crbuck

I have a 2011 E350 and would like to set it up to connect with my iphone via bluetooth. I'd like to play music, podcasts, use the phone and Waze, etc. I have seen devices recommended in general such as iClever Himbox HB01 but I have no idea if it is compatible with my auto and/or if there is a better device. Any advice would be much appreciated

cetialpha5

Not sure what you're talking about. In the US, bluetooth is built in. If it's flakey, it may need a firmware update. Mine works fine.

crbuck

My Bluetooth connection does work with my iPhone to make phone calls. But I don’t see how use my iPhone to play music or podcasts over the car’s speakers. Am I missing something?

thanks

cetialpha5

I believe in the menu there's a section to switch to bluetooth audio instead of radio/cd/sat, etc. Does that part not work? There's no android auto in that model year so all you can do is play music and not use Waze or Google maps on the main screen.

Arrie

Bluetooth streaming came 2012 model year, 2011 did not have it and it is not in the selection of audio devices unless you go to engineering menu and enable it.

With enabling it thru engineering menu you then have it in the list of audio devices but it does not work well at all. Has severe issues with connections to phones and to fix this you need a software update.
My first MB was the same as yours and I had this update done to it under warranty. My current car is 2010 E550 and it had the same problems and I had it updated as well. Works flawlessly.

Mercedes used to sell a “box” for these cars that allowed Bluetooth streaming. It was for sale in MB site but I don’t think it is any more. You could go to MB dealer parts department and ask for it and if they do not sell it any more then you could ask them if they would do the software update, which is available and works well.

Now, I assume you are located in the U.S. Elsewhere the engineering menu is different and I do not know if BT can be enabled for streaming at all.

crbuck

Thanks very much. Very helpful. When I get back home in Oct I'll see if dealer will/can do the update. Until then I think I'll buy bluetooth device that connects thru the AUX and gets hidh marks....fingers crossed

thanks again

Luddyludwick

Bluetooth streaming in my 2011 S212 works just fine. It does NOT dictate texts and the like, however, and I'm still getting used to the voice control. It will not display track info if you're using Bluetooth audio, etc., but it will play/pause/advance track with the COMAND dial.

Dantheman80

In my 2011 I stream to mine also!

crbuck

i just installed a iClever Himbox HB01 and it seems to work great.....thanks for all the input....

rockcircus

Glad to hear! No problem with sound leveling comparing to radio/cd?

crbuck

Haven’t used it much yet, but sound seems fine. Had to adjust volume using both phone volume and car volume ....but after that seems good. Heading on a trip Sunday when I’ll get more experience.

Arrie

So you installed it in the glove box where the AUX connection is? Did you need to run power to it or does it get that from the AUX connection?

crbuck

there is a power outlet (cigarett lighter type) in my glove box.......and an aux connector.......so most of the device is in the glove box....