SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: interface connector in center console box?

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Old Feb 28, 2025 | 09:36 PM
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interface connector in center console box?

Does anybody know what is the connector above the USB port in the central console box (armrest box) in the 2013 R231 SL550?




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Old Mar 1, 2025 | 09:05 AM
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Originally Posted by G. Rosales
Does anybody know what is the connector above the USB port in the central console box (armrest box) in the 2013 R231 SL550?

That’s the MB 30 pin Mercedes Music interface connector. It takes something like this.
MB Interface connector

Good Luck.
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Old Mar 1, 2025 | 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by crconsulting
That’s the MB 30 pin Mercedes Music interface connector. It takes something like this.
MB Interface connector

Good Luck.
I'm thinking bluetooth audio would be cheaper.
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Old Mar 1, 2025 | 04:08 PM
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'13 SL550 Mars Red, Designo White interior, B and O sound
Why? I get the same results on BT!
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Old Mar 1, 2025 | 04:22 PM
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LOL,
OP just asked what the connector was for? Gotta assume they’re already connecting with Bluetooth.
That being said, music quality IS noticeably better via 30 pin connector. For all of you folks complaining of audio quality.

Good Luck.
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Old Mar 1, 2025 | 04:28 PM
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'13 SL550 Mars Red, Designo White interior, B and O sound
Hmmm... I might not be able to notice that then, given my RnR worn ears and the fact I have previously extolled the quality of my sound: my understanding was that BT transmits the music digitally so there would seem to be little chance of degradation in quality? Regardless, I have absolutely no current complaints about my B and O since I enabled the back speakers through the engineering menu. However, if I saw a pigtail like that for (substantially) less, I'm more than willing to give it a go. I might then have grounds for complaint! Thanks for your insight, as always.

Cheers!
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Old Mar 1, 2025 | 05:01 PM
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Thank you for the information.
I use Bluetooth and get good audio quality.
I used to have a C class with a similar interface in the glove box, to which I could connect an external module for ApplePlay and I was hoping to find something similar for the SL.
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Old Mar 2, 2025 | 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by crconsulting
LOL,
OP just asked what the connector was for? Gotta assume they’re already connecting with Bluetooth.
That being said, music quality IS noticeably better via 30 pin connector. For all of you folks complaining of audio quality.

Good Luck.
I bought one MB OE connector from ebay just for my curiosity (30pin to lightning )
The music quality is noticeably better than Bluetooth and it also shows the album artwork !
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Old Mar 2, 2025 | 12:27 PM
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My hearing is bad. Just ask my wife.
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Old Mar 2, 2025 | 02:38 PM
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