SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Installing BlueTooth in a 2003 SL500? Possible?

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Old 12-30-2008, 08:27 PM
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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
Old 12-30-2008, 09:00 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.
Old 12-30-2008, 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by ToonArmy
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.

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.
Old 12-31-2008, 12:03 PM
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Originally Posted by DeLorean00
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.
Sorry, I don't know current status. You could try contacting MBenznl via their web form, or try it yourself with the parts list and instructions in the second thread I linked to.
Old 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
Old 01-09-2009, 12:47 AM
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Originally Posted by antichef
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
I like the idea of a Parrot, but I am crazy paranoid about having a independent shop work on my Mercedes. I have bad luck in the past with stereo shops damaging things on my other Mercedes (wiring, cracking wood panels, etc). So while I work through my anxiety on what to do, I purchased a Motorola T505, its a bluetooth unit that mounts on the sun visor and can send your call through your car stereo. It works pretty good I am happy. But it is not what I want forever, but it works for now.
Old 01-09-2009, 07:42 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
Old 01-09-2009, 09:24 PM
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Originally Posted by jazzphile
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
Heh, thats kinda funny. Not only do you have the same setup and car, you also live in the same city as me. I live in North Natomas.

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.
Old 01-10-2009, 01:49 PM
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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
Old 01-19-2009, 12:50 PM
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I dropped some coin and ordered a Argos unit. I will report once its installed.
Old 01-20-2009, 01:49 AM
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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.
Old 01-20-2009, 01:59 AM
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Originally Posted by jazzphile
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 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.
Old 01-20-2009, 09:22 AM
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It's my understanding that if it is an 05 SL500 you need to order the iTronic™ BT and not the Argos. Visit their site!! incartronics.com
Let me know your results.
Old 01-20-2009, 09:24 AM
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Sorry I overlooked yours is an 03
Old 04-16-2009, 11:58 PM
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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...
Old 04-17-2009, 12:23 AM
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Yep argos installed. It works great!! No complaints!! If you have any question fell free to ask.
Old 04-17-2009, 10:17 PM
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Call your Mercedes dealership and get the V60 Bluetooth cradle, its only $229 in my area.
It plug in your installed phone and BAM, you got BLUETOOTH!!!
Old 04-17-2009, 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by yothai
Call your Mercedes dealership and get the V60 Bluetooth cradle, its only $229 in my area.
It plug in your installed phone and BAM, you got BLUETOOTH!!!
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.
Old 04-18-2009, 03:35 AM
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DeLorean, do you know if this unit works with the iPhone? I have an iPhone 3G. Thanks.
Old 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.
Old 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
Old 08-12-2009, 12:34 AM
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Originally Posted by postmark2
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
It took me about 25 minutes to install. I just followed the guide on http://cartronics.com/03sl.htm and that was it.

-Chris
Old 08-12-2009, 11:13 PM
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Thanks
Old 12-10-2012, 09:56 PM
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Originally Posted by DeLorean00
It took me about 25 minutes to install. I just followed the guide on http://cartronics.com/03sl.htm and that was it.

-Chris
@DeLorean00 Do you know of anywhere else I can find installation instructions for the SL...I also have a 2003 and purchased an Argos unit off ebay but have no instructions since cartronics went out of business...

Any help would be great!

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