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

SL/R230: DIY: Adapt original MB Bluetooth kit for about $200.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 02-20-2019, 01:24 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
gafitanu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Dartmouth, MA
Posts: 352
Received 40 Likes on 35 Posts
1967 250SE, 2020 GLB250, 2006 SL500, 2023 EQB300
DIY: Adapt original MB Bluetooth kit for about $200.

Members suggesting that it is not worth adding the MB Bluetooth (for good reason) and the $800 tag for the kit on eBay drove me to find a reasonable solution. I purchased (in that order) from eBay:
- U/MHI module $23
- Antenna amplifier $22
- Puck connector plate $47
- Optical connector $6
- Bluetooth puck $110
I used the MB kit instructions as a starting point. It took me a while especially the microphone issue until I realized how to make it work. I have edited the MB instructions and added pictures and instructions.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
SL 05 a.pdf (1.23 MB, 500 views)
The following 2 users liked this post by gafitanu:
gaazmon (04-13-2024), timwit (02-20-2019)
Old 04-13-2024, 09:09 PM
  #2  
Newbie
 
Hatrad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2023
Posts: 13
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
SL55 AMG
Originally Posted by gafitanu
Members suggesting that it is not worth adding the MB Bluetooth (for good reason) and the $800 tag for the kit on eBay drove me to find a reasonable solution. I purchased (in that order) from eBay:
- U/MHI module $23
- Antenna amplifier $22
- Puck connector plate $47
- Optical connector $6
- Bluetooth puck $110
I used the MB kit instructions as a starting point. It took me a while especially the microphone issue until I realized how to make it work. I have edited the MB instructions and added pictures and instructions.
If you ever get a chance to revisit this post, just know that I for one found it very informative, but I have little idea what you are trying to achieve. If you still have your R230 and have found a way to incorporate bluetooth, I'd sure like to how you did that too..! Thanks!
Old 04-14-2024, 10:30 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
gafitanu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Dartmouth, MA
Posts: 352
Received 40 Likes on 35 Posts
1967 250SE, 2020 GLB250, 2006 SL500, 2023 EQB300
In short: Install MB OEM Bluetooth on R230s that do not have factory mobile phone option installed. Here’s the background. R230 were developed in the late 90’s. Mobile Phone Ready feature was not standard. And that would work with Motorola V60 flip phones (this was years before Steve Jobs came up with the iPhone). MB trying to keep up with the newest communication technologies (Bluetooth) offered the “Puck”, that inserted into the V60 phone cradle would provide seamless connection to any phone through Bluetooth. For R230s without the phone option, MB offered a kit that was about $800. That MB kit contained hardware needed to insert the Bluetooth in an audio/media system already crowded with Tele-Aid, Satellite Radio, Voice Control, Head Unit, Navigation, CD changer, etc. Generally, Tele-Aid is never used, voice control is absolutely frustrating and I never used satellite radio. Without these, and with eBay as a source, the Bluetooth installation became a $200 project (5 years ago). So, if you want to avoid aftermarket solutions and keep it MB you have the pdf attached above and you can contact me to provide more guidance. I have been using my iPhone in my R230 ever since I made the installation and it works flawlessly.
So, first open up the center console and check if you have a V60 connector there (Figure VI and 27 of the pdf). If you do you only have to buy the “Puck”, if not, then you have the document above.
The following 2 users liked this post by gafitanu:
g0rsq (04-14-2024), gaazmon (04-15-2024)
Old 04-21-2024, 08:38 AM
  #4  
Newbie
 
dinithsanjaya's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: Sri Lanka
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
W203 c180
Now Is that works music through bluetooth ?
Old 04-21-2024, 11:05 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
gafitanu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Dartmouth, MA
Posts: 352
Received 40 Likes on 35 Posts
1967 250SE, 2020 GLB250, 2006 SL500, 2023 EQB300
I don’t think so. I never tried it but I will give it a shot.
Old 04-21-2024, 04:32 PM
  #6  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
gaazmon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 2,976
Received 37 Likes on 34 Posts
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
Originally Posted by dinithsanjaya
Now Is that works music through bluetooth ?
No music requires a separate iPod integration kit along with purchasing a bluetooth dongle such as the Bovee 1000 on Amazon.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: SL/R230: DIY: Adapt original MB Bluetooth kit for about $200.



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:16 PM.