Bluetooth audio gateway for older Mercedes

Conor

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So this is regarding my R230 but applies to most older MBs so trying to keep this general.

It seems that a lot of people often discuss and go down the Viseeo route for bluetooth connectivity. For me this was unsuitable for the following reasons:

* Expensive
* No longer made, can I even get one?
* Music solution relies on FM transmission from device to car radio.. i'm no audiophile, but no thanks!

I believe there is an auxiliary 3.5mm connector in the glove box, so I have been considering a more generic gateway, such as the Anker Soundsync Bluetooth Adapter (model: A3352011) - Seems to be available for £19, which isn't bad.

One disadvantage may be that the telephony will also go through this device, meaning the microphone will be via the phone, which may not be deal, audio wise.. But I don't make any calls anyway... :rolleyes:

On my S212 I have enabled bluetooth audio streaming via the secret engineering, which basically results in the same functionality. I still use the controls on my smartphone, which is mounted to the dash.

A slight disadvantage is that this is battery powered.. and sealed inside. I hate that. I would rather something that I can hardwire to the fusebox so I can install and forget, and not need to keep charging. (I suppose I can still hardwire).

Has anybody tried this device or recommend something similar?

A3352011_TD01_V1.png
 
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NBurns

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So this is regarding my R230 but applies to most older MBs so trying to keep this general.

It seems that a lot of people often discuss and go down the Viseeo route for bluetooth connectivity. For me this was unsuitable for the following reasons:

* Expensive
* No longer made, can I even get one?
* Music solution relies on FM transmission from device to car radio.. i'm no audiophile, but no thanks!

I believe there is an auxiliary 3.5mm connector in the glove box, so I have been considering a more generic gateway, such as the Anker Soundsync Bluetooth Adapter (model: A3352011) - Seems to be available for £19, which isn't bad.

One disadvantage may be that the telephony will also go through this device, meaning the microphone will be via the phone, which may not be deal, audio wise.. But I don't make any calls anyway... :rolleyes:

On my S212 I have enabled bluetooth audio streaming via the secret engineering, which basically results in the same functionality. I still use the controls on my smartphone, which is mounted to the dash.

A slight disadvantage is that this is battery powered.. and sealed inside. I hate that. I would rather something that I can hardwire to the fusebox so I can install and forget, and not need to keep charging. (I suppose I can still hardwire).

Has anybody tried this device or recommend something similar?

A3352011_TD01_V1.png

Interesting. Wonder if this would work with my system in my 2005 c220 S203
So following.


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Conor

Conor

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Interesting. Wonder if this would work with my system in my 2005 c220 S203
So following.


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It will work if your audio system accepts auxiliary input from a 3.5mm input jack..
 

Dean Fletcher

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I bought something similar for my c207 works fine only downside is charging it up every so often. I could have it plugged in the 12v but I don't like wires everywhere plus the battery last for hours so I'm good. I use it mainly for Spotify on my phone etc.
 
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Conor

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I bought something similar for my c207 works fine only downside is charging it up every so often. I could have it plugged in the 12v but I don't like wires everywhere plus the battery last for hours so I'm good. I use it mainly for Spotify on my phone etc.

Agreed, frequent charging or trailing wires are a no-no for me.. I think that if I go down this route, I will aspire to hardwiring it behind the scenes.
 
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Conor

Conor

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Think mine only cost around 6 quid from fleebay

Yea, I have seen a bunch of cheaper ones, but I have a soft spot for the Anker brand.

How was the audio quality on yours?
 

LostKiwi

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I have one in our 230. Never tried it with the phone (have Viseeo for that - though to be honest it's pretty poor).
Ultimately I plan to swap the head unit for an Android one but given I have Bose it's not an easy proposition.

Now you know why I said to go for a later post 2004 car with the later Comand....
 

Dean Fletcher

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Yea, I have seen a bunch of cheaper ones, but I have a soft spot for the Anker brand.

How was the audio quality on yours?
If I'm honest it's wasn't the best but wasn't the worst. It's was livable. I'd probably invest in a better quality one and hard wire but I just don't use it as much as I thought I would.
 

LostKiwi

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If I'm honest it's wasn't the best but wasn't the worst. It's was livable. I'd probably invest in a better quality one and hard wire but I just don't use it as much as I thought I would.
Ditto.
I think I've used it maybe 3 times....(in 12 months)
 

NBurns

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I have one in our 230. Never tried it with the phone (have Viseeo for that - though to be honest it's pretty poor).
Ultimately I plan to swap the head unit for an Android one but given I have Bose it's not an easy proposition.

Now you know why I said to go for a later post 2004 car with the later Comand....

You would swap to an Android system instead of German made Bose?!!


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LostKiwi

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You would swap to an Android system instead of German made Bose?!!


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Yes. The Comand is limited functionality, has a battery drain that's going to be expensive to fix, and is frankly not that impressive.
 
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Conor

Conor

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Now you know why I said to go for a later post 2004 car with the later Comand....

Ha true that. I was limited in choice though.
 
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Conor

Conor

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The one that should have a cable coming out the glove box?!!



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Yes but you can keep it all in the glovebox if it is battery powered, and also you could hardwire and hide wires.
 

Naraic

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You would swap to an Android system instead of German made Bose?!!


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I did when the "German made Bose"...broke down, as they do. Are they not a US company?
 

Botus

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one main reason your great idea isn't ideal....

the law in the UK is very clear, if driving its 200 quid and six points if you so much a touch the phone to make something happen (like answer a call or change a music track)

if you have a phone system in the car, by adding a "BT puck" then you don't have any issues to make a call
on many models for not much you could also add a secondhand ipod kit (again from ebay) and add a BT device to the cable and you get BT music streaming as well (its a bit naff) but menus turn up on the speedo and navigate via the steering wheel buttons

there are lots of viseeo or merc adaptors on ebay (they are quite durable)
the only viseeo that adds music was the MB-3 no others do this. the reason its does FM back to the car is because Mercedes forgot to add stereo wires in the UHI,
 

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