GudgaveS550

Anyone around Austin that can unlock the AUX on my COMAND system?
Willing to travel to SA, DFW, or Houston if need.

I wanted to check before I spend the time and money installing the AUX cabling.

OR if someone knows of a shop that would do it. The dealer won't touch it. Of course, I would pay for the time. It beats Custom Sounds option of using an FM interrupt from iSimple for $480.

Thank you in advance !

(moved from regional forums)

Mike5215

Is it the OEM part? Any dealer should be able to install and activate.

MrRat

Check with your local dealer. I had ordered and purchased the part at the parts dept and was going to install it myself. Full price for the part was $80. I was dropping off the car so they could re-provision mbrace. I had a chat with the service writer and asked him how much to code it or maybe install it as well. He quoted about 2 hours for the code/ install, and I was happy to let them do it.
I was expecting the cost to be about $300 but the bill was closer to $200 with tax, they billed less time. They had some issues and ended up applying an update that gave me the birds eye view / traffic in the nav as well. It was also much easier as they provide a loaner while the car was in for service. I do remember reading about someone who had it coded for $100 at an independent.
So dealer $300-$400 including oem part. Independent $200 plus whatever time it takes, travel costs, and relying on them coding it correctly ( probably ok, except when it isn't )

GudgaveS550

I've been to the two nearest dealers mb of austin and georgetown mb. Both insist the parts don't exist, even when I've provided the individual part numbers. Then they say they can't do anything to the car that wasn't a factory option. I did explain this was option 518 with the answer being that if it isn't installed from the factory they can't help.

just1time

do a search I have detailed how to add the aux option to 2007MY that didn't come with that feature. its a 2min process with autologic diagnostic tool. I am sure plenty mechanics have that in any city. after activating aux feature, simply find the iPod cable kit. Finding the kit might be a little tough since they are discontinued at dealers. eBay is best bet. I found mine on eBay at a steal. You might have better luck buying them in parts on eBay. Its an easy install. plug it in and there you go.

GudgaveS550

Thank you. I will be looking for the part as I have found someone to unlock.


***UPDATE***

Based on a post from 'hadam', I contacted the company he went to and they provided the info on what was done.
I have some background in electronics and will be building my own "AUX" lead and connector to run.

While doing this, I will write up the process and make sure to take some pics.

The response I received from the shop:

Unless the car already has a factory ipod kit you need to go to the dealer and have the aux input turned on .(1 Hour labor max!)
Pinout is:
5 pos L)
15 pos R)
6 ground
16 ground/sheild.

hadam's post:

Old 01-01-2014, 10:49 AM #12
hadam
Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 352
Drives: 2007 S-550, 2001 E-430 & 1997 E-420
My apology for not replying on time. I was on vacation for last 2 weeks
Dear all, my apology for not replying, I was on vacation for last 2 weeks.

I got the aux installed in my 2007 S550. It is not iPod kit, just a simple audio harness from MB that get installed behind head unit (CD changer/PCMCIA crap) to get you Aux in glove compartment.

The installer has MB PC system, that he connected to my car 14 pin connector under the driver side and then he coded my command unit for Aux. Once he coded, the Aux show up under Audio menu. He has to turn on and off my command unit at least 3 times to get new coded Aux to show up under Audio menu.

For harness installation he removed my head unit and un plug one connector and he added 3 pins to connector empty slots (Right audio, left audio and shield). Once he connected this harness 3 pins to connector then on other side he ran same MB original Aux connection to glove and installed it next to glove light.

After that he connected the connector back to head unit, that now have 3 more wires on it, installed head unit back (4 simple screws) and I got aux audio.

Aux Audio only have volume controls, does not show any song titles or neither I can change forward and reverse or folder or play list. It is simple MB aux input.

I am very happy with sound quality. No whining sound and no any distortion of sound, it is simply good due to MB OEM harness.

The installer used to work for MB of Laguna Niguel, MB of Flechter Jones in New Port beach etc.

He has MB computer system and he can install your rear view camera, he can do coding of your SAM's to install OEM 2010 up tail lights etc.

The tech name is Joe Eyerman. The shop is located in Costa Mesa, Orange County California.

http://www.roccosautotech.com/site.htm


FYI. Do not waste your $$$ on iPod kit, it is around $500 plus you have to pay for 2 hours of labor. I like the Aux, it is MB OEM and it cost fully installed for $199 plus tax for harness.

If you don't want to plug and un plug your aux cable, you can also add simple Bluetooth to your $199 aux input.

To put my Aux on Bluetooth audio, What I have done is now that I have USB/Aux/iPod Y cable, so I take power via USB, then Aux goes to head unit and at iPod connection, I added Musiclink BT and I can listen my music on Aux via Y cable and music link on Bluetooth.

If you need more info, please let me know or email me. I don't check Private messages, just simple email is better.
__________________
2001 MB E-430
1997 MB E-420
2007 MB S-550

TurboJew

Excellent work, thanks for posting the pinout.

olusia89

It will be work in 2005 s550?

DaveW68

Is that a unicorn car? I don't think there was ever a 2005 S550 sold in any country.

olusia89

Oh sorry, so it will be s500 from 2005y.
Will be work?

@edit W221 production in Europe is 2005+