hx_guy

Anyone else run into this problem? I bought this original Mercedes iPhone 5 Lighting Adapter Cable online, got it today and was all excited to see it work, only to be disappointed with the error "Incompatible Device". The phone does charge, but nothing else works.

I don't get it, do I need some sort of firmware upgrade? This is for a 2012 E350BT.

This is the cable in question...

hx_guy

Anyone?

shashivr4

From what I understand, it is only compatible with 2013s and newer.

yalej

What precisely is incompatible? Are you just trying to use an iPhone 5 with the cable, or are you trying to control a Drive Kit Plus (DKP is only for 2013+)? I've connected the iPhone 5 in a 2011 model by using the original iPhone 4 cable with an Apple 30-pin to lightning adapter. Worked fine.

hx_guy

Yeah, I'm trying to connect an iPhone 5 with this new cable.

I tried it before with the old 30-pin cable and the Apple Lightning adapter and it worked fine, but I didn't like how it looked, wanted to get a cleaner look and use an actual Lighting cable without the adapter and it doesn't work. I don't get why it would work before but not now.

LasVegasMike

There is a chip in the lightning connector. The Apple adapter you previously used has the correct coding on it to work, the MB cable doesn't. Unfortunately your only choice is to use the original cable and adapter. Plus since cable is hidden can it really bother you that much?

hx_guy

Blah! :p Guess I'll use that...I just figured since I have to buy an Apple adapter anyway (the one I tested I use in my other car), I figured I'd just buy the right cable instead.

So none of these Mercedes Lightning cables work? Why are they selling them and shouldn't there be a fix?

LasVegasMike

They work with the 2013 and up models. The iPhone 5 which was released in late 2012 was the first device to use this connector, so the model year 2013 cars would have been the first cars 'programmed' to WWI standards. (WWI= Works With Idevice) Any backwards compatibility is a crap shoot. Fortunately there is an alternative by using the adapter.

hx_guy

Thanks for the info Mike. Luckily I can return it.

thefisch

According to this MB compatibility site, Mike is spot on. You will need to use the original cable A0018278504 plus the pin adapter for the iphone 5. Incidentally, they don't list the cable A0038270904 you bought under the 2013 compatibility chart either. Perhaps this is because the iphone 5 adapter is rather new and the 30 pin with adapter still works.

I ran into this "Incompatible Device" error after purchasing the media interface cable off of Ebay (car didn't come with one). Seller said it was for my2011 which is what I needed, but the model number A0028272704 they sent me was for my2013. The aux input worked, but the ipod connector did not. Seller is sending correct model A0018278504 (works on 2010-2012).

sparrow650

Just posted regarding this topic on the Audio & Electronics forum. I tried the new cable this morning and got the same "Device Incompatible" message. I have a 2012 C63 with the Multimedia Package (option 320).

On a side note, the new cable appears to charge the iPod/iPhone.

2014CL600

Isnt this for any car with option code 518 09-UP ?

Alex.currie44

Me too. I use the OEM cable that came with the car and an adapter as noted.
It works fine on my 5.
My wife's 4s uses the 30 pin that came with the car.
Both have full functionality.
My adapter is not an Apple. It is a quality after market.

Munich77

Ditto here - I just use the Apple adapter and it works fine.

2014CL600

I just used my USB port with my iPhone 6 cable that I charge in the house and it worked perfectly. It played auto and did what the other 30 pin cable does.

ozejoe

have the Merc Universal Media Kit and using the 30 pin converter the sound work with Aux but doesn't charge.

Is the Mercedes option worth a go>?

Alex.currie44

Not sure just what you mean when you say Mercedes option.

Jrearlsmith

hi folks. I see that this issue has been discussed indepth. Before I make anymore purchases I want to make sure I know exactly what to buy. I have a 2012 S550. I am trying to use my iPod touch which has the lightening plug. My car didn't come with the original cable, so far I have purchased the media connector that has us on one end and the 30 pin female end to plug into my glove box. I too am getting device incompatible. What should i be using to resolve this? Also I have a portable 1tb hard drive available and I'm wondering if I format and partionit can I use it for music and video?

2014CL600

Alex.currie44

Try just acknowledge it by pressing OK. I get this on non-apple cables all the time, You can also use an SD card in the slot to load your music.

69armando

The WMA3000A is a plug-and-play wireless Bluetooth music adapter designed for original Audi/BMW/Mercedes/VW factory fitted iPod kits as well as aftermarket in-car iPod integration. Advanced wireless music technology powered by high quality WIRELESSTOOTH technology enables it to flawlessly communicate with Apple's iPhone, iPod and iPad. Instead of manually plugging the iPod into the connector every time you enter the car, you instead connect the device via the built in iPod integration cable to your cars media port. Once you are connected and paired with your iPhone/iPod, every time you re-enter the vehicle the Bluetooth connection will be established automatically, meaning that your full music library will be instantly accessible on your in-car iPod interface, without having to remove the phone from your bag/pocket and manually plugging into the cable. This allows for a much more enjoyable in-car music experience as you can simply get in and drive, without the risk of leaving the iPhone/iPod in the car after the journey. I have this on both my S550 and GL450

Rev Hertz

69armando