Mercedes media interface, what's the point!

[cheapshots]

I noticed a strange looking 'data' port inside the centre console storage compartment of my W204 C250CGI (2012), right next to the USB port.

A little google search revealed to me that this is a media interface port, however I cannot for the life of me understand its purpose.

As far as I can tell it's their just for you to spend £100 on a cable that converts it to a USB port / AUX in port / Apple lightning charge port - essentially pretty much what the existing USB port can do.

Am I missing something here?

 

[television]

Is it a standard card that fits the slot

 

[flowrider]

I noticed a strange looking 'data' port inside the centre console storage compartment of my W204 C250CGI (2012), right next to the USB port.

A little google search revealed to me that this is a media interface port, however I cannot for the life of me understand its purpose.

As far as I can tell it's their just for you to spend £100 on a cable that converts it to a USB port / AUX in port / Apple lightning charge port - essentially pretty much what the existing USB port can do.

Am I missing something here?

On my ML350 the media interface is connected to my Ipod, i get all the track info and artwork appearing on the COMAND screen and can operate the Ipod via the steering wheel controls.

 

[Alfie]

I noticed a strange looking 'data' port inside the centre console storage compartment of my W204 C250CGI (2012), right next to the USB port.

A little google search revealed to me that this is a media interface port, however I cannot for the life of me understand its purpose.

As far as I can tell it's their just for you to spend £100 on a cable that converts it to a USB port / AUX in port / Apple lightning charge port - essentially pretty much what the existing USB port can do.

Am I missing something here?

It allows control of the ipod/iphone music via the comand/audio unit. you can select tracks, artists, playlists etc from the audio unit.

The USB port is just USB, nothing fancy.

The cable set is £70 and comes with three cables. Ipod, USB and AUX. On some versions of the MI it will do video aswell. On many cars these are included when the vehicle is purchased.