Very Disappointed with iPod Int. Kit!
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From: Minneapolis
'03 C320 w/ Steve installed Euro NAV; '01 S430; '04 Jaguar XK8; '06 ML350
Very Disappointed with iPod Int. Kit!
I purchased the ML350 earlier today. The ride/handling (7-speed is great) is definitely excellent considering it’s an SUV. Also, the interior is absolutely beautiful. However, I am really disappointed with the iPod integration kit. I spent an extra $399 for what? Granted, you can search through songs with the steering wheel controls (call/hang up buttons switch to/from menu screens). Yet, there is nothing that shows up in the COMAND screen itself. It simply says “Aux.” In fact, you can’t even switch songs, playlists, albums, or artists on the COMAND in the center console.
One other minor annoyance, it is unable to read Eastern languages though the iPod itself can read/organize Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Does anyone else have the iPod integration kit?
One other minor annoyance, it is unable to read Eastern languages though the iPod itself can read/organize Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Does anyone else have the iPod integration kit?
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From: Las Vegas, NV USA / London, UK
GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Originally Posted by gtownalum81
I purchased the ML350 earlier today. The ride/handling (7-speed is great) is definitely excellent considering it’s an SUV. Also, the interior is absolutely beautiful. However, I am really disappointed with the iPod integration kit. I spent an extra $399 for what? Granted, you can search through songs with the steering wheel controls (call/hang up buttons switch to/from menu screens). Yet, there is nothing that shows up in the COMAND screen itself. It simply says “Aux.” In fact, you can’t even switch songs, playlists, albums, or artists on the COMAND in the center console.
One other minor annoyance, it is unable to read Eastern languages though the iPod itself can read/organize Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Does anyone else have the iPod integration kit?
One other minor annoyance, it is unable to read Eastern languages though the iPod itself can read/organize Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Does anyone else have the iPod integration kit?
However, that's a good tip about the lack of Eastern languages, but I wonder if it supports Western European extended characters.
-s-
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From: Washington, DC
2006 ML 350, 2003 E320, 2006 A6 3.2, 1999 ML320, 2004 GTI
I have the Ipod kit on mine. I don't mind that its not on the main screen. I'm mostly looking at the map anyway. Its pretty cool. Stuff like this is going to make CD players obsolete. I hardly use my 6 disc changer. I'm busy trying to find a way to circumvent MB's hold on the phone system. It probably won't be bluetooth, but if I can find a way to get a connector for a sony ercisson I will be in business.
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From: Las Vegas, NV USA / London, UK
GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Originally Posted by Juaser
I have the Ipod kit on mine. I don't mind that its not on the main screen. I'm mostly looking at the map anyway. Its pretty cool. Stuff like this is going to make CD players obsolete. I hardly use my 6 disc changer. I'm busy trying to find a way to circumvent MB's hold on the phone system. It probably won't be bluetooth, but if I can find a way to get a connector for a sony ercisson I will be in business.
-s-
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From: Washington, DC
2006 ML 350, 2003 E320, 2006 A6 3.2, 1999 ML320, 2004 GTI
p910a. Wouldn't it just depend on the connector? any sony ericsson could fit in the connector if it was the right one. Cradles aside of course.
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From: Minneapolis
'03 C320 w/ Steve installed Euro NAV; '01 S430; '04 Jaguar XK8; '06 ML350
Originally Posted by scorchie
You should have read in these forums that the iPod kit has nothing to do with the COMAND (and your car doesn't even have a COMAND, it has an MCS2). That was reported maybe five-six months ago and confirmed in April.
-s-
-s-
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Originally Posted by scorchie
You should have read in these forums that the iPod kit has nothing to do with the COMAND (and your car doesn't even have a COMAND, it has an MCS2). That was reported maybe five-six months ago and confirmed in April.
-s-
-s-
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From: Las Vegas, NV USA / London, UK
GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon
Well, we're getting down to technicalities, but "MCS" stands for "Modular COMAND System" (p. 504 of Owner's Manual), so it does have COMAND.
Secondly, MCS2 is a follow-on to MCS ... MCS is "modular control system". The change to "COMAND" was at the last minute and a decision by MBUSA marketing (mine actually says "Modular COMAND Cöckpit Management and Data system" ... which is a change for COMAND as well). The MCS2 is definitely not a COMAND as defined by Mercedes-Benz. MCS2 is currently NA-market-only for the M-, C-, CLK-, and R-classes; whereas COMAND is only available in the US on G-, E-, CLS-, S-, SL-, and CL-classes. COMAND is available for the other classes outside of North America.
Try this: use a COMAND DVD navigation disc in your MCS2. Weird how it doesn't work?
-s-
edit: had to add an umlaut to the O so it would not get needlessly censored
Last edited by scorchie; Jun 10, 2005 at 06:57 AM.
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
COMAND in W164
Originally Posted by scorchie
If you are quoting page numbers, you need to quote the version and date of your manual... they change quite frequently.
Secondly, MCS2 is a follow-on to MCS ... MCS is "modular control system". The change to "COMAND" was at the last minute and a decision by MBUSA marketing (mine actually says "Modular COMAND Cöckpit Management and Data system" ... which is a change for COMAND as well). The MCS2 is definitely not a COMAND as defined by Mercedes-Benz. MCS2 is currently NA-market-only for the M-, C-, CLK-, and R-classes; whereas COMAND is only available in the US on G-, E-, CLS-, S-, SL-, and CL-classes. COMAND is available for the other classes outside of North America.
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; Jun 10, 2005 at 10:59 PM.
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From: Northern California
MBs
M-class COMAND
Originally Posted by scorchie
MCS2 is currently NA-market-only for the M-, C-, CLK-, and R-classes...
2006 M-Class (MCS2 COMAND)
2005 C-Class and CLK (NTG-2 COMAND)
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Joined: Oct 2004
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F10 M5
The COMAND on my 05 C230WZ looks exactly like the MCS2 in that picture. The buttons are exactly the same and there is no external slot. When it opens, there are two slots.
I'm pretty sure all 05's are like that.
I have the HK system if that matters.
I'm pretty sure all 05's are like that.
I have the HK system if that matters.
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From: Northern California
MBs
Originally Posted by naidd
The COMAND on my 05 C230WZ looks exactly like the MCS2 in that picture. The buttons are exactly the same and there is no external slot. When it opens, there are two slots.
I'm pretty sure all 05's are like that.
I have the HK system if that matters.
I'm pretty sure all 05's are like that.
I have the HK system if that matters.
MBUSA's build your own section has the wrong picture then. Here's a manual for the 2005 C, CLK and 2006 M-class W164 and R-class W251 COMANDs from Paul's site:
http://phdwebsite.powerpulse.cc/COMA...K%20COMAND.pdf
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From: San Jose, Cali
06 ML350 / 06 C230 6spd
Originally Posted by gtownalum81
I purchased the ML350 earlier today. The ride/handling (7-speed is great) is definitely excellent considering it’s an SUV. Also, the interior is absolutely beautiful. However, I am really disappointed with the iPod integration kit. I spent an extra $399 for what? Granted, you can search through songs with the steering wheel controls (call/hang up buttons switch to/from menu screens). Yet, there is nothing that shows up in the COMAND screen itself. It simply says “Aux.” In fact, you can’t even switch songs, playlists, albums, or artists on the COMAND in the center console.
One other minor annoyance, it is unable to read Eastern languages though the iPod itself can read/organize Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Does anyone else have the iPod integration kit?
One other minor annoyance, it is unable to read Eastern languages though the iPod itself can read/organize Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Does anyone else have the iPod integration kit?
Hi gtownalum81!
Sorry to hear that, but did you know the ML CD changer can play MP3 CDs???? Forget the iPod if you have the Entertainment Package. 6 CDs of MP3 should give you plenty of music for the road. Plus you'll get to see the song names on the Nav screen display.
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
MP3 discs
Originally Posted by Realster
--------------------
Hi gtownalum81!
Plus you'll get to see the song names on the Nav screen display.
Hi gtownalum81!
Plus you'll get to see the song names on the Nav screen display.
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Just got a new 06 ML350 with entertainment pkg and ipod kit. my thoughts:
1. having the ipod hard wired in is a great feature - can't believe more mfgrs/models don't have this yet.
2. ability to integrate ipod into the new 06 ML was a real plus when we compared new suvs
3. having said that, I am a bit disappointed in the ineroperability of the ipod kit. If I just plugged a wire from the ipod to the jack, it's my understanding that I could have then controlled the song/playlist from the ipod itself and had it come through the stereo AUX. With the integration kit, the ipod (although it does charge), is stuck in the glove box and is locked up and can only be controlled through the steering wheel. On that score, the steering wheel controls aren't very intutitive and making changes on the go is a bit of a recipe for a wreck. Once it is running, it is great, but making DJ adjustments on the go is difficult -- and the passenger is left out. The passenger can't really see the screen and definitely can't pick the music. I don't understand why they can't make the dash screen info and steering controls show up on the COMAND (or whatever its new technical name is -- pretty sure i saw it called that somewhere in brochure or manual) unit for either person to access and see.
Considering that is the biggest complaint we have so far with our new 06 ML350, I can't complain. but it seems so obvious that barring a technical impossibility, i can't believe MB didn't make it work through the "COMAND".
1. having the ipod hard wired in is a great feature - can't believe more mfgrs/models don't have this yet.
2. ability to integrate ipod into the new 06 ML was a real plus when we compared new suvs
3. having said that, I am a bit disappointed in the ineroperability of the ipod kit. If I just plugged a wire from the ipod to the jack, it's my understanding that I could have then controlled the song/playlist from the ipod itself and had it come through the stereo AUX. With the integration kit, the ipod (although it does charge), is stuck in the glove box and is locked up and can only be controlled through the steering wheel. On that score, the steering wheel controls aren't very intutitive and making changes on the go is a bit of a recipe for a wreck. Once it is running, it is great, but making DJ adjustments on the go is difficult -- and the passenger is left out. The passenger can't really see the screen and definitely can't pick the music. I don't understand why they can't make the dash screen info and steering controls show up on the COMAND (or whatever its new technical name is -- pretty sure i saw it called that somewhere in brochure or manual) unit for either person to access and see.
Considering that is the biggest complaint we have so far with our new 06 ML350, I can't complain. but it seems so obvious that barring a technical impossibility, i can't believe MB didn't make it work through the "COMAND".
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Comand
[QUOTE=DCdriver]Just got a new 06 ML350 with entertainment pkg and ipod kit. my thoughts:
I don't understand why they can't make the dash screen info and steering controls show up on the COMAND (or whatever its new technical name is -- pretty sure i saw it called that somewhere in brochure or manual)
[QUOTE]
P 504 of Owner's Manual - MCS = Modular COMAND System
I don't understand why they can't make the dash screen info and steering controls show up on the COMAND (or whatever its new technical name is -- pretty sure i saw it called that somewhere in brochure or manual)
[QUOTE]
P 504 of Owner's Manual - MCS = Modular COMAND System
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From: MS Gulf Coast
1997 E320 Sedan
DCdriver I couldn't agree more with your opinion. I actually had to get out the iPod manual in order to firgure out how to switch playlist, etc. It wasn't very intuative at first and can be a recipe for a wreck as you mentioned.
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From: Dallas, TX
2006 ML 500 and 2006 SLK 55 AMG
My ML 500 is finally here. I'm having an after-market rear DVD player installed, so I won't pick the car up until Tuesday. I had planned to have the IPOD integration kit installed. However, based on the feedback in this thread, I told my salesperson that I had changed my mind. My salesperson is saying that the kit, when installed properly, is fully integrated into the steering wheel and the nav screen. I explained that I had heard differently, but he is adamant that he is correct. Can anyone shed further light on this?
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Dealer is mistaken
My dealer (who I believe is a pretty honest guy) also thought that it would show on the main NAV screen. While I may show it to him on my next visit, both the manual that came with the integration kit and the flash animation demo on mb's website show it only on the mini-screen in the center of the gauges -- not on the big nav screen.
In my ML350, when you plug in the ipod, you have to hit audio twice to get to source selection screen, then choose aux. from that point, there are no commands via the nav screen or buttons, only through the steering wheel controls, with playlist and song showing up only on the mini screen. Scrolling songs and volume are easy, it is getting to a playlist that is a recipe for a wreck due to complex button combinations on steering wheel -- not very intuitive.
In my ML350, when you plug in the ipod, you have to hit audio twice to get to source selection screen, then choose aux. from that point, there are no commands via the nav screen or buttons, only through the steering wheel controls, with playlist and song showing up only on the mini screen. Scrolling songs and volume are easy, it is getting to a playlist that is a recipe for a wreck due to complex button combinations on steering wheel -- not very intuitive.
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For people with Ipod Integration Kits Installed. How how is the user interface? Is is just song title display? Can you browse the ipod menus, to search for music by Playlists, Artists, Albums, etc. or can you just browse Playlists? Also is it possible to make song titles scroll? Any first hand info would be appreciated. I am hearing that the controls are difficult to master but I am wondering about if all music related capabilities are present; albeit awkward to navigate.
I almost always just run my iPod using Artists / Album search and not playlists. Not having that functionality would be a major bummer. Also does music pick up where you left off automatically or do you have to access ipod and turn it on when staring car?
Thanks
I almost always just run my iPod using Artists / Album search and not playlists. Not having that functionality would be a major bummer. Also does music pick up where you left off automatically or do you have to access ipod and turn it on when staring car?
Thanks
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A few observations about the iPod kit.
Firstly, It’s great to have it out of the way and in the glove box, but it’s also a pain if you are on a long trip and your wife is not digging what you are playing.
Second, if you get a call on the cell phone (not the MB cell phone just the regular phone) the Mute button on Comand should stop the playing of the song instead of just muting it. You guessed it there is no stop function. My work around is to press the SAT button on Comand, then after the call, go back to Audio.
Third, the play-lists are fine, and after turning off the car and starting back, you don’t lose your place.
I miss how fast the scroll wheel is to get where you want to be, tabbing down on the steering wheel takes forever, if you are going through song lists, for Artist lists it’s much much faster.
Sound quality is vastly superior to just the AUX input.
The cool factor is pretty high.
Overall, if you can swing it get it. It’s a guilty pleasure, but in this car that’s not saying much.
Firstly, It’s great to have it out of the way and in the glove box, but it’s also a pain if you are on a long trip and your wife is not digging what you are playing.
Second, if you get a call on the cell phone (not the MB cell phone just the regular phone) the Mute button on Comand should stop the playing of the song instead of just muting it. You guessed it there is no stop function. My work around is to press the SAT button on Comand, then after the call, go back to Audio.
Third, the play-lists are fine, and after turning off the car and starting back, you don’t lose your place.
I miss how fast the scroll wheel is to get where you want to be, tabbing down on the steering wheel takes forever, if you are going through song lists, for Artist lists it’s much much faster.
Sound quality is vastly superior to just the AUX input.
The cool factor is pretty high.
Overall, if you can swing it get it. It’s a guilty pleasure, but in this car that’s not saying much.
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2006 COMAND Tweaks ??
I was wondering if anyone knows, if at all possible, ways to tweak
the COMAND system that came with 2006 models (mine's a ML350).
Tweaks like supporting Unicode display (Japanese language ..etc.),
changing of backgrounds ..etc.
Thanks!
the COMAND system that came with 2006 models (mine's a ML350).
Tweaks like supporting Unicode display (Japanese language ..etc.),
changing of backgrounds ..etc.
Thanks!
