IPOD Integration "THE ULTIMATE GUIDE"

[MBC180]

Dear All,
As new member I used the forum to educate myself on the IPOD Integration Kit, as MB Info was very hard to locate.
I found some good info on the forum site so thanks to those for putting it up there.
I had found a great FAQ sheet on a hard to find MB site and Apple IPOD site so here its is: I hope its as helpful to you as it was to me, a sit was the result of several hours web searching to get all these answers in 1 document.
Mark Badi. Budapest Hungary. Owner to be (this week ) of C180 K with IPOD integration kit fitted after delivery.

B67824213 iPod integration kit iPod not included[/COLOR] Approx USD 350 Incl. VAT
B67824207 iPod holder for glove box. (Only with iPod integration kit) Approx USD 15 incl.VAT


What is the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz?The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz is an integrated system solution that provides connectivity between a customer's iPod device and the electronic and audio systems of the Mercedes-Benz vehicle. The solution offers the ability to connect and stow the iPod device with a specially designed interface in the glovebox that charges the iPod device while allowing the driver to manipulate iPod menus and device functions via the multifunction steering wheel buttons. Also, the driver can conveniently reference the iPod menu, playlist, and artist or title information on the multifunction display on the dashboard

What is included with the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz? The kit includes a unique physical interface for the glovebox, as well as all software to support vehicle system integration and interface functionality. The iPod device is sold separately, and is not included with the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz.

Can the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz be used with other MP3 or other audio devices? The iPod Integration Kit is engineered with specific software that interprets the data from the Apple iPod device. Other MP3 players or other audio devices are not compatible with this solution.

With which iPod devices is the solution compatible? The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz is compatible with any iPod device equipped with a dock interface and the latest iPod firmware installed. This includes iPod, iPod mini, and iPod photo. (after researching IPOD web pages its any New IPOD with IPOD Dock interface connector on it e.g. NANO, see Apple link below to check:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61688#ipodphoto )

For which vehicles is the solution available? The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz is now available for the redesigned 2006 M-Class SUV, C-Class (MY05 and newer), CLK-Class (MY05 and newer), E-Class (MY04 and newer), CLS-Class (MY06), and SLK-Class (MY05 and newer; vehicles equipped with COMAND [Cockpit Management and Data system] system only). Upon vehicle introduction, the solution will be available for the new 2006 R-Class.

Can the iPod Integration Kit be installed by my dealer or is this a factory option? The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz can be installed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, allowing for installation after initial vehicle delivery, or the kit can be ordered as a factory-installed option (Max 1 hour).

What is the price of the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz? The MSRP for the dealer-installed solution begins at $299 plus installation.

Is the solution covered under warranty? If installed at the time of initial vehicle delivery, the iPod Integration Kit is covered under the standard term of the MBUSA New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first). If installed after initial vehicle delivery, the iPod Integration Kit is covered for the remainder of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty or one year, whichever is greater.

How is the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz different from after-market solutions? The Mercedes-Benz solution is specifically engineered for Mercedes-Benz vehicle systems. This solution provides increased functionality over after-market solutions, such as device function manipulation via the multifunction steering-wheel controls and view of the iPod device data on the multifunction display. Because Mercedes-Benz vehicle systems do not recognize the iPod device as a CD-changer component as competitive solutions do, customers can use both the CD changer and the iPod device without sacrificing one for the other. Also, unlike after-market solutions, the Mercedes-Benz kit is covered under warranty.

How is the Mercedes-Benz solution different from solutions offered by other vehicle manufacturers?
The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz offers increased functionality. For instance, the Mercedes-Benz solution allows the driver to play and view any playlist that has been created - without having to make a special new playlist for the vehicle solution, as in other manufacturer's solutions. Also, song title information can be viewed in the dashboard multifunction display, allowing the driver to "See What You're Hearing".

If the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz is installed, are other devices such as the CD changer nullified? No. Because this solution recognizes the iPod device as a unique input, other audio inputs such as CD changers can still be utilized.

 

[iancropper]

The reality is somewhat different. No, you don't loose the CDC connection but you do loose the AUX connection.
Playlists, Artists, Tracks, Composers etc are shown in the vehicles multi-function display - hmmm, well the first 6 or 7 letters are, not much use with similar tracks and names.
Not as good as they make out !

 

[MBC180]

Which Ipods can be used, does Nano work ?

Dear Ian,
I agree, thats not something either MB nor Apple mention anywhere, I am sure I wont be too happy when íi collect my New C class with Ipod Integration to find its restricted to 6 letters. (GBP 250 including installation) I got 75% off MB reccomended installation time, by saying it takes 1-1,5 hours to install for a wheelerchair mechanic ( **** ) comments I saw on this site (thank you).
I was think of using IPOD Nano, basically same dock connector as regular IPOD, although I cant find any info from anyone which says it will or wont work, any thoughty on this.
Regards,
Mark-Budapest

 

[blassberg]

I am sure I wont be too happy when íi collect my New C class with Ipod Integration to find its restricted to 6 letters

the font is proportional - sometimes you get up to 10 letters!!

 

[billywhizz]

I was think of using IPOD Nano, basically same dock connector as regular IPOD, although I cant find any info from anyone which says it will or wont work, any thoughty on this.
Regards,
Mark-Budapest

No the NANO doesn't work with it. Something to do with the software according to the MB dealer I was speaking to yeasterday about it.

 

[Ramius]

Hi Guys

I have posted before about iPods etc. I work for Apple currently and know the knowledge base on the apple site is a good resource.

Heres a link.

http://www.apple.com/support/

 

[MBC180]

Hi Guys

I have posted before about iPods etc. I work for Apple currently and know the knowledge base on the apple site is a good resource.

Heres a link.

http://www.apple.com/support/

Dear Ramius,
I tried the Apple site and search under Car Integration, Mercedes, compatabiliyt etc, but couldnt seem to get up any releavant documents, perhaps you have an actual link to a relevant document as opposed to the main site.

Imn the mean time, I choose not to take the risk and purchased IPOD 30GB color, must say its excellent, havent integrate dto car yet as am waiting for it to arrive end of this week. Let you know how I get on.

Regards,

Mark Badi Budapest

 

[smithdiesel]

Harman Kardon drive play is my choice

 

[blassberg]

Harman Kardon drive play is my choice

good effort - similar but not quite as inobtrusive interface to the nokia car kit - I like the aux2 port - not keen on the display. Better price. Better compatability. Do you have one?

 

[David Potter]

Just bought a new C Class Coupe with the MB IPOD intergration kit. Garage charged £172 for the fitting and harness which by the sound of some mails in this thread was not bad!
I have connected my IPOD 30GB 5G and all the keys on the Multi-function wheel work as they should except the ones to navigate the menus, i.e. the telephone ones. I can skip tracks and change the volume but not select artists, and albums. Does anyone else have a 5G working OK, or do I need to take back to the garage?

 

[MBC180]

Ipod 5gb 30GB

Is this the Ipod 53GB Video, or a new model, as mine is working ok.

 

[shawda]

Hi,

I installed an IPOD Kit into my C Class with Audio 20 (06 Model) this week, but the only steering wheel controls that work are volume and track selection, and ideas whats wrong?

 

[MBC180]

Ipod controls

Dear Shawa,
If ou read the manual that came with the Ipod integration kit from MB, it says the Steering wheel controls only work, ie. Volume, Track forward and back, Fast forward and Fast back, by holding down the track button.

The buttons used for menu on steering wheel should be used to bring track name onto the console, then use telephone hang up button to scroll back in the menu (equivelant of IPOD menu button repeatedley pressed) then use track button to move up and down on item button. I try to show menu and sub menu points below as example, when you get menu or sub men you like use tel, dial on steering wheel to select, and keep pressing to select or scroll to other menu points with track select.
GENRE ARTIST ALBUM SOUNDTRACK
GENRES YOU DEFINED ON IPOD IE, POP, REGGAE, SOUL ETC
POP
ARTIST
ALBUM


ARTIST
BILLY JOEL,
BONEYM
QUEEN
ETC...

ALBUM
ALBUM NAME...
ALBUM NAME....

HOPE THIS HELP, Just play with the keys on steering wheel and you will find the way.
Best of luck.

 

[MBC180]

Shawda,
If you dont have the MB IPOD manual let me know I can scan it and send to your email address if you give to me, its only about 4-5 small pages.

 

[Roppeke]

Hi,

Now we are april 2007 and I wonder if there are any changes in the compability of the iPod interface?
Can the iPod be used on different cars as first discribed?
I have bought a brand new Viano V6 with full option, but somehow it doesn't work to control the iPod from the steering-wheel.
Anyone any idea if this can be fixed and when this type of car will be included in the iPod compatible players?

Greetz,
Roppeke

 

[Alfie]

Hi,

I installed an IPOD Kit into my C Class with Audio 20 (06 Model) this week, but the only steering wheel controls that work are volume and track selection, and ideas whats wrong?

If you dont have telephone pre-wire then you need to get the car coded to think it has got phone pre-wire.

The IPOD install works with no coding if you have the phone pre-wire.

Suggest you take a trip to your local dealer and tell them the ipod doesnt work from the steering wheel and that they need to code the car to think it has phone pre-wire, with their STAR machine.

If you were nearer I could get this sorted out for you

 

[mport]

Ipod: need some clarification!

Sorry if this covers old ground cant find answers in other posts...

I'm awaiting delivery of a new C200K Avantgarde estate (may seem like a crazy time to get one but got a very good deal) with bog-standard Audio 20 (+phone preparation).

Dealer tells me that a) offical MB/Apple Ipod integration only works with COMAND so no good for Audio 20, and b) current MY2007 C-Class doesnt even have aux input in glove box, though new MY2008 C-Class does have.

Is this true? And if so, do I have any other options for Ipod (that wont involve intervention that will cause problems with MB warranty)?

 

[Phil D]

I had the official ipod kit fitted to my C220cdi (no phone wiring) - I got it done at a good idie who has all the necessary computing kit
I have two ipods (sad I know) - one older colour screen mode and the other a brand new 30G model - both work perfectly with all the steering wheel controlled menus available
Phil

 

[ewi]

iPod interface MANUAL

Hi, I would appreciate if you could send me the user manual, as I can't find it anywhere on the web. Many thanks,
Ewi

 

[MVellani]

Shawda,
If you dont have the MB IPOD manual let me know I can scan it and send to your email address if you give to me, its only about 4-5 small pages.

Hi there. I installed the mercedes ipod integration system on my 2012 S221 S550. I see the mercedes logo on the ipod. I have steering wheel control of the ipod. But no sound. Any pointers ?