SL/R230: DIY: Adapt original MB Bluetooth kit for about $200.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 64
From: Dartmouth, MA
1967 250SE, 2022 GLC300 2023 EQB300, 2018 AMG GT
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.
- 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.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
SL55 AMG
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.
- 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.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 64
From: Dartmouth, MA
1967 250SE, 2022 GLC300 2023 EQB300, 2018 AMG GT
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.
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.
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From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
