Connecting iPod to Audio 20

[Micman]

Hi

I have an Audio 20 radio in my C-class and having now decided to keep the car for a couple more years, rather than replacing it, I want to get my iPod working in it with a proper install.

I believe the Audio 20 is ready to use with an iPod and just needs a socket adding in the glove box.

The user manual talks about the CDC button (AUX) which says you can buy as an upgrade a chinch socket.

My wife asked the local main dealer about this as a birthday present for me, but they quoted her approx £400 fitted!!! I'm guessing they were talking at cross purposes!

Think I read somewhere that if the car has already been pre-wired for mobile phone, then the buttons on the steering wheel will be ready to control an iPod if one is added later without needing extra work. If you don't have pre-wiring then coding is required by the Mercedes dealer or Star Diagnosis to enable the steering wheel controls. ???

My car is pre-wired for mobile phone and can use the steering wheel buttons for the phone.


I was thinking of getting an independent car stereo fitter to do the job - but what is it that I actually require to connect my iPod? Is it just a wire running from the back of the unit to the glovebox with a connector on for the iPod??

Secondly - has anyone had it done and can point me towards a fitter and idea of cost. I'm in West Sussex

cheers

Mike :lol:

 

[Micman]

Does anyone actually know the answer?? I'm not convinced even Merc do, I have had different answers from 3 dealers!

The guys at work are ribbing me for asking about connecting the iPod on this forum saying Merc drivers are all over a certain age and wouldn't even know what an iPod is, let alone how to use it.

Don't let me down guys! :lol:

I've seen a product the Denison Gateway 500 - but even that seems to sell for between £300 - £400. If it's really going to cost almost £400 for an install I won't bother.

 

[jberks]

As I understand it there are 3 options. There is the simple aux input, but I believe not all Audio 20s have one and you can tell by pressing the cd changer button twice and if aux comes up on the screen, you just need the wiring. Mine (also 04 model) doesn't, don't know about yours.
The second option is a proper MB ipod interface. This will charge it as well as allow full control and track listings on the dash. Again I don't know what it will fit but I suspect thats what you've been quoted for.

The 3rd is a Dennison or other after market solution but many pretend to be cd changers so if you have one and want to keep it, this may be an issue.

 

[fabes]

Hi

If you don't have AUX in on the audio 20 (most don't and it will only give you play from the IPOD, no remote controls from steering wheel etc) then Denison is the best option.

I opted from the DICE FM Modulation kit as my older Audio 10 didn't have an aux in (this instead feeds in via the aerial socket)

There is a thread on here regards it and google the kit for a better description - but its £80 plus an hour of a local ICE firms time to fit it (or yourslef if your feel confident)

DICE is a fair compromise on interface vs price, but quality of sound is fine as its hardwired in.

Depends on your budget and how long you intend to keep the car. Denison would be better for resale I suspect

 

[Micman]

As I understand it there are 3 options. There is the simple aux input, but I believe not all Audio 20s have one and you can tell by pressing the cd changer button twice and if aux comes up on the screen, you just need the wiring. Mine (also 04 model) doesn't, don't know about yours.

Thanks, just tried mine. If I press the CDC button it says NO CDC, but if I press and hold it for a couple of seconds it then displays 'AUX INPUT ACTIVE'. that sounds like I might just need the wiring.

DICE is a fair compromise on interface vs price, but quality of sound is fine as its hardwired in.

Depends on your budget and how long you intend to keep the car. Denison would be better for resale I suspect

Thanks, thats also helpful. I have seen teh Denison but can't justify spending £400 on an aftermarket install - I don't believe having that would make any difference to resale when I came to sell the car. Think if I sold the car I would be better of taking it out and putting the Denison on ebay to recoup the money in that situation.

thanks for both your replies :lol::lol::lol:

 

[Micman]

I've just found this old thread too - that answers my question.

Looks like I can do it easily, just need a lead.

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?p=309273

 

[speedybiker]

have a read at this post too:

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=55386&highlight=speedybiker

Alex