W211 AMG Discuss the W211 AMG's such as the E55 and the E63
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Harmon/Kardon Upgrade....

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Old 06-22-2013, 05:26 PM
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Escalade ESV Platinum (Blue Chip), 2004 E55 (SOLD) , 2001 Brabus CL600 (SOLD), 1997 E420 (SOLD)
Harmon/Kardon Upgrade....

Hey guys, I did some searching on the forums and found only one somewhat useful thread about upgrading the audio in my 2004 E55 with the Harmon/Kardon System. It has the Logic 7 feature and all but the sound is just not loud enough at all. I wanted to start my upgrade with having more options to the headunit such as bluetooth and better Navigation (since I bought the car a couple of months ago and didnt have the nav dvd in the slot). I was searching ebay and i found this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BLUETOOTH-INTERFACE-FOR-MERCEDES-BENZ-W-MOST-BUS-SYSTEMS-A2DP-AUDIO-STREAMING-/360561431706?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53f322d49a&vxp=mtr
is this something i can use to upgrade the interface on the unit I have? Any advice would be appreciated.

Justin
Old 06-22-2013, 06:41 PM
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Looks to just add Bluetooth which can be done with the MB "puck" for about $120.
Old 06-23-2013, 01:46 AM
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Where can you get the Bluetooth puck that cheap? Everywhere I look its $219-299+?
Old 06-24-2013, 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by black06c230
Looks to just add Bluetooth which can be done with the MB "puck" for about $120.
Will i be able to play audio through the puck?
Old 06-24-2013, 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by black06c230
Looks to just add Bluetooth which can be done with the MB "puck" for about $120.
If my E55 didn't have the factory phone installed, can I still just add the BT puck?
Old 06-24-2013, 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by HeissRod
If my E55 didn't have the factory phone installed, can I still just add the BT puck?
Same here.... I didn't have factory phone installed.
Old 06-24-2013, 01:27 PM
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have you seen this? Much cheaper ($35-$40) and it plugs into your Aux port in the glove compartment and has abuilt in rechargeable battery..no cables hanging everywhere. I haven't bought one yet but I just found this...

http://www.miccus.com/products/blubridge-mini-jack-rx
Old 06-24-2013, 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by BBBSS
Where can you get the Bluetooth puck that cheap? Everywhere I look its $219-299+?
Check eBay or the classifieds on the forum.

eBay link http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewi...d=251290087923
Old 06-24-2013, 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by BRABUSCL600
Same here.... I didn't have factory phone installed.
I'm seriously doubting it as the car wouldn't know what to do with the puck.
Old 06-24-2013, 02:39 PM
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2005 E55 AMG
Originally Posted by E55Freak
have you seen this? Much cheaper ($35-$40) and it plugs into your Aux port in the glove compartment and has abuilt in rechargeable battery..no cables hanging everywhere. I haven't bought one yet but I just found this...

http://www.miccus.com/products/blubridge-mini-jack-rx
only IF you have an AUX port though....
Old 06-24-2013, 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Toadster
only IF you have an AUX port though....

You dont? I have an 05' and I thought they all did. it should be in the center top of your glove box...
Old 06-24-2013, 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by BRABUSCL600
Will i be able to play audio through the puck?
No audio mp3 playback is supported by the puck I believe no matter how new it is.
Old 06-24-2013, 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Toadster
only IF you have an AUX port though....
I have one in the glove box... Might give this a try as anything is better than the dam aux cable hanging out.
Old 06-24-2013, 02:47 PM
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2005 E55 AMG
Originally Posted by E55Freak
You dont? I have an 05' and I thought they all did. it should be in the center top of your glove box...
nope - I have a filler in the AUX spot, no plug
Old 06-24-2013, 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by HeissRod
If my E55 didn't have the factory phone installed, can I still just add the BT puck?
Nope. I went thru all this almost 2 months ago when I purchased my car. This is what I figured out (anyone with more research/experience, please feel free to speak up...)

Lots of good info here: ( http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...ades-plug.html )

IF you do not have factory phone support (MHI) installed already

or
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211...ml#post3773484

If you do NOT Have the above plug AND it is an '06, then:

1) To add factory phone/BT support is a lot of $$$ (MHI + BT puck $1000+)
2) If you have a factory CD changer, there are a few slightly cheaper options that most will REPLACE your CD changer with support for iPod connectivity & BT (mObridge or Dension
or their GW52MO2 model that is all in one, BUT I hear that it's reliability is a bit spotty, but it does mesh well with stock comand) ($500) or the tooki from NAVTV ($700)
3) Cheapest option I've seen is utilize an adapter at the AUX input in glove box. The one I was curious to try was a Belkin Aircast ($50) but would need to route power & a cable out from glove box & mount a visible button/mic unit. And I heard mic is not very strong, lots of noise, plus no integration into command. There is also one made by Scosche (MotorMouth) but I read same complaints.
4) What I was going to initially do UNTIL I RESEARCHED COST: Upgrade my '06 HK Comand NTG 1 unit to the '09 NTG 2.5. That would have updated NAV/BT/ipod but only to 2009 technology AND cost about $$$$ (~$900 head unit, ~$1200 for 2 new HK amps, $200 new wiring harness, + rip up car's existing wiring) I love the OE look, but not worth that $$$$ for rather outdated tech!

So given all of that, I couldn't justify the spend for getting so little, I decided I'm prob going to try an aftermarket Kenwood head unit (maybe DNN770HD ~$850) which seems to have massively updated technology. And I heard about a new device (on this forum actually) by NAVTV called a MOST adapter that supposedly will allow an aftermarket head unit to connect to the MOST ring and utilize the existing wiring/amps/speakers. BUT it's pricey (~$500-600) I'd only need to run one wire to back of car for antenna (or another for backup camera which i'd prob do at same time) If I can ONLY FIND SOMEONE who has this adapter installed to get a real-world view of how well it works/sounds. (add another $50-100 for steering wheel control adapter, $50-100 for dash mount kit) so ~$1600 (+ install if I don't do myself, + $250 if I want backup camera)

Sorry to hijack thread, but thought I'd share what I have put in hours of researching web for options. I should just buy a damn Garmin & stick on the dashboard and be done with it but I just can't. Sad thing is I actually like the sound of the stock unit, just not it's other capabilities (or lack thereof)

Everything above pertains to A 2006 having the harmon kardon comand head unit with MOST fiber optic network. If any of the above is wrong, PLEASE let me know, i'd be happy to entertain more options myself!!!

Last edited by rxsamg; 06-25-2013 at 12:07 AM.
Old 06-24-2013, 05:53 PM
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Thanks for the info. I've been curious what it would take to add phone capability. Guess that's off the plate now; an E63 front is money better spent!
Old 06-24-2013, 07:54 PM
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Originally Posted by HeissRod
Thanks for the info. I've been curious what it would take to add phone capability. Guess that's off the plate now; an E63 front is money better spent!
All depends on your priorities I guess. I am currently utilizing NAV & phone regularly in this car as my DD so I really need the upgrade considering it's my rolling office, especially since the vehicle I had prior was much more advanced (in those areas only!)

But I still want to do a tune/pulley too! Gotta figure out what to do first! A/V or HP?!
Old 06-24-2013, 08:57 PM
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Originally Posted by E55Freak
have you seen this? Much cheaper ($35-$40) and it plugs into your Aux port in the glove compartment and has abuilt in rechargeable battery..no cables hanging everywhere. I haven't bought one yet but I just found this...

http://www.miccus.com/products/blubridge-mini-jack-rx
Been wanting to add a bluetooth module to my CLS since I bought it. I have the auxiliary in my glove compartment, how sure are you that its going to work?
Old 06-24-2013, 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Tech-Tune
Been wanting to add a bluetooth module to my CLS since I bought it. I have the auxiliary in my glove compartment, how sure are you that its going to work?
It was someone else in the audio section that has used it.. I can't remember the thread so it's not technically my find. He claims it works pretty well and $40 is a small amount to give it a shot.
Old 06-24-2013, 09:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Tech-Tune
Been wanting to add a bluetooth module to my CLS since I bought it. I have the auxiliary in my glove compartment, how sure are you that its going to work?
Reviews I had seen were pretty good No good for me as I need Bluetooth for phone usage & I believe this only does A2DP audio streaming
Old 06-24-2013, 09:43 PM
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Originally Posted by rxsamg
Reviews I had seen were pretty good No good for me as I need Bluetooth for phone usage & I believe this only does A2DP audio streaming
$40 on Amazon and pretty good reviews
Amazon.com: Miccus Mini-jack RX: Bluetooth Music Receiver pair it with Phones, Tablets, PCs and Apple Devices: MP3 Players & Accessories Amazon.com: Miccus Mini-jack RX: Bluetooth Music Receiver pair it with Phones, Tablets, PCs and Apple Devices: MP3 Players & Accessories
Old 06-24-2013, 09:53 PM
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You can use the MB bluetooth tele aid adapter for your vehicle without the need for a complete phone kit setup. 6-7-87-5855 does the same thing as the other kit, but it will not support bluetooth audio streaming. This setup requires version coding so it will need a star diagnostic machine for programming.
Old 06-24-2013, 10:54 PM
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Originally Posted by JonMBZ
You can use the MB bluetooth tele aid adapter for your vehicle without the need for a complete phone kit setup. 6-7-87-5855 does the same thing as the other kit, but it will not support bluetooth audio streaming. This setup requires version coding so it will need a star diagnostic machine for programming.
Is this what you are talking about?
https://mbworld.org/forums/2704497-post25.html
First I have heard about it! I started searching & not finding anyone w/ '06 doing this. Also, know who is selling this currently? How much?
Old 06-24-2013, 11:07 PM
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It is not compatible with a 2006, only 2003-2004 sorry.

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