ffabbroc

Can the Ipod kit be installed in the 2005 SLK350?

And has anyone actually installed it on their 2005?

I went to look at a used 2005 SLK350 today and the dealer insisted that I would have to buy a new 2006 in order to get the IPod kit.

Maverick

The dealer installed the iPod kit on my 2005 SLK. Not sure if Command is required or not, but it works fine. It does not use the Command screen, except to choose Aux as the audio source. From then on it uses the LED display above the steering column. As far as I know, all 2005 SLKs can have the iPod kit added.

Motzkoman

It can be installed in a 2005, provided COMAND is there...it will not work with the basic audio 20.

ffabbroc

You get "command" with the entertainment package, correct?

Motzkoman

Yes, generally you do...to check your connection, hold the CDC button down a few seconds and see if the aux. connection shows...

MBenzNL

the mercedes intergrated Ipod kit does not work with the standard SLK audio 20 - HOWEVER, we do offer a solution for those who HAVE an audio 20 in their SLK and insist on getting an integrated mercedes Ipod kit without having to upgrade to comand.



greetingz,

Motzkoman

I am interested in that solution; is it less expensive than change-out of the unit to one with COMAND?

MBenzNL

yes it is a lot less expensive then the comand upgrade

greetingz,

vineethm

Wow. Does this enable the steering wheel controls?


Also - can it be installed by a dealer/regular store if you're not likely to be in town?

MBenzNL

all factory features remain working...your dealer definitely cannot do that install (the car pictured above was actually done for a dealership)

greetingz,

yehuo

before you gethe mb ipod integration you wanna think about it first. i have the mb ipod integration in my 2006 slk280 almost fully loaded. and i am very disappointed with the integration. they didnt do a good business and technical analysis and assessment before they make this integration. you do not want to install this yourself, because it requires too much time. if you want the full instruction i can send it to you.

1st, the ipod info cant be display in the navigation command console.
2nd, the small area where it display the info cant scroll, therefore, you cant tell what is the song title if it is long.
3rd, it only displays english (standard ascii alphabet characters.) everyone would assume that it displays whatever the ipod can display, but this is not true.
4th, you cant control the ipod from the navigation command console.
5th, the ipod was design to be put in a destinated area (vertical compartment between the 2 seats) but the cables are not long enough, therefore, it have to stay in the horizontal compartment between the 2 seats.
6th, the aux port does not work after the ipod integration is installled.

now, i am trying to make a splitter to plug the ipod integration and the aux port. so both the ipod integration and aux port can be utilize. however, steve (mbenznl) said this may degrade the sound quality. if this does not work, then i will remove this integration and sell it. i rather use the aux port.

benzmodz

If you use a 2001 armrest phone extension cable from the W203 then you get another 3 feet of cable length by using say the male to female RJ-48 part of the cable.

But sound quality is primary and the cable uses unshielded wires.

jaxslk

@yehuo - thanks for the info. I am a new forum user (just joined today) and picked up a new 2006 SLK 280 last night. I bought the ipod kit and man, it is too complex to install on my own - no patience for what I read in that 49 page PDF I found on startekinfo.com.... whew. I think I will stick with the headphone out connector to the aux port after reading your post.

I wonder if my dealer will take the $299 kit back and refund me? Ouch...

-- Bob

MBenzNL

...and the SLK Ipod kit is actually one of the easier kits to install...

greetingz,

Motzkoman

I just wanted to post a quick follow-up that the iPod kit can be made to work with the basic radio...Steve does a GREAT job!! It Rocks!!!

Thanks Steve and Wanda (MBenzNL)...

hcwong

The part number for the SLK iPod integration kit is B6 782 4209, and it is stated clearly that it requires COMMAND to work.

I notice however that the A, B, C and CLK class cars all use the same iPod adapter kit part number B6 782 4213, which it is said quite clearly works with Audio20, Audio50 and COMMAND.

It occurs to me that using part number B6 782 4213 could be a potential work around for SLK owners who do not have COMMAND. Anyone tried this?

As an unrelated bit of trivia, the E and CLS both use the same adapter (part number B6 782 4202) which like the SLK part requires COMMAND.

I would also be extremely interested if anyone knows if the adapter for the 2007 S Class (W221) part number B6 782 4223 works on cars without COMMAND (as I own such a car).

benzmodz

You need to purchase a MBENZNL radio Audio 20 for SLK. You see the photos. It clearly shows the radio working with iPOD.

hcwong

I understand, as the picture quite clearly shows, that MBenzNL have a work around for SLK owners who have Audio20 but no COMMAND.

What I am speculating about is whether those SLK owners without COMMAND and are for reasons of location are unable to get their cars to MBenzNL in California for modification (say for instance people living in Sydney like you or Singapore like me) might be able to use integration kit part number B6 782 4213 instead, since it is stated in Mercedes Benz literature that it works with COMMAND, and also Audio 20 and Audio 50 radios.

BigSis

Hey Steve! Great to know that everything is working, and that you are happy with the results. It was a pleasure helping you out with your new mod. Enjoy!

greetingz,

BigSis

BigSis

... there is always a possibility of getting an Audio 20 unit + iPod kit shipped to you, or you can ship your Audio 20 to our workshop and have Steve work on it - after which the unit will be returned to you, including iPod kit.

greetingz,

BigSis

benzmodz

You should place an order with Steve and ask him if he has anyone in Sydney to assist ?

MBenzNL

that won't work...the problem is not to be found in the Ipod kit but in the actual audio 20 that is used in the SLKs.

greetingz,

BigSis

Hmm... wonder who that can be?

greetingz,

BigSis