Tex260Z

Hi guys & gals,
I have a 2006 ML320 with Harmon Kardon sound system, and it has the old iPod connector in the glove box.
I was wondering if anyone had tried one of these on that setup: https://www.gadgets4geeks.com.au/blu...connector-port



Pretty sure it has built in DAC so theoretically should work.

EWT

I used a similar device on my GL and it worked well for streaming music. You need the bluetooth adapter that plugs into the armrest compartment to do phone calls. My only complaint with the streaming adapter is that it comes on every time a door is opened so if anyone opened the car door in the garage, my phone would drop whatever it was connected to and connect to the car. Good, cheap way to add BT audio to the factory stereo.

Tex260Z

Thanks for that, I will give it a go.
Yes I have the Merc BT, luckily I rarely receive calls, and ML is just a tug for the caravan.

Tex260Z

Ok, been laid up crook for a few days, however, received the BT module and tried it out in the ML, nothing, not even a blue flashing light, tried it on a BOSE 30 pin iPod dock player, same result.
So I have asked the opinion of the retailer, and they came back and asked if either or both of those devices have built in DAC, (I was aware it was a requirement).
I have been through the COMAND manual and the only thing I can find is reference to MP3's Scan rate "The analogue-to-digital converter converts the samples into digital samples", that seems the wrong way round to me.
The other thing I discovered is that apparently iPods ( I still have a working Nano Gen3) has a built in DAC, whilst the the COMAND Harmon Kardon system could still have a DAC, I somehow doubt it?
Having said all that I still find it strange that I didn't even get a pairing light signal?

Tex260Z

Supplier provided this: "If your system has a 3.5mm auxiliary port for audio input then we do stock this Bluetooth receiver as an alternative."
https://www.gadgets4geeks.com.au/epa...bjectID=981655

I see two cables connected to the 30 pin plug, is one of them from the "Aux" port, or is that seperate?

Oh and BTW I also have the CD stacker installed.
So I just dug out the 30 pin connector to have a good look in the glove box for any other plug, nothing seen. However, I am now really confused because I cannot identify what this connector really is???
Thought it was a DIY at first but it sure looks manufactured to me.

Anyone seen this type before?

Tex260Z

Anyone thing this might work?

Tex260Z

No one?

manwhatadork

I used a "Bovee tune2air Wireless Car Kit for AUDI, VW, MB - Music Interface Adaptor for in car iPod Integration (WMA3000A AMI/MDI/MMI connector)" for a number of years and I was always satisfied with it, considering it was a third party solution. Like one other person mentioned it would turn on when a door was opened so it would grab the connection from the iPhone. A tiny bit annoying but I got used to it. Installation was as simple as unplugging the little iPod 30-pin dongle from inside the glove box and plugging the Bovee unit into its place. Takes about 15 seconds. Connect to Bluetooth and then select,Media Interface on the radio as the input. I am pretty sure that was the name.

I dealt with this setup for years, and it worked fine, until my wife got a car with CarPlay and I just could not live without it in my car. I replaced the whole COMAND radio unit with a Sony XAV-9500ES and really could not be happier with my decision. It looks amazing and works amazing. But it is like 20 times more expensive :-)

Here is the Bovee unit:


Here is the Sony unit:

https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/...een/xav-9500es

v12cat

I've tried to use an ipod to bluetooth receiver. The unit needs to work with the original 12v charging apple interface. Later 30 pin ipods / phones used 5v charging and a lot of these adaptors only work with the later type. The one I bought wouldn't work as it received no 5v power. There is apparently a later MB lead available that will provide 5V but they are extremely difficult to find. In the end I used one of these. Requires some basic wiring but works perfectly. I wired it into the cigarette lighter power.

Tex260Z

Thanks guys,

The Bovee unit looks great, importantly has a built in DAC, but I don't think it will work for me, all I have is an iPod plug in the glove box, and I don't think the Bovee will plug into that?

COMAND NTG2 iPod connector

Music Receiver Car kit, Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter Module, 12Pin currently unavailable, and also not compatible with NTG2 I believe.

The experts tell me the https://www.fiio.com/btr3K will do the job perfectly, has a built in DAC, just waiting on stock.

Cheers
Tex

manwhatadork

On my 2010 ML the iPod connector had a standard 30 pin connector on one end and the other end is a proprietary connector. That entire cable just gets removed, and the Bovee unit gets plugged into that proprietary connector. Both the original cable and the replacement are only a couple inches long.

Here is the connector and the Bovee unit.

manwhatadork

If you do decide to go the radio replacement method here is the result I got.

Joshinator99

Automatic upvote for George Harrison. 👍

Oh, the screen looks cool too lol!

Tex260Z

Yeah, that's the issue, I don't have the proprietary type plug.

manwhatadork

Thanks lol!

manwhatadork

By chance do you have a line in? Not to beat the CarPlay/Android Auto thing to death, but I see a lot of people getting an external unit with a screen that just mounts on the dash and plugs into line in and gives you a full CarPlay/Android Auto experience.

Tex260Z

Yes that is an option, but not one I'm keen on.
Have to remove the NTG2 and unplug the 30 pin lead that is actually plugged into the NTG2 Aux port.
Purchase a MD Aux port adapter cable, and an adapter for fibre optic.
I will probably get around to fitting an Android (standard fitting) head unit at some point.
Hard to justify big bucks considering I only paid AU$8000 for the car (90.000 Klms.)

Carlinklife

The portable carplay screen is plug-and-play, eliminating the need to disassemble the host. I can sponsor one for free if anyone is interested.

https://carlinklife.com/products/7-5...-screen-player

Tex260Z

This is the NTG2 Aux cable, female to female Aux joiner?
"I can sponsor one for free if anyone is interested" = I'm interested.

Pmarino

Here's what I run.

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...b-adapter.html

Tex260Z

Ok, game over!
Got sick to death of pissing around just trying to steam my own music to the ML, bit the bullet and bought a the new T'EYES CC3 2K.
So far so good, (mostly), only issue I see so far as I can use google maps ok, but I don't like the way it runs a route with Waypoints. When you get to a waypoint it gives a blank green screen, then you have to press the "Back" icon and then continue, probably not legal in my state Victoria Australia under the new Phone laws in cars.
Also it has a built in Voice command, and doesn't work with OK Google, (unless you tap the Google map microphone icon).
Now I only have one question, can I remove the old BT puck? installer says best leave it but i would prefer to have the extra space.

Joshinator99

For what it’s worth, I just bought this adapter off Amazon and it works perfectly. Just over $20 and 30 second “install”:

Tex260Z

Yeah that's the proprietary plug type, not the Apple 32 pin.