What are the components I need to have the Mercedes carkit to work in my car? I have a 2001 C320 w/o COMAND. The parts I just purchased were the TImeport phone, cradle, cradle cable, and the PSC unit. Am I missing anything?

 

Yeah, you're missing the linear compensator, the booster, the antenna splitter, the D2B fiber-optic cable for the PSE unit, and maybe a few other things. Why didn't you buy the phone kit from the dealer? Everything comes in one box.

 

Because it was $300. Have any idea what the rough cost would be for the pieces I'm missing?

 

No idea

 

The linear compensator costs approximately $300.00, the antenna switch (it's a switch not a splitter for all Mercedes except the SL-Class) costs approximately $105.00, and the PSE/Compensator cable costs approximately $72.00. Then you'll need the installation bracket for the PSE, Compensator and Antenna Switch costing approximately $38.50. I got these prices today from Clairparts.com (Clair Parts Express: (617) 469-1019, 1-800-354-5100) for a phone installation project I am doing on my Mercedes. You may find them priced higher or lower where you're located, but those parts, without whatever screws you'll need will cost you an estimated total of $515.50.

The value of the parts that you have, based on original retail, is approximately $1,195.00 ($495 for the phone, $200 for the cradle kit, and $500* + or - for the PSE). Not bad for a $300 investment.

Dick Gleason

*based on quotes I have gotten from Mercedes dealers on the cost of a basic install kit at $800. This kit includes the PSE, the compensator, and some basic hardware (screws and things, I think). So $800 - $300 for the compensator equals $500 (approximate).

 

Hey Dick...

Can I puirchase all the parts from them and do an install myself?

 

I have yet to do it. I have done a lot of research but that's all. Pulling the right hand trunk liner off -- that's where the controller setup goes in my C240 -- and installing the phone hardware seems relatively simple as does installing the phone cradle and hooking all exposed wires to their connectors. You do have to tie the D2B connector into the fiber loop, which I believe is a bit more complicated then screwing the parts onto a support stud and plugging in wires. But can you do it, maybe!