SL/R230: Installing BlueTooth in a 2003 SL500? Possible?
12-30-2008, 08:27 PM
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SL500
Installing BlueTooth in a 2003 SL500? Possible?
Hello all! I am new to this forum, I am a long time Mercedes owner and have many different models over the years. My newest addition is a 2003 SL500 Sport.
Here is the problem, and I did run a search first but didn't seem to find the answers to my questions.
I am in California and its the law we have to use handsfree cell phone devices. But this car does not have bluetooth and it also didn't come with a factory cell phone. Although like all other R230's it has all the phone buttons. Is there anyway to add bluetooth to this car? I have read some places were you can install a bluetooth puck, but is this impossible if the car didn't come with a factory phone?
Thanks in advance for any help! Please let me know what my options are.
-Chris
Here is the problem, and I did run a search first but didn't seem to find the answers to my questions.
I am in California and its the law we have to use handsfree cell phone devices. But this car does not have bluetooth and it also didn't come with a factory cell phone. Although like all other R230's it has all the phone buttons. Is there anyway to add bluetooth to this car? I have read some places were you can install a bluetooth puck, but is this impossible if the car didn't come with a factory phone?
Thanks in advance for any help! Please let me know what my options are.
-Chris
12-30-2008, 09:00 PM
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2003 SL500
I have a 2003 R230 SL500 with the phone system installed and a bluetooth cradle.
The installation was a consequence of this thread. The kit was sourced through MbenzNL and the installation was done by scorchie (who used to post on this site, including in the thread I just linked).
The original installation was with a hard-wired UHI kit (in my case, a S-E T-637). Some info on the install is in this thread but the pics of my car seem to have disappeared.
The comments on functionality were for the hard-wired T637 cradle. I have since replaced it with the BT puck (simple plug-n-play swap), and use it with an iphone 3G that works very well.
The installation was a consequence of this thread. The kit was sourced through MbenzNL and the installation was done by scorchie (who used to post on this site, including in the thread I just linked).
The original installation was with a hard-wired UHI kit (in my case, a S-E T-637). Some info on the install is in this thread but the pics of my car seem to have disappeared.
The comments on functionality were for the hard-wired T637 cradle. I have since replaced it with the BT puck (simple plug-n-play swap), and use it with an iphone 3G that works very well.
12-30-2008, 09:17 PM
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I have a 2003 R230 SL500 with the phone system installed and a bluetooth cradle.
The installation was a consequence of this thread. The kit was sourced through MbenzNL and the installation was done by scorchie (who used to post on this site, including in the thread I just linked).
The original installation was with a hard-wired UHI kit (in my case, a S-E T-637). Some info on the install is in this thread but the pics of my car seem to have disappeared.
The comments on functionality were for the hard-wired T637 cradle. I have since replaced it with the BT puck (simple plug-n-play swap), and use it with an iphone 3G that works very well.
The installation was a consequence of this thread. The kit was sourced through MbenzNL and the installation was done by scorchie (who used to post on this site, including in the thread I just linked).
The original installation was with a hard-wired UHI kit (in my case, a S-E T-637). Some info on the install is in this thread but the pics of my car seem to have disappeared.
The comments on functionality were for the hard-wired T637 cradle. I have since replaced it with the BT puck (simple plug-n-play swap), and use it with an iphone 3G that works very well.
Very good!! I am happy to hear it is at least possible. Is there still a way to get a UHI? I went on the website but was unable to find them.
12-31-2008, 12:03 PM
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2003 SL500
01-05-2009, 05:08 PM
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I have a 2003 SL with the factory fitted phone, the bluetooth option was my preference. The simplest option in my opinion was to install a Parrot 3100. I have used them before in other cars. I am happy about this installation now and have had it in use for about a year. It costs less than the MB puck only, before you have to retro fit the MB phone kit. Swift fitting, works well, cheap and a practical solution, what is there not to like.
hope that helps
hope that helps
01-09-2009, 12:47 AM
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I have a 2003 SL with the factory fitted phone, the bluetooth option was my preference. The simplest option in my opinion was to install a Parrot 3100. I have used them before in other cars. I am happy about this installation now and have had it in use for about a year. It costs less than the MB puck only, before you have to retro fit the MB phone kit. Swift fitting, works well, cheap and a practical solution, what is there not to like.
hope that helps
hope that helps
01-09-2009, 07:42 PM
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2005 SL500, Black on Stone
Delorean00,
I did exactly the same thing. T505. My SL does not have the phone system installed so it would have been far too expensive for me to have a factory system installed. I have considered the Argos system for about $750. Still not worth it to me. The T505 does just fine thru the radio for well under $100.
Jazzphile
I did exactly the same thing. T505. My SL does not have the phone system installed so it would have been far too expensive for me to have a factory system installed. I have considered the Argos system for about $750. Still not worth it to me. The T505 does just fine thru the radio for well under $100.
Jazzphile
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01-09-2009, 09:24 PM
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Delorean00,
I did exactly the same thing. T505. My SL does not have the phone system installed so it would have been far too expensive for me to have a factory system installed. I have considered the Argos system for about $750. Still not worth it to me. The T505 does just fine thru the radio for well under $100.
Jazzphile
I did exactly the same thing. T505. My SL does not have the phone system installed so it would have been far too expensive for me to have a factory system installed. I have considered the Argos system for about $750. Still not worth it to me. The T505 does just fine thru the radio for well under $100.
Jazzphile
The T505 is a very decent unit. But I would like to get something better down the road. If you do upgrade let me know where you had it installed.
01-10-2009, 01:49 PM
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2005 SL500, Black on Stone
Delorean,
My parents live in North Natomas. Know the area well. I'm in Gold River.
Regarding Bluetooth, check out the Argos unit for MOST fiber optic systems. The 05 and on have MOST. Prior year SLs had D2B fiber optic.
That's probably the best bet as it integrates, from what I've read, with the COMAND system but does not require you to have the factory phone system installed. Can be installed by you per the instructions.
If it were important enough to me, I would go with the Argos....just don't want to part with that kind of money.
Regards,
Jazzphile
My parents live in North Natomas. Know the area well. I'm in Gold River.
Regarding Bluetooth, check out the Argos unit for MOST fiber optic systems. The 05 and on have MOST. Prior year SLs had D2B fiber optic.
That's probably the best bet as it integrates, from what I've read, with the COMAND system but does not require you to have the factory phone system installed. Can be installed by you per the instructions.
If it were important enough to me, I would go with the Argos....just don't want to part with that kind of money.
Regards,
Jazzphile
01-20-2009, 01:49 AM
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2005 SL500, Black on Stone
DeLorean00,
I'll be very interested to hear your feedback on the Argos unit. I'll be interested to know whether you installed yourself, or if you take it somewhere, which installer since I'm also in Sac. Thanks! Good luck.
I'll be very interested to hear your feedback on the Argos unit. I'll be interested to know whether you installed yourself, or if you take it somewhere, which installer since I'm also in Sac. Thanks! Good luck.
01-20-2009, 01:59 AM
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I will tackle this one myself. I will keep you updated. Once installed you are welcome to stop by and check it out, and see if this is a route you want to go with your car.
04-16-2009, 11:58 PM
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03'SL55, RangeRover, 87"M6
Did you ever install the Argos unit? I have a 03 Sl55, and I want to keep it. Would ove to take the entire display system out and replace it with something more up-to-date, but haven't come across one...
04-17-2009, 10:45 PM
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This is true. But you have to already have the phone cradle in your console. My SL500 and many others did not come with this option. So argos is the only option.
04-18-2009, 12:48 PM
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It works with my iPhone (first model). But it doesn't sync the phone book. I guess that is a issue with the iphone and some bluetooth devices. Everything else works great! As for a 3G I would assume it would. I see you live in Rocklin, you are welcome to come by and try out the argos for yourself to see if you like it.
-Chris
PS- I live in North Natomas.
-Chris
PS- I live in North Natomas.
08-09-2009, 09:41 PM
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Argos kit
Chris -
I have a kit I need to install in my MY03. How long did it take and do you have any instructions for a diy, or pictures? I would like to do this myself instead of at the MB dealership. Thanks
I have a kit I need to install in my MY03. How long did it take and do you have any instructions for a diy, or pictures? I would like to do this myself instead of at the MB dealership. Thanks
08-12-2009, 12:34 AM
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-Chris
12-10-2012, 09:56 PM
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It took me about 25 minutes to install. I just followed the guide on http://cartronics.com/03sl.htm and that was it.
-Chris
-Chris
Any help would be great!
