springerfever

Well, I received my Blaupunkt adapter cable today from Crutchfield. I had high hopes for this combination, but still a no-go. The plug fit perfectly into the back of the head-unit, replacing the CD changer cable. Then attached the input RCA jacks to a monster cable with a mini-jack that plugs directly to the IPod. Turned on the IPod and tried to select CD on the head-unit, but it does not recognize the aux input.

Normally..with CD changer hooked up..you scroll from AM>CC>CD>FM1>FM2

with adapter plugged in..CD is no longer an option.I'm pretty frustrated.....seems like I'm so close and I know a direct-in line is going to sound 10X better........so close !!!!!

Wolfgang

You may have to pull the pins #4 to #10 out of the connector and stick them into the new one. There's a special tool for it, but something similar can be made out of a paperclip. Looks like a U which inserted into the slot next to the pins releases them so they can be pulled out.

Or pull the pins #1 to #3 out of the old connector and stick the ones from the new one in there...

Great photos!

springerfever

Just a follow-up on my attempt to hardwire an aux input into my 99 ML430. I tinkered with the Blaupunkt adapter and tried some jumpers to enable the adapter, but no joy.

Looks like i will be returning the adapter to Crutchfield and look at some other options. Right now the only one that looks promising is this :

http://frontiernet.net/~dbipes/SLK/m...pter/index.htm

**** Bipes has a loaner that is currently "checked out". As soon as I get a chance to test it, I will pass along my findings.

So......bottom line is :

If you own a pre-2000 ML320/ML430 with the standard Bose head unit (not MCS) there is currently no option for hardwiring aux input leads in order to enable IPod/MP3 devices. For those who own 2000 ML320/ML430 MCS head unit (not fiber optic) REJOICE.........you have the Blaupunkt adapter for $13.00 !!!

Wolfgang

Did you connect the CD-changer data lines to pins 4 through 10 so the radio changes to CD input?

teddy.w.k

Springerfever, did you ever end up finding a solution? I have a 1998 ML320 and have been using a tape adapter for years. However, one of the gears in the tape player just wore out after so much use (approx 110,000 of 205,000 miles). So, I've been searching for a solution, but I can't find any. I also live in Atlanta, so if you found a local shop that was able to help you out, I could try them as well. Thanks.

fkong777

when I still had the oem nav headunit. I had to make sure the CD changer plays before I unplug it then connect the RCA input cable.

However when ever you disconnect 12v. like dead batt or changing new batt you have to plug the CD changer back in and maker sure it works, unplug it and plug in the RCA cable.

Its not a so plug and play. Get a new head unit. OE radio dont sound that great..

teddy.w.k

fkong777, I don't want to get a new head unit because I'm planning on getting rid of my ML within the year. I'd prefer to use the money it would take to buy a new head unit on something else. Do you know of any other way to make an aux line in for a 1998 ML320?

fkong777

sorry I only had the OEM Nav headunit before. and it works as long as it see the cd changer and hot swap the harness from CD to RCA.

actually new single din headunit can cost as low as $100 installed with 3.5mm aux input in front. remove it when you sell the car. That blaupunkt cable is almost $20 already.

blurrz

http://www.formymercedes.com/mb_resu...ry=MP3+Adapter

I purchased this and it works perfectly for me. i drilled a hole for the aux cable to come up from the tray behind below the headunit and thats where i keep the ipod

DevinI

Ive got a 2000 ML320... how do i confirm i have the right head unit to be able to use this to setup my mp3 player

blurrz

not 100% sure, i would email Jerry at the email address on the site. do you have a bose unit?