E300 and Ipod integration
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 18
From: Orlando, FL
'17 E300
E300 and Ipod integration
I just took delivery of my E300 last week and I'm a little disappointed with the iPod integration. My 2014 E350 had a cable that plugged into my iPod and the search functions would let me find music by any of the categories that the iPod uses, ie. Album, Artist, Track, etc.
In the E300 I connect the iPod via a regular Apple iPod to USB cable. With this arrangement, COMAND shows the categories on the iPod but they're not searchable, either manually or via voice. To find a track that that started with a 'W' I'd have to scroll through almost 24K songs!!
It looks like the E300 COMAND system just recognizes the iPod as a 160GB hard drive... nothing more.
Has anyone come up with a better way of accessing large amounts of music?
I love the car, but am disappointed with some aspects of MBs technical implementations.
In the E300 I connect the iPod via a regular Apple iPod to USB cable. With this arrangement, COMAND shows the categories on the iPod but they're not searchable, either manually or via voice. To find a track that that started with a 'W' I'd have to scroll through almost 24K songs!!
It looks like the E300 COMAND system just recognizes the iPod as a 160GB hard drive... nothing more.
Has anyone come up with a better way of accessing large amounts of music?
I love the car, but am disappointed with some aspects of MBs technical implementations.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 642
Likes: 227
From: Charlotte, NC
2024 E450 AT Wagon, 2024 EQS450+ / Had: 2021 E350, 2019 E300, 2021 + 20 GLE350, 2019 E450 Wagon(s)
Bobby, I am having a better experience with the iPod integration. I am able to search by track name, artist, genre and album. For voice searches, I use the suggested prompt that comes up... "search for music by John Legend..." for example, and I get a list of his songs from my iPod. My vehicle sees it as an iPod and identifies it as such - if it helps, mine is plugged into port 1 in the center console, not the port next to the wireless charging mat. Also, it is an ancient iPod with a cracked screen, so there's nothing special about the iPod itself. I think there is hope - they did not go backward in terms of iPod integration...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 18
From: Orlando, FL
'17 E300
Not working for me no matter what USB port I plug it in. Playlists show up, track lists, etc. But NO search capability. If I use a voice command it just comes back to me with no results.
I'm using the last model of iPod that had a hard drive (don't know what gen that is), and I don't see any option on there to index the iPod or anything like that
This kind of makes the iPod useless unless I want the E300 to do a random play.
I'm using the last model of iPod that had a hard drive (don't know what gen that is), and I don't see any option on there to index the iPod or anything like that
This kind of makes the iPod useless unless I want the E300 to do a random play.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 6
From: Victoria, Australia
2021 GLC300 SUV, 2023 GLC43 Coupe
I have an old iphone4s plugged into the USB port in the centre console, the one next to the one for Apple CarPlay. I can access and search for everything artists, playlists etc without a problem. I'm in Australia 2017 E200 AMG line.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 326
From: A Dutchy Living in Marseille, France
EQE SUV AMG-line 350+
as far as I know (or at least here in Europe) you need the ipod connection option:
you get aspecial connection with 3 or 4 cables to connect your devices.
without this your ipod functions just like any other USB device that's been plugged in.
see here at the bottom of the page:
https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehic...-entertainment
you get aspecial connection with 3 or 4 cables to connect your devices.
without this your ipod functions just like any other USB device that's been plugged in.
see here at the bottom of the page:
https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehic...-entertainment
Last edited by Egonvdv; Mar 2, 2017 at 11:25 AM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 18
From: Orlando, FL
'17 E300
I'm wondering if the COMAND system needs to build an index of the iPod. If so, how long does that process take? I've got about 28k songs on the iPod.
I'm thinking of deleting everything on it, then only loading a few albums and see if that resolves the issue.
I'm thinking of deleting everything on it, then only loading a few albums and see if that resolves the issue.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 18
From: Orlando, FL
'17 E300
Cleared off my iPod and put about 10 albums on it... maybe 100 - 150 tracks. Search function popped up after about 10 seconds of the iPod being connected so there must be some kind of indexing going on that COMAND performs. Just not efficiently.
Moral of the story... don't put 28k songs on an iPod and expect search to work.
Moral of the story... don't put 28k songs on an iPod and expect search to work.
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20 GLE on order, 17 GLC 300 4M, Ducati 1299R
Yes, it does index the iPod, takes a while too if you have a lot of tracks.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 18
From: Orlando, FL
'17 E300
i gave up on trying to get my 160gb iPod to work correctly with the E300. It wouldn't index all 25K+ songs on the iPod(at least in a reasonable time) and the iPod kept freezing up, needing rebooting.
I picked up a Lexar 512gb SSD drive at Costco yesterday for $124. Using an app from the Mac app store (Export for ITunes) I was able to export all 32,000 tracks from my iTunes library to the SSD. Connected it to the E300 and it started indexing, which took about 10 minutes. Everything works fine from that point. Search functions work, no moving parts, little heat buildup, etc.
So if you have a large iTunes library you want to carry with you I'd suggest dumping the iPod and going with a solid state solution.
I picked up a Lexar 512gb SSD drive at Costco yesterday for $124. Using an app from the Mac app store (Export for ITunes) I was able to export all 32,000 tracks from my iTunes library to the SSD. Connected it to the E300 and it started indexing, which took about 10 minutes. Everything works fine from that point. Search functions work, no moving parts, little heat buildup, etc.
So if you have a large iTunes library you want to carry with you I'd suggest dumping the iPod and going with a solid state solution.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: SE North Carolina
2017 E 300, Toyota Land Cruiser
i gave up on trying to get my 160gb iPod to work correctly with the E300. It wouldn't index all 25K+ songs on the iPod(at least in a reasonable time) and the iPod kept freezing up, needing rebooting.
I picked up a Lexar 512gb SSD drive at Costco yesterday for $124. Using an app from the Mac app store (Export for ITunes) I was able to export all 32,000 tracks from my iTunes library to the SSD. Connected it to the E300 and it started indexing, which took about 10 minutes. Everything works fine from that point. Search functions work, no moving parts, little heat buildup, etc.
So if you have a large iTunes library you want to carry with you I'd suggest dumping the iPod and going with a solid state solution.
I picked up a Lexar 512gb SSD drive at Costco yesterday for $124. Using an app from the Mac app store (Export for ITunes) I was able to export all 32,000 tracks from my iTunes library to the SSD. Connected it to the E300 and it started indexing, which took about 10 minutes. Everything works fine from that point. Search functions work, no moving parts, little heat buildup, etc.
So if you have a large iTunes library you want to carry with you I'd suggest dumping the iPod and going with a solid state solution.
Joe
Newbie
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2014 E350 4matic Sedan - Body type W213
I am the owner of a 2014 E350 and no matter what I have tried, I cannot get COMAND to detect my 2007 iPOD, which opens seamlessly on other vehicles. I bought an MMI cable that connects to the iPod, and that cable is useless. Doesn't charge the iPod nor does COMAND recognize the device. Then I connected with the 30PIN USB connection cable, and the iPod charges but COMAND cannot identify/detect the device (not as an auxillary, storage device) etc. Very frustrating. May need to bring in to the Dealer to see what the issue is, unless the COMAND System somehow needs updating or a "smarter" cable to recognize iPod. Did your iPod connect by merely connecting to the USB cable? I have pretty much tried everything. Grant
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 18
From: Orlando, FL
'17 E300
On my prior 2014 E350 my iPod connected using the big cable that came with the car. It had the old 30 pin(I think) iPod connector that Apple used to use on older iPods. Everything worked fine but the iPod needed rebooting every few days for some reason.
With the E300 i connected the iPod with a USB - 30 pin cable. Took forever for it to index all the songs into COMAND so I switched to using an SSD drive connected to the USB and everything works 'ok' now. Still takes about 5 or 6 minutes to index about 28K songs.
Best connectivity is using my iPhone and Apple Car Play via USB - Lightning cable. That works all the time, every time. Just can't fit 28k songs on my iPhone
With the E300 i connected the iPod with a USB - 30 pin cable. Took forever for it to index all the songs into COMAND so I switched to using an SSD drive connected to the USB and everything works 'ok' now. Still takes about 5 or 6 minutes to index about 28K songs.
Best connectivity is using my iPhone and Apple Car Play via USB - Lightning cable. That works all the time, every time. Just can't fit 28k songs on my iPhone
Newbie
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2014 E350 4matic Sedan - Body type W213
Cable that came with car
Bobby: Thanks for the reply. I bought the vehicle used, so no cable came with my car. However I have the required 30 PIN cables (a variety of both old and new ones) and it seems, based on your experience, that the iPod should still plug and play. Irrespective of the rebooting issue that you describe. I am going to bring the vehicle in to the Dealer tomorrow and see if they can do a diagnostic of some sort. Perhaps there is a problem with the Comand unit itself. Something is just not right. Grant
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,236
Likes: 162
From: DFW
2022 E350 Diamond White Metallic, 2016 GLC300 Dakota Brown Metallic
My iPhone does not work with cable to USB on my c class. You have to use Bluetooth. I have a separate. iPod interface that does work with cable.
Newbie
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2014 E350 4matic Sedan - Body type W213
iPod
Thanks. Unfortunately the iPod Gen 6 is not equipped with Bluetooth. I am not totally clear on the iPod interface that is referenced, unless this was installed aftermarket or represents some type of software upgrade to the COMAND systems on 2014 vehicles. I am going to have a long conversation with the local dealer tomorrow to sort this out.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
E300
Just took delivery of W213 E220 amg line Prem+ Previously had the w212 E300 Hybrid and that worked fine with my 160gb iPod with the big black chunky Merc connection but this new one totally sucks a camel ***, tried both USB ports and they both make the iPod freeze up after about 5 songs on a playlist and you have to reset the pod, 5this is some poor **** from Merc. Not only that but the Messages function under Phone says not compatible with phone?? So how come my iPhone 6 works in a 2014 and my other 2015 W212 E220 but doesn't work in my latest W213? Don't want to use CarPlay as the sat Nav looks **** poor and I'd rather have access to the media in the USB than a free Spotify account
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
E300
sounds like the designated old big black chuncky interface from the old E Class, this has been replaced by two USB'S and an SD card in the arm rest glovebox in the latest W213 and the Night Edition W212 as there is no longer an SD or DVD/Cd drive in the dashboard
Super Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 620
Likes: 65
From: Florida
2018 E300 Luxury - P3 and more
I picked up a Lexar 512gb SSD drive at Costco yesterday for $124. Using an app from the Mac app store (Export for ITunes) I was able to export all 32,000 tracks from my iTunes library to the SSD. Connected it to the E300 and it started indexing, which took about 10 minutes. Everything works fine from that point. Search functions work, no moving parts, little heat buildup, etc.
So if you have a large iTunes library you want to carry with you I'd suggest dumping the iPod and going with a solid state solution.
So if you have a large iTunes library you want to carry with you I'd suggest dumping the iPod and going with a solid state solution.
Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 200
Likes: 53
2017 E300 Sport
Unfortunately the problem with the 10-minutes required to index 32,000 songs is that the car will index EVERY TIME you start it -- not just once. Why? I have no idea. But this means you have no access to voice or typed-in music searches for the first ten minutes every time you get in the car. However you CAN scroll directly to a song, album, folder (I use folders like playlists), etc and play it right away. And of course you can also just listed to the radio for the first ten minutes.
I have about 5,000 tracks and that takes about 4 minutes to index - every time.
I have about 5,000 tracks and that takes about 4 minutes to index - every time.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
E 300
can i do both?
Dear All i am new here, i have the E 300 2017, and i have been searching all over for a solution that allows me to play my music from my iPod touch, or from a USB flash drive, while still using my Iphone connected to apple CarPlay.
i am not the kind of person who puts all his music collection on to the iPhone, besides memory issues, even the highest capacity i phone won't hold all of my favorite music library.
once the Iphone is connected, i can't play any music except via the Iphone, when i reach for the media on the menu i am only allowed to chose between CarPlay with my iPhone or just radio.
any suggestions that can allow me to use my iPod or a USB flash drive for that matter, for music at the same time while using my iPhone for maps, calls and SMS via CarPlay?
i am not the kind of person who puts all his music collection on to the iPhone, besides memory issues, even the highest capacity i phone won't hold all of my favorite music library.
once the Iphone is connected, i can't play any music except via the Iphone, when i reach for the media on the menu i am only allowed to chose between CarPlay with my iPhone or just radio.
any suggestions that can allow me to use my iPod or a USB flash drive for that matter, for music at the same time while using my iPhone for maps, calls and SMS via CarPlay?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 326
From: A Dutchy Living in Marseille, France
EQE SUV AMG-line 350+
Dear All i am new here, i have the E 300 2017, and i have been searching all over for a solution that allows me to play my music from my iPod touch, or from a USB flash drive, while still using my Iphone connected to apple CarPlay.
i am not the kind of person who puts all his music collection on to the iPhone, besides memory issues, even the highest capacity i phone won't hold all of my favorite music library.
once the Iphone is connected, i can't play any music except via the Iphone, when i reach for the media on the menu i am only allowed to chose between CarPlay with my iPhone or just radio.
any suggestions that can allow me to use my iPod or a USB flash drive for that matter, for music at the same time while using my iPhone for maps, calls and SMS via CarPlay?
i am not the kind of person who puts all his music collection on to the iPhone, besides memory issues, even the highest capacity i phone won't hold all of my favorite music library.
once the Iphone is connected, i can't play any music except via the Iphone, when i reach for the media on the menu i am only allowed to chose between CarPlay with my iPhone or just radio.
any suggestions that can allow me to use my iPod or a USB flash drive for that matter, for music at the same time while using my iPhone for maps, calls and SMS via CarPlay?
I replied here
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...usly-w213.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 326
From: A Dutchy Living in Marseille, France
EQE SUV AMG-line 350+
EDIT; it's working again 
***
I can no longer search music via voice control. It worked before, but now it says that it's loading the data (free translation from french)
(iPod classic via USB)
I did reload the ipod from scratch, but that's been 3 days, so doubt the car is still indexing...
anyone else have this problem too?
***
I can no longer search music via voice control. It worked before, but now it says that it's loading the data (free translation from french)
(iPod classic via USB)
I did reload the ipod from scratch, but that's been 3 days, so doubt the car is still indexing...
anyone else have this problem too?
Last edited by Egonvdv; Aug 24, 2017 at 01:05 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 474
Likes: 110
From: Texas, Northern VA
Porsche Cayman S, Mercedes W213, Nissan Titan, BMW X5, Chevrolet Suburban
I have a different variation. I use a blackberry phone with a hotspot. I have an iPod Touch 32g and I have several streaming apps. With the hotspot the touch can stream live music. What must I do so that the iPod can stream Spotify in the car using just the USB port? I can do it it in the house or if I connect via Bluetooth. But if I use Bluetooth then I can’t have the phone connected. I’d like to be able to leave the iPod in the car and just press play when I drive off. This works fine in our BMWs.
Last edited by CarFan1; Nov 25, 2018 at 10:08 PM.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 78
From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
I just took delivery of my E300 last week and I'm a little disappointed with the iPod integration. My 2014 E350 had a cable that plugged into my iPod and the search functions would let me find music by any of the categories that the iPod uses, ie. Album, Artist, Track, etc.
In the E300 I connect the iPod via a regular Apple iPod to USB cable. With this arrangement, COMAND shows the categories on the iPod but they're not searchable, either manually or via voice. To find a track that that started with a 'W' I'd have to scroll through almost 24K songs!!
It looks like the E300 COMAND system just recognizes the iPod as a 160GB hard drive... nothing more.
Has anyone come up with a better way of accessing large amounts of music?
I love the car, but am disappointed with some aspects of MBs technical implementations.
In the E300 I connect the iPod via a regular Apple iPod to USB cable. With this arrangement, COMAND shows the categories on the iPod but they're not searchable, either manually or via voice. To find a track that that started with a 'W' I'd have to scroll through almost 24K songs!!
It looks like the E300 COMAND system just recognizes the iPod as a 160GB hard drive... nothing more.
Has anyone come up with a better way of accessing large amounts of music?
I love the car, but am disappointed with some aspects of MBs technical implementations.
