cablvr

When I brought in the GL for the trailer hitch recall, I had them install the amplifier. Part # 204-870-39-94 AMPLIFIER. Installation done in accordance with Bulletin P-B-82.85/597. Cost = -0-. Thanks MBUSA!

iPod performance appears to be richer than before. Bass more pronounced. Clear & crisp.

terp97

Was this a recall or just a simple bulletin fyi and if a owner wants it can have it installed at no cost if we have the iPod integration kit?

cablvr

Terp - not a recall, just something I had read on another forum so I decided to approach the dealer about it. Fortunately, the part was in stock (believed to be a 10 cent part). Dealer must have found a bulletin from MB which justified the warranty coverage. Give it a shot.

terp97

Gave the service advisor the part number and bulletin number this morning since i had droped it off for a ding repair and the silver piece on the passenger door panel was pooping off. So i will let you know if they go the extra mile. My intial thought is no... They have never except for one time covered the brakes all the way around at 15k on my 07 E350 but not surprised considering the miles. HBL Tyson Corner, VA... Stay tuned

stonecliff

I inquired at the dealer about this, as the iPod adapter has been awful since the car was new. The part is $0.12 (I ordered it), but the dealer wasn't able to find the bulletin referenced above.

Any chance you could post a copy of it? If it's not too much work, I would just like to do this myself rather than consume a day at the dealer.

cablvr

I do not have a copy of the bulletin. If you check the other forums, you will find references to at least one DIY.

StevethePilot

Well that stinks!

JDT1

I had the IPOD amplifier installed several months ago at a Dallas dealership at no cost, other than the .10 cent cost for the part. It really makes a significant difference in the sound. I am very pleased.

ima55r2

Where does the amp go? For a free install it must at the end of the ipod plug.

JDT1

Actually, the COMAND system is removed from the dash, and the amp is installed behind it or in the dash. Go to www.mercupgrades.com, which provides all kinds of information on this and other items.

stonecliff

The amplifier is also accessible through the glovebox. There are 5 Torx screws that need to be removed, and the glovebox drops down. The space behind the COMAND module is then accessible from the side. Follow the iPod cord and you will reach the iPod attachment. Just plug in the amplifier and you should be good to go.

Stumblefoot

Stonecliff,

Did you install your amplifier this way?

My dealer says that I didn't need the amplifier, because my iPod control module is the latest version available. They said the TSB was for cars built prior to March '07.

Anyway, they adjusted the AUX volume to the highest setting per the DTB. I asked my SA if he listened to it before they brought the GL back to me and he said they did and it sounded much better. After listening myself, I can immediately tell they adjusted the AUX volume, but it distorts the iPod so bad that it sounds absolutely horrible now.

So, I'm going to do this job myself. But, before I order the part, I just wanted to make sure you gained access for your installation via the glove box.

Thanks.

ima55r2

Just go ahead and get the part.

I went to the dealer yesterday to set up a time for the hitch welding and check if the amp was in stock. The parts guy did a double take at the screen when I asked him the cost and he just went to go get one. The parts cashier looked at the invoice, got a chuckle, used the paid stamp, and pushed my dollar back across the counter. It was the lowest price I ever paid for an OE MB part...worth the experience.

JDT1

My vehicle was built well after March, '07 (Nov. '07). After hearing about the amplifier, I had one istalled, and WOW, what a difference in the sound of the IPOD. No other adjustments were made to anything.

Stumblefoot

Just curious, since it wasn't a warranty issue, what did they charge you for labor to do the install?

stonecliff

I had a May 2007 build, so the problem persisted after that point. When I played the iPod, the volume was much lower than the radio, etc. So when switching from the iPod back to the radio, it was much too loud.

The access is definitely possible through the glovebox. My iPod adapter had double stick tape attached to it, but was just loose in there, so I attached the amplifier directly to the adapter.

There only four Torx 15 screws (not five) that need to be removed. One of the screws is different than the other three, so keep track of which hole it belongs in. The one for the glove box latch does not need to be removed (and will require a little adjustment to get it right again). Also, remove the panel for the fuse box on the right before starting.

When replacing the glove box, be sure to work it a little so the trim is flush on the left. Don't leave a gap over there at all, or the fuse box panel will not reinstall correctly.

It's a pretty quick job. Certainly no more than 30 minutes. Sounds much better now.

terp97

Of course the SA had no idea... so i will purchase the part and have them install. I don't use the ipod a lot because i just play CD's that i make off of itunes and listen to SAT a lot as well. ON long trips i nice to have because of course it all your music that you like.

Thanks everyone...

JDT1

The service dept. rep from my Dallas area dealership, was more than willing to do it at no charge to me, and said they would work it out with Mercedes.
I had the vehicle in for servicing on a couple of other minor issues at the time, none of which involved any dash work.

infamily

I agree . Ours was July 2007 build and the amp made a huge difference.

infamily

We did adjust the volume setting for IPOd in command unit. look for step by step installation instructions that were posted in this forum sometime back.. not that difficult but good to have those instructions handy.

oknish

So anyone found the GL TSB for it that mentions this fix for GLs built prior to March 07? I have a friendly wager with SM at my dealer on it

JDT1

There is a thread started by Floobydust on 12-9-07 that contains a lot of information, including posts dealing with adjusting the volume setting. There are others as well, but this particularly appears to be one containing key information many might find helpful.

kerlyb

OK, so I got the Ipod amplifier as recommended. Tried accessing thru the glove box. I removed the 4 torx screws as suggested by someone on this post...the glove box did not budged. Did I forget something? Please help with the glove box removal.
It's a 2008 if that makes any difference.

kerlyb

Never mind. Found another screw behind the fuse box cover that needed undoing. Box removed but can't get my hand deep enough, behind the command center to get to the Ipod connector...

Anyone know how to remove the command center console?

stonecliff

Try gently pulling the connector cord up to get the iPod device up and out through the hole. Mine was not attached to anything, so it came out easily. And you will want it out anyway to put the amplifier in line between the line out from the iPod device to the COMAND module.