akburton

There use to be a video demo on the MBUSA website that discussed the ipod integration kit. I can not find it now. Am I trippn!! Is there anytype of Ipod integration included on the LE?

Nevada Jack

I have not seen anything in the brochure or manual relating to iPod integration. They have the card slot which will integrate with COMAND but to the extent of the iPod info I don't know. There may be a kit coming but where it would go or connect to is a mystery at this point.

madolfsson

There is indeed an iPod Kit (it is shown in the S Class official accessories catalog), the iPod Integration Kit (B6 782 4223) and the iPod Cradle (B6 782 4229), although neither is yet available.

Nevada Jack

That's great news! I have not seen the S Accessory Catalog. Does it indicate where it is connected and docked or does anyone know?

madolfsson

See attached image for scanned page from the booklet.

Nevada Jack

Thank you for taking the time to scan that and post. I will be the first in line to have it installed...:-)

iLoveMyMB

how much do u think they would cost?

Turtle25

The iPod kit sounds interesting, but I'm willing to bet the price will kill the deal. I'd rather just try to use the built-in system.

Also, why is the redline on the tach in the picture 7000 rpm? Verrry interesting...

Nevada Jack

I would imagine the price will be similar to other models that already have it, R and ML class. $299 for the kit and probably $300 to install, maybe more for the S Class:-)

jmrdmd

Hi all,

Has anyone used this yet? If so what card/microdrive are you using? Thanks very much!
Jan

KCTrends

I have been using the PCMCIA slot, I am using a Compact Flash card with the adapter, it works pretty good. The first time I installed it, it got hung up in one of the screens and took a while to work but since then its been fine.

jmrdmd

Does the playlist appear in the command screen?
Thanks,
Jan

madolfsson

A list of the file names, by directory, is browsable through COMAND.

jmrdmd

How do you like the Treo 650 vs 700?

rgbyhkr

Each person will have to decide for themselves, but the iPod solution will be far easier to manage for most people. I'm a tech geek who usually doesn't mind doing a little extra here and there to get something technical working. The issue though is that the iPod solution offers a great deal of convenience for the price. If you already have an iPod, you don't have to manage anything else. You're already transferring music to it, creating playlists, etc. Beyond that, you have a built-in charging solution so when you exit the vehicle, the iPod is charged and ready to be used on the go.

Using the built-in CF reader or creating MP3 discs is more to keep up with. The iPod has gone beyond simple MP3s which would create lots of extra work to get the same result via MP3 discs or a CF compatible memory module. Consider things like ITMS song purchases, audible content, etc. These can all be converted to MP3, but it takes more work when the iPod can play them back natively. And what about Podcast management? iTunes manages my podcasts and automatically syncs my iPod when I connect it. I could do the same with a flash or microdrive and alternative software, but it's easier to do everything with one tool like I can with iTunes.

The inclusion of the CF reader and expanded capabilities to better support CD and even DVD MP3 discs is nice, but I'd happily pay the extra for the iPod solution. The iPod will also continue to offer greater storage capacity than microdrive solutions as time goes on. That's not crucial for everyone, but for those who have 20GB+ collections and want the flexibility to play anything from their collection at any time, the iPod makes a lot more sense. I don't doubt that the price will be expensive, but would you expect any less from MB?

Jeff

hcwong

....and I hope to be second in the installation line. Many thanks to madolfsson (clap clap)!

hcwong

Having been in contact with Mercedes Benz parts dealers in various parts of the world I can confirm the correctness of the part number quoted above (B6 782 4223).

However, as also mentioned previously, the part is not yet available with no firm availability date yet announced.

Might anyone know if this kit needs COMMAND to work (as is the case with certain models for example CLS and E) or will it work with any audio instalation (for example A, B, C and CLK)?