iPod or? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rla20cpa · #1 09-13-2004, 01:12 AM

Has anyone attempted to install an iPod or similar hard drive based mp3 player in their car.

I'd be interested in a system which leaves the original equipment in place, if possible, and connects with an adapter. I guess this would mount in the trunk and be controlled via my current stock CD player.

I have a 1999 SL500 with CD player.

Benz300 · #2 09-13-2004, 04:30 AM

if you're planning to keep the cassete player then you can use the cassete adapter that'll be the cheapest and easiest solution

joel price · #3 09-13-2004, 11:16 AM

Just purchased a 40gb ipod and itrip ---loaded 450 songs/capacity is 10,000 songs and took a trip ---used the ipod through the stock Becker via the itrip and it worked flawless. It can be used on any car---I will never carry CD's or cassettes again---this is a great system- ipod 399.00 and itrip 30.00
joel

Zoonhollis · #4 09-13-2004, 05:23 PM

I am able to interface my iPod with the Eclipse head unit in my 300D. The unit has an "analog in" that I use and the sound is satisfactory. However, there is a product out that allows the user to connect an iPod with the head unit's CD changer input. This allows the iPod text to display on the head unit's digital readout, provided it is equipped to do so.

rla20cpa · #5 09-14-2004, 02:43 AM

Joel, did the 'itrip' connect to the CD changer in the trunk? Also, could you scroll using the LED screen on the CD player?

Maruzo · #6 09-14-2004, 04:37 PM

Never heard of an adapter that could bridge the connection between a factory head unit and an aftermarket mp3 player (like the ipod) It would be a true godsend if this were true. Just image: static free and pure music heaven with a clean connection to the factory cd changer input/output, with thousands of songs at your fingertip!!

I've never managed to find such an item. But porting your mp3 source onto the factory audio input is the best way to get clean and full sound for your aftermarket units. That is if you want to keep the oem equipment.

Maruzo · #7 09-14-2004, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoonhollis

I am able to interface my iPod with the Eclipse head unit in my 300D. The unit has an "analog in" that I use and the sound is satisfactory. However, there is a product out that allows the user to connect an iPod with the head unit's CD changer input. This allows the iPod text to display on the head unit's digital readout, provided it is equipped to do so.

What you're suggesting sounds like a better option, but i doubt this kind of adapter exists. Although if it does, it will surely beat out the itrip option since that gadget is nothing more than a simple fm transmitter for the ipod. And we all know how these worked back in the cd walkman days like 10 + years ago.

Zoonhollis · #8 09-14-2004, 05:35 PM

It does indeed exist. Why would I lie?

Here is the link:

http://www.ipodlounge.com/ipodnews_comments.php?id=P4903_0_7_0_C

And here's the manufacturer's website:

http://www.neocaraudio.com/prod-ion.html

Maruzo · #9 09-14-2004, 05:55 PM

Thanks for posting, Matt. I wasn't implying that you lied. I just didn't believe it til I saw it.

Btw, the compatibility chart didn't include mercedes. Does that mean we're out of luck? Or does the audi line uses the same becker radios with the same cd changer plugs?

Zoonhollis · #10 09-14-2004, 10:06 PM

Not sure, Maruzo. The description seems to imply that most any unit with the CD changer input would be compatible. And since that input is industry standard (as far as I know), it should work with any model thus equipped. It wasn't an issue with me, since I replaced the original Becker with an Eclipse head unit.

rla20cpa · #11 09-15-2004, 02:07 PM

Zoon, did the Eclipse head unit have a custom fit in the dash, that is, identical to the Becker unit?

How easy was it to scroll 1000's of songs?

Zoonhollis · #12 09-15-2004, 05:38 PM

The transition to the Eclipse unit was pretty smooth; no special adapters needed for the fit. It has 5V for the pre-outs, so it sounds pretty good. The main hurdle in improving the overall sound was trying to get the cabin quieter at speed.

I don't actually have the CD changer type connection as described above, so I cannot use the head unit to scroll songs. When I attach my iPod via the auxilliary input, I just set it to shuffle and away I go. Perfect for road-trips

#13 09-17-2004, 02:44 AM

Got a 40Gb iPod a couple of months ago with a Monster FM transmitter. You plug one end of the transmitter cable into the cigarette lighter and the other end into the bottom of the iPod. Select one of eight available frequencies and play away. Works pretty good and the transmitter cable recharges the iPod battery at the same time. No need for a cassette adapter. I use the same frequency as my Alpine mp3 RF disk changer, but I find I use the changer less and less and the iPod more and more.

Should note that head unit in question is a Becker from a '90, so no mp3 tag display.

Cleeve · #14 09-17-2004, 02:55 PM

Hi Everyone,
Just to let you know we have been modifying the Mercedes units that have no AUX input for well over 2 years now with great success. I notice that most of the IPOD interfaces that are available are for alot of vehicles BUT not Mercedes. Give Scott a call and see if we have the option you are looking for.

Cleeve Morrison
La Jolla Audio Repair

www.mercedesradiorepair.net