Bluetooth & IPOD Adapter
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2013 GL 450
Bluetooth & IPOD Adapter
I have a really newbie question...but my car is a week old and I haven't gotten thru the manual yet (too busy chroming!).
Anyway, I got all the options on my 550, including bluetooth and ipod adapter. But the dealer told me I have to buy something separate for my cell phone to work. He gave me the phone number for some place to call and get a chip that will go into the adapter and enable bluetooth. Does this make any sense? I would have thought that everything would have come ready to connect my phone. Do you need a separate adapter everytime you change phones? Sorry if this is a silly question.
IPOD. Are there any wires or is the capability just built into the head unit? How do you physcally connect the ipod (where, etc.). I know this must be a stupid question.
Anyway, I got all the options on my 550, including bluetooth and ipod adapter. But the dealer told me I have to buy something separate for my cell phone to work. He gave me the phone number for some place to call and get a chip that will go into the adapter and enable bluetooth. Does this make any sense? I would have thought that everything would have come ready to connect my phone. Do you need a separate adapter everytime you change phones? Sorry if this is a silly question.
IPOD. Are there any wires or is the capability just built into the head unit? How do you physcally connect the ipod (where, etc.). I know this must be a stupid question.
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 216
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From: Texas
'08 GL 320CDI
Regarding the IPOD connection, there should be a cable in your glovebox with an IPOD connector on the end of it. Plug in the IPOD, turn it on, turn on the Command unit, press the Audio button and press the AUX soft key (button). You should have received an Operator's Manual iPOD integration kit from your dealer.
Regarding the bluetooth feature, you need the MB Cradle adaptor with wireless technology that unfortunately costs around $400 (maybe cheaper online). Once installed in the cradle of your armrest and is set up, it allows you to keep your cell phone with you or laying in the vehicle, eliminating the need to connect it in any way. I believe I read where up to four cell phones can be programmed with this adaptor, although I think only one can be used at a time. I agree, you would think the vehicle would already be equipped with the needed equipment for bluetooth capabilities, but MB will get you any way they can with their add-ons. Good luck and congrats on your new toy. Enjoy it.
Regarding the bluetooth feature, you need the MB Cradle adaptor with wireless technology that unfortunately costs around $400 (maybe cheaper online). Once installed in the cradle of your armrest and is set up, it allows you to keep your cell phone with you or laying in the vehicle, eliminating the need to connect it in any way. I believe I read where up to four cell phones can be programmed with this adaptor, although I think only one can be used at a time. I agree, you would think the vehicle would already be equipped with the needed equipment for bluetooth capabilities, but MB will get you any way they can with their add-ons. Good luck and congrats on your new toy. Enjoy it.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2013 GL 450
JDT1, thanks for the clarification.
If anyone knows of a place online to get the bluetooth module at a reasonable price, please post.
I have to go look for that IPOD adapter now because I didn't see it when I looked in the glove box (quickly). Not sure I would have missed it though in that smal glove box!
If anyone knows of a place online to get the bluetooth module at a reasonable price, please post.
I have to go look for that IPOD adapter now because I didn't see it when I looked in the glove box (quickly). Not sure I would have missed it though in that smal glove box!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 297
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
2014 GL 350 blue tec
JDT1, thanks for the clarification.
If anyone knows of a place online to get the bluetooth module at a reasonable price, please post.
I have to go look for that IPOD adapter now because I didn't see it when I looked in the glove box (quickly). Not sure I would have missed it though in that smal glove box!
If anyone knows of a place online to get the bluetooth module at a reasonable price, please post.
I have to go look for that IPOD adapter now because I didn't see it when I looked in the glove box (quickly). Not sure I would have missed it though in that smal glove box!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2013 GL 450
It sounds like I didn't buy the bluetooth adapter. The only items I purchased were all the available options on the car. I didn't buy any bluetooth "accessories". If the adapter came in any of the option packages then I should have it, if not, then I definitely have to go out and purchsae it, which seems silly.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
JDT1, thanks for the clarification.
If anyone knows of a place online to get the bluetooth module at a reasonable price, please post.
I have to go look for that IPOD adapter now because I didn't see it when I looked in the glove box (quickly). Not sure I would have missed it though in that smal glove box!
If anyone knows of a place online to get the bluetooth module at a reasonable price, please post.
I have to go look for that IPOD adapter now because I didn't see it when I looked in the glove box (quickly). Not sure I would have missed it though in that smal glove box!
http://www.wireless4mb.com/
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 181
Likes: 2
E320 & GL450
Regarding the IPOD connection, there should be a cable in your glovebox with an IPOD connector on the end of it. Plug in the IPOD, turn it on, turn on the Command unit, press the Audio button and press the AUX soft key (button). You should have received an Operator's Manual iPOD integration kit from your dealer.
Regarding the bluetooth feature, you need the MB Cradle adaptor with wireless technology that unfortunately costs around $400 (maybe cheaper online). Once installed in the cradle of your armrest and is set up, it allows you to keep your cell phone with you or laying in the vehicle, eliminating the need to connect it in any way. I believe I read where up to four cell phones can be programmed with this adaptor, although I think only one can be used at a time. I agree, you would think the vehicle would already be equipped with the needed equipment for bluetooth capabilities, but MB will get you any way they can with their add-ons. Good luck and congrats on your new toy. Enjoy it.
Regarding the bluetooth feature, you need the MB Cradle adaptor with wireless technology that unfortunately costs around $400 (maybe cheaper online). Once installed in the cradle of your armrest and is set up, it allows you to keep your cell phone with you or laying in the vehicle, eliminating the need to connect it in any way. I believe I read where up to four cell phones can be programmed with this adaptor, although I think only one can be used at a time. I agree, you would think the vehicle would already be equipped with the needed equipment for bluetooth capabilities, but MB will get you any way they can with their add-ons. Good luck and congrats on your new toy. Enjoy it.
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 800
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From: Southern California
2014 GL 450
iPod Adapter
OK, I finally joined the 21st century and bought an iPod Nano today. I didn't get the iPod adapter when I bought the GL. I know I can buy it from the dealership & have it installed, but my question is, is it worth it or should I buy an aftermarket kit that transmits over an FM radio station?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,548
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From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by Newbie_2_MB
OK, I finally joined the 21st century and bought an iPod Nano today. I didn't get the iPod adapter when I bought the GL. I know I can buy it from the dealership & have it installed, but my question is, is it worth it or should I buy an aftermarket kit that transmits over an FM radio station?
Are you planning to leave the iPod in the car or you planning to carry it with you when you leave the car? Mine stays in the car (so I can buy a new one, please, don't tell wife) so an iPod kit is good for me. But if you plan on taking it with you then FM transmitter is better. However, in LA with the busy FM spectrum that we have, you won't get great sound quality and you will hear static occasionally. You can go with a high price transmitter but will still have some sound quality deterioration. I have some FM transmitters laying around if you want to try before you buy.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 800
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
2014 GL 450
Welcome to the new century, Jen Are you planning to leave the iPod in the car or you planning to carry it with you when you leave the car? Mine stays in the car (so I can buy a new one, please, don't tell wife) so an iPod kit is good for me. But if you plan on taking it with you then FM transmitter is better. However, in LA with the busy FM spectrum that we have, you won't get great sound quality and you will hear static occasionally. You can go with a high price transmitter but will still have some sound quality deterioration. I have some FM transmitters laying around if you want to try before you buy.
Are you planning to leave the iPod in the car or you planning to carry it with you when you leave the car? Mine stays in the car (so I can buy a new one, please, don't tell wife) so an iPod kit is good for me. But if you plan on taking it with you then FM transmitter is better. However, in LA with the busy FM spectrum that we have, you won't get great sound quality and you will hear static occasionally. You can go with a high price transmitter but will still have some sound quality deterioration. I have some FM transmitters laying around if you want to try before you buy.I may take you up on the FM transmitter option, if you don't mind, and try that route.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,046
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
I'll probably take it out of the car when I get home, as my justification for buying it was to have it in our Jacuzzi "house". We have an AM/FM/CD player in there right now, but we always forget to bring a new CD out (it's a bit of a walk from the house out to the Jacuzzi area!) and end up listening to the same old CD. So, I bought the Nano and the iHome To Go system and will use that in place of the AM/FM/CD thing.
I may take you up on the FM transmitter option, if you don't mind, and try that route.
I may take you up on the FM transmitter option, if you don't mind, and try that route.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
2008 C350
+1. Do they make them in Capri Blue?
As for your dilemma...I would suggest going the route of the MB iPod adapter. I have tried the FM transmitters, but the audio quality is junk depending on where you are.
As for your dilemma...I would suggest going the route of the MB iPod adapter. I have tried the FM transmitters, but the audio quality is junk depending on where you are.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 800
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
2014 GL 450
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 800
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
2014 GL 450
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Texas
'08 GL 320CDI
OK, I finally joined the 21st century and bought an iPod Nano today. I didn't get the iPod adapter when I bought the GL. I know I can buy it from the dealership & have it installed, but my question is, is it worth it or should I buy an aftermarket kit that transmits over an FM radio station?
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: West suburbs of Chicago
2008 S-550 AMG, 2008 GL450, 2005 Ford F-350, 1998 Bentley Turbo R, 1962 Bentley s-3 Saloon,
I plugged in my I-Pod to my GL yesterday and the sound was not great and very low volume so when I switched back to other audio like FM or satelite the sound was sooooo loud had to turn it down, It also sounded like it was playing Mono on some songs with most of the sound coming from the left side speakers, I tried balance and fade but it was just not much volume at all. What am I doing wrong?
John
John
