1995 e320 telephone

[tskolak]

we just bought a 95 e320 on ebay and it has a factory phone in the center consule. Is there any way to use any of the factory phone parts/accessories(i.e.speaker) with todays cell phones?

[gerryvz]

If the car still has the factory stereo, the phone is integrated with the stereo system for taking incoming calls and the like.

I believe those phones are analog technology, rather than the newer digital cellular, CDMA or GSM/GPRS technology that is commonly in use today. While most if not all carriers still offer analog capability, you would have to probably create a new cellular account just for the phone in the car -- something that most people wouldn't do.

The better thing to do would be to remove the phone that's in the car (provides more room in the center console) and use your existing handheld phone if you have one. There are ways to interface today's phones with the stereo system to preserve the functionality of muting the music and using the built-in speakerphone system. There are a number of firms that provide the hardware and expertise to do this, though I don't know who they are off the top of my head.

Bottom line, is that I would ditch the phone that is in the car and use a modern handheld phone.

Cheers,
Gerry

[SteveUrban]

Yes, you can. It depends upon what brand of phone you have (not the cars). I am going to replace the Oki phone in the car with my Nokia. They make a hands free unit for my phone for $104.00. I am going to recycle the mic and the front speakers of the MB phone. Alldata has the wiring diagram and removal instructions for the old phone. One important thing that you have to do is disconnect the old phone amp.

FWIW,
Steve