SL/R230 COMAND, now with Bluetooth

Mar 23, 2019 | 06:12 PM

Blazeracer

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Joined: Dec 2018

Posts: 131

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2003 SL500

COMAND, now with Bluetooth

Added Bluetooth to my 2003 SL500 with the old version stereo. Since there is a 1/8" jack in the glove box, it was super easy. I started by ordering a 12 volt Bluetooth dongle off of Amazon that uses a 1/8" output jack.

For the install. I had to disassemble the center console to tap into the cigarette lighter for a switched power source. Using a plain ole multimeter I got the power (green/black) and ground (tan) identified

Then spliced in the dongle power wires and seald em up with marine grade heat shrink butt connectors.

Powered the car on and went to my iPhone's Bluetooth setting, and there it is. Connected right up as BT-R-01.

With that squared away I put the console back together but left the passengers side panel off. I drilled a hole in the side of the glove box just large enough for the jack to fit through and plugged it in. then put the remaining side panel back on.

Now I can play Pandora anytime. The only thing I don't like about the AUX function on this stereo is that the bass and treble settings go back to zero everytime you turn the car off. It doesn't do it on FM mode, only on AUX. Small price to pay to no longer need an audio cable. The Bluetooth does did reconnect automatically after I stopped for lunch. Just had to play again on Pandora to start the music.

MISSION COMPLETE

Last edited by Blazeracer; Mar 23, 2019 at 06:15 PM.