IS it possible to install ipod on a 2001 s500.???
thankyou in advance

 

Yes.

You are relatively new to the forum, so I will recommend to you that you use the search tool a bit. This question has been asked a lot, and the solution breaks down into whether you have a D2B or a MOST fiber optics bus. Your model year definitely has a D2B data bus.

You could install the version of the Dension Gateway 500 for the D2B data bus. You can read about the device on the Dension website, http://www.dension.com/ - specifically http://www.dension.com/index.php?pageID=11. Be sure you read about the D2B version. Your COMAND or head unit will not be text capable, so you will not see song titles, only track numbers. The best way to make music selections on the D2B unit is to organize songs by playlist, select one (or select an album or an artist), then use the steering wheel controls to scroll through or change within the playlist. Your volume controls will work, and music will be paused for cell calls, muted for navigation instructions, and resume when either is completed. If you have voice control, it will control the iPod's features that correspond to a tape or CD player that was original to the car.

The D2B installation is pretty simple (unlike the installation for MOST bus where the car has a trunk mounted CD changer). My installation of a MOST unit is at https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...mentation.html - and remember, yours would be much simpler to install (no wiring changes in the trunk). But, you can use the writeup for removal of the COMAND unit and suggestions for positioning things. A second writeup at https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...ml#post2471051 discusses setup and menu operation, but is mainly pointed at the MOST version.

You can download the installation and user manual (and latest firmware) on the Dension site. You may note a Bluetooth adapter (the BTA 1500) and an iPod video adapter mentioned on the site; unfortunately, those are not useable with the D2B version.

 

Hi Skylaw,
I'm new to the forum as well and I have been reading previous discussions for several days now and I think I some basic understanding of the iPod integration.

I recently purchased a 2002 S500 with MCS and CDC in trunk and believe I need the " Gateway Lite GWL1DB1" unit to get my iPod integrated.

I know with this unit I will get steering controls etc, but no text display. My question is on the D2B versus MOST system/connection - how do I know which one my car has? And, will the GWL1DB1 work either way? There's a GWL1DB1 unit on eBay for $300.

The forum has helped tremendously, thanks in advance and please keep up the great work!

 

Check the phone bulletins for your car at http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsit..._bulletins.htm - the bulletin will tell you on the first page what kind of system you have, by saying "D2B fiber optic notes," or "MOST fiber optic notes." I can tell you, your '02 has a D2B fiber optic bus.

I was about to tell you to check the Dension compatibility tables, but I note that NO S-Class is listed as compatible for any of their products. That has not been true in the past, and I note that the GWL1DB1 is listed as compatible with all E-Class head units, which would include COMAND, from '99 through '02. The COMAND units for E-Class and S-Class have largely been the same. Also, when described by name, the unit is shown on one page as being for MOST and D2B; but when shown by number, it is for MOST only. My guess is they were 2 separate versions. You cannot substitute a D2B unit for a MOST unit, or vice-versa. Equipment designed for one bus is not compatible with the other.

I do not see any S-Class on the compatibility list.

So Dension has confused the issue significantly for the time being; I suggest you call a retailer and see which units may be compatible, and which are still available.