Cell Phone Help Needed! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tump · #1 02-05-2003, 01:20 PM

Hi --

I have a 1999 C43 AMG with the premimum Alpine/MB head unit, Alpine/MB cd changer and Bose 8 speaker system. That system is wired to have a telephone installed and played through the stereo system.

However, after inquiring with my local MB dealer, they told me that in 2000 MB switched over to Motorola from some other cell phone system and that any MB produced before 2000 could not be fitted with a telephone system by them.

Does anyone know how to hook a cell phone into the existing the MB stereo/cell phone system? All the wiring is there including the microphone, speakers, "tel." button on the head unit and what appears to be an electronic cradle for a cell phone simms chip at the bottom rear of the center console compartment.

I have a T-Mobile plan with a Nokia phone (forgot the model number, but its very small and not a flip phone).

Any help would be appreciated, including the names and numbers of any good aftermarket companies that intall phones in MB's.

Thanks,

Gilly · #2 02-05-2003, 05:33 PM

I believe your 99 was available originally with the Motorola MicroTac phone. It was analog only. Since there is a cradle, I am wondering if it had the phone at some time. If you push the "TEL" button, does it say "No Phone" on the radio screen? If you have a digital plan, you may be better off going aftermarket.

Gilly

Tump · #3 02-08-2003, 10:41 AM

Gilly

Yes, if I push the "TEL" button it displays "No Phone". I do have a digital plan. So my question then is: which after market dealer is able to hook a digital cell phone up through the radio or can it even be done?

Thanks

lou-in-nj · #4 03-06-2003, 11:56 PM

I ran into a similar problem with my ’99 E430 and I have resigned myself to not using the integrated cell phone. I found my MB "service advisor" knew very little. I got better info from a cell phone/stereo retailer. He told me the radio is designed to work with a particular model Motorola phone, and the phone installed is an old analog phone and analog is not supported by AT&T in my area. He said it would be difficult now to find a Motorola phone that is the same model but has the correct digital service that is supported by AT&T. So, the car radio only works with a particular phone model & you have to find the version of that model that will work with your cell provider’s system (THEY ARE ALL DIFFERENT!). If you must have the integrated system, you may be buying a new stereo and a new phone if MB has not changed the connections to all the other stuff; CD changer, speakers, etc. Good luck!

Tump · #5 03-07-2003, 06:50 PM

Dear lou-in-nj:

Thanks so much for your response. This explains why no one else seemed to be able to help with this problem. I suppose I will have to resign myself to not using the integrated phone -- I do like the sound system very much otherwise. Now I don't have to waste money trying to get something to work that won't any more.

#6 03-11-2003, 10:15 AM

I have been through this regarding my '99 SL600 phone as well.
You can get a new Motorola digital to work with the hands free system from MB, HOWEVER it costs $1,600.

I have found a place in the UK that sells a harness adaptor which attaches to the cradle where the original phone plugs in. I'm now looking for someone with enough knowledge to build the necessary interface to a current digital phone.

Anyone interested in working with me on this please contact me. There should be a lot of owneres interested in solving this problem to make the customization work more affordable.

Ron
NYC

richunters · #7 03-11-2003, 11:27 AM

Ron if you find a solution, I and many others would be interested.

My car came with the integrated car phone (analog but not the mobile version). I would love to get a digital mobile phone.

viemont@mtco.co · #8 03-11-2003, 02:11 PM

Anyone with the same problem on cell phone use might refer to
www.mbnz.org
There is a pictured alteration shown under proprietary phone
use. I hope that this helps.
Tom Viemont
99 SLK

#9 03-11-2003, 02:37 PM

Thanks... This solution doesn't integrate with the car other than power and speaker mute. This can be done by most car stereo shops with a variety of phones.
I hope to be able to use the entire system, voice / radio keypad dialing, external antena, radio amplifier speaker interface, etc.

The solution you mention may, however, be an attractive alternative to some.

Ron

Tump · #10 03-12-2003, 06:37 PM

I'd be very interesed in working with you on this problem. Let me know how I can help.

#11 03-12-2003, 10:53 PM

Hi,

All you owners of 1999 (minus ML and S- Class), all 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. You can install the latest greatest Motorola Mercedes-Benz V60 handsfree phone system into your car and use the keypad, all speakers, caller id, phone mute, (steering wheel controls 2000 up, including voice recognition) I personally work on 30 to 35 Mercedes a week and do factory and aftermarket installations with the phone problems that you guys are having. www.autoccessories.com. I am a factory trained Mercedes-Benz technician. I have my own company here in Atlanta. You can email me with help or ordering the proper parts you need. I also sell the factory 6 disc fiber optic Mercedes-Benz cd changer as well. I have the proper interface components to make your factory COMAND radio play DVD right on the factory screen. If it is a gadget that people want on their MB, I can install it for them. I work for all the three large MB dealerships here in Atlanta. Call me if you have questions. It is easier than email. (404) 277-9383.

Thanks,

Jim LaPlant

jasesquire · #12 03-13-2003, 07:32 PM

Wow, I'm glad I'm not the only one with this problem. My '99 CLK 320 Cabriolet came with the integrated phone system. I keep the old analog phone service activated despite purchasing a
more up to date hand-held, digital phone service. I currently use a Motorola V60 through AT&T Wireless. I've been lamenting the fact that I can't integrate this great phone into my Benz's electronics. I'm looking forward to speaking with Jim from Atlanta about buying the parts and possibly getting a referral for installation here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Anybody else stuck with out-dated technology in their Benz looking for solutions on this issue?

Jonathan
'99 CLK 320 Cabriolet
Black Opal over Oyster