I have been looking around for kits to install an ipod into my 2005 sl600 that I am picking up on Wed. There appear to be a fair number of kits out there, but I am curious who has used any of the kits, and if anyone knows a factory integration part number. I want a kit that allows for charging, steering wheel control, and display in the cluster, an additional input would be nice just in case.

 

There's been quite a lot written on various threads. Just do a search.

 

Dension link I think ?!? I had 1 in my x5. It was awesom!

 

NavTV and MoBridge are the two kits that I've come across which allow for seamless integration of the iPod into the Comand head unit and steering wheel controls. I'm ready to pull the trigger on the NavTV for both the iPod and satellite radio kits which will run me around $1500. installed.

 

that just seams like such an insane price for ipod and sat, for around that price I can get a nice aftermarket installed with steering wheel integration. I guess I would miss the ipod in the cluster, but gain much nicer nav system. If I could add ipod and a bluetooth puck for a few hundred, I probably wouldn't think much about getting an aftermarket deck, but the aftermarket would allow for much higher end stereo components without much fuss.

 

Denison Gateway 500 is a system discussed in detail in a couple of threads here. They cost $400 - 650 plus approx $250 Bluetooth add-on, plus installation. Some reported easy install, others reported MB dealership working on the car for 18 days, and ended up having to disconnect the CD changer. The manufacturer is in Germany, and most of the installation instructions are available on-line. They look pretty scanty to me. Sometimes I wish I can just move the stereo HU from my Infiniti to my SL, since they have the best iPod integration of all the car brands.

 

can you use a factory bluetooth module and the dension kits?

 

Yes, the Bluetooth add-on adapter is optional.

 

Let me clarify my prior comments: both MoBridge's and NavTV's kits are app. $750. for the iPod kit and another $750. for the sat kit. Those are installed prices. Not cheap but if it offers seamless integration with the steering wheel controls, great.

 

Just a comparison: With those two kits the CD changer has to be disconnected, which to some it's not a big deal. The Denison supposed to allow the CD changer to stay functional, but in some cases it ended up needing to be disconnected anyway.

 

My understanding is that it only impacts the 6 disc changer and not the in-dash CD player which, once I have the iPod connected, I won't really need the 6 disc changer any more.

 

That is correct. The in-dash CD/DVD player will continue to function normally. These Add-on units attach to the fiberoptic cable connecting the head unit to the CD changer.
The iPod certainly is the more flexible device, where you can easily update the music content. But the CD still has higher quality music. So, some people still may want to retain the CD changer for that reason.

 

The CD changer is still functional. There is a switch to go between ipod and cd changer that can be mounted anywhere the fiber optic cables reach. I suggest the center storage compartment.

 

after driving the car back yesterday, I think that I like the lines of the dash and system a bit too much to give it up for aftermarket....Do you have to get some sort of optical adapter to add and amp/sub to replace the weak bose one?

 

I found this Denison Gateway for sale on another forum. It is D2B version, and I don't know if you need D2B or MOST. Here's the link in case you're interested: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/sale...y-500-d2b.html
I don't know the seller, and can't vouch for him or what he sells.

 

2005 should be MOST
I however need a D2B kit for a 2004, thanks for the link!

 

I'm glad you can use it. Let us know how it works out!
Some pictures and step by step description of your install will be useful to the rest of us.

 

Add me to the list looking for instructions on how to install.

I installed a Dension in a 911 and it was very easy. However, I had instructions on mounting that called out the right wires in the CD changer for power (switched and constant) as well as the right way to configure the fiber loop. I searched but have not been able to find similar instructions for install in an SL.

 

yeah, there is a great write up for a most kit on an e class, but I haven't found much on this. I think that I may end up going with a gateway kit, just hoping that I can find one for the cheap.

 

NEMES1S - I purchased the Dension 500 for my Porsche from:
http://www.bumperplugs.com/BPindex.html

for about $450. The owner is active on the Porsche forums and helps with support. Its the same unit for Mercedes.

Post the link to the E class install instructions as I would like to take a look. Potentially the CD changer wiring harness is the same.

 

It was a factory integration kit, not a gateway, but here is the link:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...d-install.html

 

Here's a detailed install of Gateway 500 MOST in a '05 W220:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...ady-prime.html
I just skimmed over it and didn't read it in detail yet, but it goes into lots of details, including i think some mistakes that this guy made. So probably it's worthwhile to read it in full before following his instructions. This guy's instruction is to be used along with the unit's instruction manual. Here's what I found for the installation instructions (pretty skimpy ):
http://gsmserver.com/content_file/pr...download_2.pdf
Instructions from another site:
http://www.autotoys.com/pics/gateway...tallguide1.pdf

http://www.autotoys.com/pics/gw100300500userguide4.pdf

And here's Dension's website. I noticed they priced it at $399:
http://gsmserver.com/shop/car/densio...y_500_most.php
Stateside Autotoys sells it for $431, but all sales are final, and there's no physical address I can find on the site (whose garage is the whole company sit in? ):
http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=14298

 

I just put in The Dension Gateway GW 500 MOST. It ran me $550 plus installation, however I believe they are more expensive around $750. My dear friend whos the high end car audio shop in the Philadealphia area for 30+ years did the install said that this was the top notch kit. It works fab.

 

Did you mean the install cost you $750? Does your CD changer continue to function after the install?

 

Sorry for the confusion. The owner is a old friend of mine so he gave me a deal. He said they run appox. $750 and yes the CD changer does still work. The ipod even dispays onto the cars main contol screen and all buttons on the steering wheel can control it also. Its pretty sweet. You need not look further.