what is the best way to hook up an IPOD nano,I dont like the over the radio frequency way,any ideas ?

Precisely which year and month is the car built ?

03 sl 500

look in the glovebox - there's probably an input jack in there

Most likely there is a input jack. It will work fine that way from what I have read before on here about that.

I've got a 2003 SL55 and I found the jack in the glove box but I still can't get it to work. I read that you acess the AUX though the command but I cannot find that function. Any suggestions? what am I missing?

i don't remember it exactly but you press svc - settings - aux

Got it,
thanks

I do see that the volume is quite a bit lower even with the ipod all the way up.

I turned up the treble on my iPod and it does sound better but, NOT great. I think it has more to do with the ****TY sound system in the SL.

Yea, I agree. The system in the SL blows! Before this, I had an E with the HK, it sounded 100X better and that wasn't even great.

LOL! Don't even compare HK from an E Class to BOSE. Give me a BREAK! The top of the line Benzs have BOSE (SL, SLR, Maybach). Come on now. All because you can't figure out how to properly hook up an ipod doesn't mean the system is garbage. Learn to use the EQ on the ipod and sync it will the treble and bass on the BOSE AUX system. My car BUMPS like I have a system. Everyone thinks I do, but you have to know what you are doing, BOSE isn't for noobs. LOL

The Bose system in the SL is one of the worst stock sound systems I've ever had in a car. I have a Bose system in my Audi Q7 and it doesn't compare at any level. Generaly, I NEVER have been a Bose fan but, the system in the Q7 is actually tolerable. Mercedes should be embarrassed by the SL's system but, at least I have cup holders...

Fair enough, everyone has their own opinion, but I LOVE my Bose and everything about my SL!

I am not much of a music afficionado but I even feel the BOSE in the SL is pretty lousy for a 100K car. The Q7 does have a better sound system but remember, the Q7 is a 2007 model, maybe BOSE has improved since then. I upgraded my SL sound to Reus and it sounds 100X better. What a difference a new amp, sub, and satellite speakers make!

Have any of you considered that ANY convertible is going to have issues with it's sound system since it has a top that may or may not be there? Hard top cars use the interior roof to bounce sound. How are they supposed to do that when the top isn't there?

Those of you who have "flawless" replacement sound systems in your cars have just added a sh*tload of power to force sound.

This is my fourth convertible and regardless of maker, none have had great sound - yet every hardtop I've had has had significantly better sound. Wonder what the difference was??

Your right, but I still think for a hardtop convertible, my car bumps and thats why I am a Bose fan.

I'm with you Trojan...I have no complaints with my stereo.