iPod to Audio 20: Connection options?

[SmoothBall]

Hi folks,
I spent several hours last night researching threads relating to connecting iPods to audio systems. I've read threads dating back to August 2007, containing 'iPod' but I'm still confused and would appreciate clarification.

I think a lot of the confusion arises from:

• different MB models have different audio equipment: Audio 20, Audio 50, COMAND
• differnt audio equipment has different components: Audio 20 may or may not have an aux. jack, Audio Gateway, MOST
• some glove boxes may or may not have aux. jack
• some posts seem to contradict other posts, or other info on the web
  • ComandOnline.co.uk's Mercedes iPod kit http://www.comandonline.co.uk/product.php?productid=16174&cat=249&page=1 states that it is "not suitable for the Audio-50...or the Audio-20 CD systems installed in the E/CLS class";
  • Another thread concurs: (http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=27643), but
  • Alfie (who seems to know his stuff) contradicts: (http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showpost.php?p=175943&postcount=3)

It would be great if someone could put together a matrix of what combinations of equipment are compatible, and for which Mercedes-Benz models.
Gleaning which combinations will work, by reading across several threads, is difficult. I don't know if there's anyone out there with all that knowledge or the inclination to put together a matrix, though. Wouldn't be a small task, I appreciate.


What I have:
1993 E-class (W211) Elegance.
Audio 20.
6-disc CD changer.
Phone buttons on steering wheel.

What I do not have:
COMAND console.
Aux. jack in glove box.
Factory-fitted phone cradle.

What I may or may not have, I don't know:
Aux. jack on rear of Audio 20.
Audio Gateway.
MOST.

Solutions I won't consider:
Upgrading to COMAND.
Dennison, Harmon Kardon, other third-party cradles.

My preferred solution:


Simple cable from iPod headphone socket connecting to rear of Audio 20.

QUESTIONS:
Is this possible?
Do all Audio 20s have an aux. jack on the rear of the unit?
How easy is it to get at the back of the Audio 20?
Do I need special tools?
Has anyone posted specific instructions or photos?
​

Less favoured solutions I'd consider:


MB iPod kit connected to rear of Audio 20.

QUESTIONS:
Does the kit require an Audio Gateway?
Do all Audio 20s have an Audio Gateway?
If so, is an Audio 20's Audio Gateway always located in the boot (in the case of an E-class)?
What iPod functions are available using the steering wheel's phone buttons using the kit?
​

If anyone could answer my questions, I'd be very grateful—FM tranmitter just doesn't cut it!


Regards and thanks,
Ken.

 

[Fishercoupe]

My Car: 54 plate, C Class Coupe
Audio 20

I installed the Mercedes ipod kit, the only thing thats works on the steering controls are next track and volume.

I went to Mercedes they linked the stereo onto the star machine so all steering controls work. They couldn't close the ring circuit down - still no wiser!!

Any ideas what i need to do.

 

[type49]

You say you have an 1993 W211. I pressume you mean 2003?? If so, your Audio Gateway is fitted in the boot, OS. Beware though, some Audio 20s in a 211 don't have an Audio Gateway.

 

[piestore]

211 ipod kit

HI

sorry i pod retrofit is not possible unless you have command or aps 50, aux socket is possible on 203 audio 20 but without registration date its not possible to tell on your vehicle. all audio 20's have audio gatway its just a question of if its in the boot oe integrated in the head unit, if its integrated in the head unit you should be able to fit aux socket.

as a last option some of the more expensive FM modulaters are very good. plug ipod into gadget in 12 v socket and tune radio to station and problem solved

 

[jberks]

sorry i pod retrofit is not possible unless you have command or aps 50, aux socket is possible on 203 audio 20 but without registration date its not possible to tell on your vehicle.

My understanding was that the audio20 casette units fitted up to 2004 had gateways in the boot, whereas Audio20 cds had integrated amps - hence it was easier to fit command into older 211s.

all audio 20's have audio gatway its just a question of if its in the boot oe integrated in the head unit, if its integrated in the head unit you should be able to fit aux socket.

Interesting - I have no socket in the glovebox - on a late 04 211 (build date around June 04) with an audio 20 cd head unit - are you saying that there is a way to fit an aux socket?
I always understood it was a no-go.

To Fishercoupe - allegedly, the better Dennison kits integrate with the CANBUS and are very effective. Newer ones don't require you to lose your CD changer either. It is probably the easiest way to get decent integration - why is this not an option?

 

[HigherOctane]

It's worth having a look at the mObridge iPod kit which is fully compatible with the Audio 2, 50, and COMAND. See: http://tinyurl.com/26bj9c

 

[SmoothBall]

Typo!

Sorry, that was a typo in my original post that started the thread:
1993 W211?
2003 W211, more like it! (Well spotted, type49!)

 

[SmoothBall]

Consequence of Audio Gateway

You say you have an 1993 W211. I pressume you mean 2003?? If so, your Audio Gateway is fitted in the boot, OS. Beware though, some Audio 20s in a 211 don't have an Audio Gateway.

OS? Not sure what you're referring to.

If I don't have an Audio Gateway, what are the consequences?

If I do, and it's in the boot, what are the consequences? Just more laborious to install the Mercedes-Benz Integration Kit? Anything else?

Thanks,
Ken.

 

[SmoothBall]

Registration Date

aux socket is possible on 203 audio 20 but without registration date its not possible to tell on your vehicle. all audio 20's have audio gatway its just a question of if its in the boot oe integrated in the head unit, if its integrated in the head unit you should be able to fit aux socket.

Is that a typo "203"? Do you mean 2003 or are you referring to W203? I'll presume 2003.

Delivery date is Aug. 2003, according to the Mercedes-Benz Club Russia's interpretation of my VIN.
My registration date is Sept. 2003 in Ireland.

Does this help you any with what options I might have available?

Thanks,
Ken.

 

[S600 Owner]

I have also read a few posts/threads here about modern connectivity to Audio 20 systems, but still do not seem to have found the answers to my questions.
I have a 2007 A150 Elegance with fairly high spec. There seems to be no external connection to the Audio 20 stereo system either in the glove box, central console or arm rest. I would like the system to play from USB flash drives as well as connecting via a standard 3.5mm stereo socket. If these show up some details of what is playing on the screen and can be controlled via the steering wheel buttons, great. If not, no big deal. I am reasonably handy with a soldering iron.
I would like to know a) what extra hardware I need, if any and what its advantages are over not having it/making it myself b) what wiring I need to put in place c) how I set about the whole process (do I need to remove the radio unit to get at the rear connectors, do I just need to remove the glovebox etc.). Any help much appreciated.