01 E320 and iPod compatibility

[MacGyver]

Hello,

I just bought an 01 E320 Wagon, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to listen to my iPod going down the road. I purchased one of those little belkin FM transmitters from a local warehouse store...the sound was so bad I'm returning it tomorrow. (poor sound quality, alternator noise, static, fade in/out, etc.)

(The radio has a button for "tape", but there's no place to stick a cassette, unless I'm missing something.) If it had a cassette, I could just use the tape adaptor that I use with my 98 E300.

My question is: Is there a better way to hook up (hard wire) an iPod to play through the stock radio? I've heard that "USA*SPEC" makes a unit that is compatible with stock benz radios, but only for years 1994-1998.

Thanks for your time!!!
TC

[Bstef]

I baught a car stereo from ebay for $65 shipping included, that has a usb port to hook into an ipod... and it takes SD chips.

The guy first sent me a broken used one.
I complained and he sent me a new one.

I dont see it for 65bucks anymore though...



H&B CA5555

[MacGyver]

Thanks for the reply, yeah, I've seen those at the local car audio place, but I just can't help but think that an aftermarket radio would just look out of place. Plus I've heard that bad things happen when you mess with aftermarket radios in benzes.

[Zeus]

Hey Macgyver,

I was going to make a joke and say 'just use your swiss army knife and rig something', but I probably shouldn't...

The unit I bought was from these guys -

http://indashpc.org/new/aux_adapters/car2aux-mb.html

The adaptor replaces the CD changer and you control your iPod from the factory deck - it rocks. Direct digital connection, charges, etc. Sound is excellent.

With your radio, you have the optical system, db-2 I think? You may be out of luck. You could try contacting those guys (above link) and ask if there are plans for an adaptor for your model. I know they are actively working on new adaptors all the time, could be well worth it.

Other than that, your options are limited to the FM transmitters or an expensive system, like the Dension Ice-link.

Another option is to have Becker install an aux input for you. Costs $100, you ship the head unit to Becker.

http://www.beckerautosound.com/6003-2001-02/aux_input.htm

Your unit has a cassette player, AFAIK. You could always buy a cassette adaptor, but the sound is crappy, IMO.

Doing an aftermarket install on your car would be...intensive. You'd have to re-wire things I would think, as your system is controlled via optics.

Good luck!

[MacGyver]

Thanks Zeus, Yeah, if I got out my MacGyver knife and started splicing wires, things would get ugly. I'm leaning more toward having Becker add the aux input, that way I get to keep the stock radio. I appreciate your input.

TC

[beevly]

I brought the same problem to my dealer. They said the fiber optic system on the later 210's pretty much limits you to an FM transmitter. There are much better ones than that cheap Belkin, he said expect to pay around $100 or so for one that'll actually do the job.

Your cassette is behind the LCD (the LCD is actually part of the door) - press on it, it will pop open. It won't do you much good though. The wire attaching to your cassette adapter will prevent the door from completely reclosing, and the unit will keep beeping at you in a most annoying manner.

I'm going to start checking into better FM transmitters, will post if I find anything.

[skiier3_9]

Soundgate sells something that they claim adds an AUX input:

http://www.soundgate.com/index.php?request=product.details&categoryid=128&productid=272&usereferrer=1&

Its the ALMBAUX1

According to the document it plugs in at the trunk using the CD changer cable. This means that you'd give up your CD changer (at the expense of getting an AUX input)

Its $259 here:

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/auxmb.html

Blitzsafe makes a similar device, coincidentally $259...

http://www.autotoys.com/x/cust/product.php?productid=4671

[suginami]

Originally Posted by beevly

I brought the same problem to my dealer. They said the fiber optic system on the later 210's pretty much limits you to an FM transmitter.

Your dealer is clueless.

I have an ipod adapator cable that I bought from Dension about two years ago that works great.

My cable plugs into the CD changer port in back of the head unit. The benefit is that you can use the cd buttons on the head unit to toggle through songs instead of having to use the buttons on the ipod.

There are also units that plug into the AUX input.

[visioncasting]

I put a US Spec in my C280 - plugs in to the CD changer port in the trunk. I ran it up the door jam raceway, under then into the center counsel. I then removed my cup holder (its useless anyway) and ran the monster cable connector into the hole that left. It makes a GREAT gps & ipod garage because it still closes and is out of sight for prying eyes. It's a slick litte setup, top sound quality and under $100/1hr total time. I imagine you'll be able to do something similar.

Don't listen to the dealer or chain stereo shops. They don't know what they are talking about. And don't put a cheap aftermarket radio in! Good God man!! This is a Mercedes. Not a civic.

[beevly]

Originally Posted by suginami

Your dealer is clueless.

I'm slowly coming around to that same point of view lately.

[skiier3_9]

Originally Posted by visioncasting

I put a US Spec in my C280 - plugs in to the CD changer port in the trunk. I ran it up the door jam raceway, under then into the center counsel. I then removed my cup holder (its useless anyway) and ran the monster cable connector into the hole that left. It makes a GREAT gps & ipod garage because it still closes and is out of sight for prying eyes. It's a slick litte setup, top sound quality and under $100/1hr total time. I imagine you'll be able to do something similar.

Don't listen to the dealer or chain stereo shops. They don't know what they are talking about. And don't put a cheap aftermarket radio in! Good God man!! This is a Mercedes. Not a civic.

Can you elaborate on this "US Spec" - what did this give you an AUX in? I'm looking for options more around $100 rather than 260 as I posted above

Is it this thing:

http://ipodcarparts.com/mercedes-ipod-interface-brwauxilliary-input-p-215.html

Because that only works on the 94 - 98 models...

[visioncasting]

i used one like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/IPod-Aux-Adapter-to-1994-1998-Mercedes-E-E300-E320_W0QQitemZ170093684516QQihZ007QQcategoryZ38636QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

you'll just need to find the compatible one for your car. i am certain there is one out there. just look at denon & us spec online, search ebay, etc...

there are basically 2 options as i understand it - one allows you to control your ipod through the radio but is more expensive and the other just uses a standard rca-type plug to get the audio input. the later is what i used because it's 1/2 the price and frankly the radio controls are no sub for the ipod's click wheel!

[MacGyver]

Thank you all for the input. The USA Spec won't work on mine, the Dension is about $319 and nobody has any. Becker has yet to return my call, and I finally found the cassette slot in the radio, but as you said, the tape adaptor wire is too thick for that door. I'll keep looking at that Dension, I don't mind losing my CD changer. Thanks again!!!!

TC

[Alabama E320]

I found a nice Jensen fold out screen it has a great IPOD interface (looks like the click wheel) it lets me watch movies also I only installed the deck and it was under $500. Sounds great. I will hold on to the original for resale but am really happy with this setup. I had Circuit City install it. If you pay them to install they will always restore your car for free! I have done that several times.

[caribbeancowboy]

Re "Thank you all for the input. The USA Spec won't work on mine, the Dension is about $319 and nobody has any. Becker has yet to return my call, and I finally found the cassette slot in the radio, but as you said, the tape adaptor wire is too thick for that door. I'll keep looking at that Dension, I don't mind losing my CD changer. Thanks again!!!!"

I have spent the last three weeks following your footsteps and after exhausting options, I bought a top rated Philips cassette adapter which works GREAT...if you don't count the loud beeping from the open cassette door. I managed to gently close it and the music sounded fantastic...and then the beep came back.

I've emailed Dension Canada to see if they have anyone in Florida. I'm with you on ditching the CD changer happily if need be. If you've found a solution since your post, please let me know. Thanks.

2002 CLK 320 Cabriolet, Bose, Sport Package, AMG rims