled by the IC and the steering wheel controls. While it would be nice if you could control it with the COMAND, I don't find it that big of a deal for me personally.

I should add that the alternatives are units that replace the CD-Changer and emulate CD-TEXT on the COMAND to provide integration. I think this also provides a pure digital sound vs. the analog output of the Mercedes iPod integration unit. Although I haven't used one personally, I think the CD 1-6 allows you to select the iPod submenu (artists, playlists, albums, etc). Seeing as I think the CD-Changer part of the COMAND has a 99 track limit, I am not sure how/if this impacts the operation of these aftermarket integration kits.

Also, I have not heard a non HK system to compare. I think the HK system sounds pretty good - especially when listening to CD.

Last edited by Polar Bear; Oct 3, 2008 at 11:37 PM. Reason: added additional information
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 03:32 PM
  #3  
dvmak's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 189
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
'06 E500 Flint Grey - Charcoal
Who makes a good ipod integration alternative?

Has anyone tried a true digital alternative to the MB analog interface?
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:51 PM.

story-0
10 Coolest Mercedes-Benz Wagons of All Time

Slideshow: These estates prove you don't need extra ride height to have performance, style, and everyday usability.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-23 14:16:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's updated GLE 63 S and GLS 63 bring a new-generation V8, subtle design revisions, and familiar supercar-rivaling performance figures.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-17 12:52:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

Slideshow: Mercedes has never been afraid to experiment, and some of its strangest ideas turned out to be surprisingly successful.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

Sideshow: A Middle Eastern tuner has transformed the Mercedes-AMG G 63 into an open-top special, replacing nearly every exterior panel in the process.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 15:29:50


VIEW MORE
story-4
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

Slideshow: Six gift ideas your AMG loving dad or grad will cherish.

By | 2026-06-03 17:26:18


VIEW MORE
story-5
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

Slideshow: Sometimes AMG builds fast sedans. Other times, it builds twin-turbo V12 land missiles and six-wheeled off-road monsters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 17:59:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE