tmillikin

Shopping for a used ML350 2006 - 2008 and it seems none of them have bluetooth installed.

Anyone with any experience getting these upgraded?

Aquaninjay

http://www.mobridgeinc.com/

System installed is going to run approx. $1200 but it gives you bluetooth as well as an iPod/iPhone connection. System has full function from the steering wheel and command center, if you get the multi-disc changer.

aggst1

Is it a diy job to install? Did you install it in yours? If the cost is going to be this high why not go with OEM solution? Is this better than OEM?

am1996

All that you need is a bluetooth module. The official MB module is $495 but is impossible to upgrade and is very limited in the phones that it accepts.

Service advisors at two different local MB dealerships mentioned to us that for that reason a lot of people dislike the MB modules. After hearing that and doing some research, we bough a Viseeo MB-2 for $295, which works beautifully. Just like with the MB one, all that you do is slide it into the bluetooth port and keep it there.

It supports most phones that are out there, transfers your phones' phone books into Comand, so you can dial directly from there, etc...

aggst1

Not much you can do with a Bluetooth module if there is nowhere to plug it into.
The OP is talking about cars with no wiring present. There are a few posts describing the steps involved to accomish this but it is very pricey. Hardware alone is over $1200.

am1996

If that's what the OP meant, then you are absolutely correct.

He said that he can't find cars with "bluetooth installed," which to me means the bluetooth module. All W164 with at least P1 (I am not sure about the base model ones) have the hands free system preinstalled and just need either a bluetooth module or, if you want to plug your phone in, a cradle.

aggst1

I totally disagree. A lot of P1 vehicles don't have the cradle. Especially from 06 and 07

am1996

I don't think that you and I are on the same page.

ALL W164's (2006 and newer) with at least P1 come with an integrated hands-free system. In order to use the system with your phone, you either need a bluetooth module (so that you can connect to the system wirelessly via bluetooth) or a telephone cradle (so that you can plug in your phone into it).

Txhurdle

+1

1996 is correct.

tmillikin

Thank you all for your input!

I have seen a ton of 06's with no prewiring for the phone cradle at all. I have been quoted over $2300 for getting this installed. So those ones cars are out.

I like the option of this non MB unit that seems to have better phonebook options!

aggst1

That has been my point all along but some folks on this thread like to generalize and say things that are NOT true. You bet, a lot of 06 models and other years don't have any wiring present. In this case the owner has to find out what if any pre wiring exists behind the scenes (under the middle armrest compartment) this is best done by calling the dealer and verifying with the database. I have heard from folks that found wires under there but other parts of the wiring were missing. If that level of pre-wiring is there then you have to buy two kits. A core and a completer kit. Also you need to check if the mic for teleaid will work. Some don't.