iPod Install into Armrest - HowTo - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mac2 · #1 12-10-2008, 07:43 PM

So it's the season for finals here at University so I am terribly bored of studying and my mind starts to wander. I start thinking how great it would be to integrate an iPod into my armrest. So anyway, if you want to partake in this mod as I have done you will need the following items:

- An armrest (yeah)
- An iPod (I used a 5g video 30gb because thats the one I don't use except in the car and it was the right size)
- A hard case of some sort (mine cost 3 bucks on clearance :-) )
- A PocketDock Line-out USB Website (A brilliant thing as it has USB which is needed for sync and charge and audio out from the same dongle)
- An exacto, straightedge, superglue, pen, etc.

1. Take the back plate off the seat. In this case my car is a 1984 190d with manual controls. Use a phillips screwdriver on the two screws on the bottom of the panel which will allow for its removal.

2. Taking off the panel will reveal the armrest bolt, which when undone, allows the removal of the armrest which can now be taken inside.

3. The second photo shows the hard case which I used for a template. Take a pencil and mark around the edges onto the rest.

4. Using an exacto or razor knife, puncture the corners and then cut diagonal lines (shown in the third photo)

5. Set the exacto blade to about the same depth as the iPod and cut the rectangle edge in the foam below and cut the "X" to the proper depth. The foam will then be easy to tear out and will do so fairly levelly. (4th photo)

6. Excavate and area for the mini-dock under the vinyl.

mac2 · #2 12-10-2008, 07:57 PM

7. Once the area for the dock has been excavated, puncture a small hole just large enough for the usb cable to fit near the pivot. You can't go to far back as it has a metal surround, the fourth photo above shows where I placed it

8. Use a coat hanger to push through the foam and then your finger to push it out a bit more. The MBtex is quite resilient so the cable can be manhandled through fairly easily. Tape the 3.5in stereo cable to the usb and pull the on through.

9. Test fit the iPod and the case. You will likely need to remove a bit more foam to get it right. You will also need to cut down the vinyl a bit and square off the ends (as shown). Leave enough so it curves over nicely, this is for both aesthetics and to hold the iPod in place. The vinyl combined with the tension of the foam results in such a nice tight fit that there is no real need for glue.

10. Once you get the fit and finish right, test the cable and ensure it syncs. The second pic shows the final product before installation

11. Bolt it back onto the car. Then punch a small hole in seat so the cables can be run cleanly inside and down to the underside of the seat where I have already conveniently run a stereo input and 12v dc. Replace the seat back and you're done!

For me the this works great, I can still rest my arm on it as the case keeps me from touching the wheel as it nicely recesses it and it is wonderfully convenient and clean. I will no longer forget to have my iPod on trips. The case installation makes it easier to remove the ipod while still having a functioning armrest, although this shouldn't be necessary as I can drag my laptop out to update music if need be and it charges while in the armrest. It also serves as possibly the smallest back-seat movie screen ever