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OEM Mercedes Apple lightning cable - worth it?

Old Jun 14, 2015 | 09:31 PM
  #1  
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OEM Mercedes Apple lightning cable - worth it?

Has anyone upgraded to the OEM Mercedes iPhone 6 lightning cable opposed to just plugging the apple lightning cable into the USB slot? I'm curious because the old 30-pin iPod connector is currently installed, but for roughly $50-60 I can upgrade to the current lighting connector for the iPhone 6.

Can someone please tell me if this is actually beneficial vs simply plugging in a standard iPhone 6 cable into the USB port?

Are there any differences? Speed of charging? Album images displayed? Maybe I'm missing something here? I dunno. Please educate me...
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Old Jun 14, 2015 | 09:55 PM
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Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
I got the standard apple cable with mine and used an adaptor for apple to go to the lightening - works just fine.
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Old Jun 14, 2015 | 11:30 PM
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I use the 30 pin cable with the adaptor, and it works in most respects but one. I've found the lightning connection charges very slow in comparison to the USB connection. I think the 30 pin cable always assumes data is flowing, so it doesn't use all the available pins for charging the phone if it's not playing music.
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Old Jun 15, 2015 | 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by iGeorge
I use the 30 pin cable with the adaptor, and it works in most respects but one. I've found the lightning connection charges very slow in comparison to the USB connection. I think the 30 pin cable always assumes data is flowing, so it doesn't use all the available pins for charging the phone if it's not playing music.
The 30pin cable has designation for all the pins... it cannot remap pins for charging or audio etc.

The reason it may charge slow is because of slow amperage in that outlet.
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Old Jun 15, 2015 | 09:13 PM
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So basically what I'm reading here is to save the $50-60 and just plug the iPhone cable into the USB slot. I wonder why MB would even bother selling this if it's clearly inferior.
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Old Jun 15, 2015 | 09:20 PM
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What isn't being mentioned here is this:

At least in 2014 and previous vehicles:
The 30 pin connector allows full connectivity and command control of the iPod/iPhone where as the USB connection only serves as a charging receptacle. You would have to use the inferior Bluetooth connection if opting for USB connection

If there is in 2015+ vehicles a cable that gets rid of the 30 pin cable in lieu of a lightening cable ... DO IT FOR $50... This is a drop in the bucket
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Old Jun 16, 2015 | 08:13 PM
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Originally Posted by iGeorge
I use the 30 pin cable with the adaptor, and it works in most respects but one. I've found the lightning connection charges very slow in comparison to the USB connection. I think the 30 pin cable always assumes data is flowing, so it doesn't use all the available pins for charging the phone if it's not playing music.
I don't bother with the cable, though I have a 30 pin with an adaptor.

I use one of
these these
inside the center console - it charges much faster.

Then I just use the Bluetooth connection, which I prefer.
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Old Jun 16, 2015 | 09:58 PM
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It looks short enough that you could also use it in the cig lighter in the console and still slide the wood lid closed over it.

With a retractable cord, that's how I do it with my cell phone. Flush. Clean.
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Old Jun 17, 2015 | 11:24 AM
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If you have an Android phone capable of benefiting from Qualcomm QC 2.0, then use one of
these these
. It's gets the job done in NO TIME FLAT. Absolutely love it with my HTC One M8.
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Old Jun 17, 2015 | 12:04 PM
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The USB connection does not provide interface with the command system. The 30 pin does that. Buy the adapter anywhere and you will get the charge function and command interface. If you only need to charge the phone, don't worry about it and use the USB. The Adapter is much less expensive than a new cable from MB
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Old Jun 17, 2015 | 08:31 PM
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Seems to me that I've read here or elsewhere that my '12 E with Merc's factory iPhone connectivity option w/30-pin cable (media interface) is NOT compatible with the newer lightning cable from Merc. In other words, this cable will NOT work in my '12 and who knows what else...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-Media-Interface-Cable-with-Apple-Lightning-Connector-/271660957203?hash=item3f40413e13&vxp=mtr
Can anyone confirm or deny?

Note: I'm not related to this seller... just cut / pasted the first relevant fleabay link.
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Old Jun 17, 2015 | 08:43 PM
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I have the latest edition iPod touch with the lighting interface. I have that device connected to the MB 30 pin interface connector in my '11 S550 via a cheap adapter, 30 pin to lighting. I think I bought it for 19 bucks at Best Buy. This was at the recomendation of the MB dealer when I inquired about the two versions of connectors. The iPod charges and I have full control through the command system. In otherwords, it works just fine. But. . . it is not a MY12. I have not tried this in and older/newer vehicle. I also have a '10 E350 with an older iPod and there is no difference between the interface experience in that car vs. the one MY newer S. I would suggest you buy an adapter and try it out. If it works in your vehicle, you are gold. If not Best Buy will take it back and you are out nothing. I would do that way before I would buy the Benz lighting cable.

I think you will be perfectly fine to keep the original issue 30pin interface cable connected to the adapter, lightning to 30 pin connector, with the newer apple products.

Last edited by mnje350; Jun 17, 2015 at 08:46 PM.
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Old Jun 17, 2015 | 08:51 PM
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Also, the photo of the product in the eBay offer looks like a USB to MB glovebox interface unless my eyes deceive me. Try the standard issue MB 30 pin to glove box connector with an Apple 30 pin to lightning adapter. I think you will be fine.
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Old Jun 17, 2015 | 11:15 PM
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Maybe I didn't read it here and instead got it from fleabay... looking at this listing for a Merc Media Interface Cable w/lightning cable, note that it's for MY13 and up. Why, I don't know?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-OEM-Mercedes-Benz-Media-Interface-Cable-with-Apple-Lightning-Connector-/281638784407?hash=item4192facd97&vxp=mtr
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Old Jun 17, 2015 | 11:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Johnny Rad
Maybe I didn't read it here and instead got it from fleabay... looking at this listing for a Merc Media Interface Cable w/lightning cable, note that it's for MY13 and up. Why, I don't know?

Genuine Mercedes Benz Media Interface Cable with Apple Lightning Connector | eBay
This will legit charge and totally control iPhone via the command... Nice find
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Old Jun 18, 2015 | 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by nycebo
If you have an Android phone capable of benefiting from Qualcomm QC 2.0, then use one of these. It's gets the job done in NO TIME FLAT. Absolutely love it with my HTC One M8.
Thank you kind sir for finding this for me. It is because of you that I just registered to make this thank you post!

I have a QC 2.0 wall charger from Anker, and it is a solid charging device. 18 Watts

Edit: I have the HTC One M8, as well. Can confirm QC 2.0 is bad.***.
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Old Jul 10, 2015 | 10:04 PM
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Thanks for the replies, guys. I tried an adapter cable and was only able to get it to charge, so I returned it to BBY. I picked up the MB cable for $30 shipped on eBay (usually $55-60) so I was thrilled. The SOUND QUALITY IS SO MUCH BETTER. Sorry, I rarely use caps, but the sound quality is soooo much better with the cable compared to bluetooth in this car. I've streamed via bluetooth in several vehicles, but I've never noticed such a night and day difference than on the '13 CLS63.

My only complaint with the MB iPhone lighting connector is that it's so damn short. It's clearly designed to stay inside the center armrest. Maybe a lightning extension will work? Ideas?
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Old Jul 10, 2015 | 10:54 PM
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I don't have an E Class, but I received an OEM Lightning cable with my 2015 C Class, which I thought was nice. Then I decided to look up how much it costs and I was surprised.
The cable is very durable and its thicker than the average cable, but its very short. I like that it has the Mercedes Benz logo on it.


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Old Jul 11, 2015 | 12:40 AM
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https://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...s-arrived.html
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Old Jul 11, 2015 | 12:41 AM
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Originally Posted by wasupdu
Thanks for the replies, guys. I tried an adapter cable and was only able to get it to charge, so I returned it to BBY. I picked up the MB cable for $30 shipped on eBay (usually $55-60) so I was thrilled. The SOUND QUALITY IS SO MUCH BETTER. Sorry, I rarely use caps, but the sound quality is soooo much better with the cable compared to bluetooth in this car. I've streamed via bluetooth in several vehicles, but I've never noticed such a night and day difference than on the '13 CLS63.

My only complaint with the MB iPhone lighting connector is that it's so damn short. It's clearly designed to stay inside the center armrest. Maybe a lightning extension will work? Ideas?
Cable jive lightning extension

Amazon.com

Works perfect
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Old Jan 25, 2020 | 11:31 AM
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Help!

Hi can anyone advise please - I’ve just bought a 2009 SLK200. I’ve got the Bluetooth phone connection working with my iphone but can’t get any music playing through the MI cables. I have a USB one which I plugged in with my iPhone charger and it just says not supported in the media then I have the old type iPod cable with an adapter to fit my iPhone 8 and that doesn’t recognise it at all. Am I missing something ? I’m loath to spend more money but I can’t drive without my music. Thank you

🙏
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Old May 7, 2020 | 08:48 PM
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‘17 E400 4MATIC Wagon, ‘13 ML63 AMG, 1993 Dodge W250LE, 1981 911sc
I have a 2011 E350 4Matic W212 and have the adapter port in my glove box. I know also have an iPhone 11 and need to connect the phone to the car but it needs a new adapter to plug into glove box port. Any lessons here? Thank you!



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