Electrical Interference Using iPhone
 

I'm quite satisfied with the stock audio system on my 98 E300D. My only problem is electrical interference. To listen to music, I use a cassette adapter with either an iPod Touch or an iPhone 5s. I have not noted any interference when using the iPod (set to airplane mode so there are no radio signals). However, I frequently hear various electrical interference noises when using the iPhone. So far, I have not been able to detect any rhyme or reason as to the conditions that cause the interference (proximity, orientation, etc....). I should say that, when using the iPhone, I'm using the network (i.e. an internet radio station or accessing my music from the cloud).

Any ideas as to how to minimize or eliminate such interference? Thanks.

same charger?
often 12v chargers have interference with speakers that pickup the alternator sync... and broadcast it into the speakers...

yes, cig lighter does that in my suburban. I like the stock system too. \\BlitzSafe MB/AUX DMX V.1B EnfigCarStereo.com

iPod iPhone Aux Input Mercedes Benz Audi VW Becker Porsche Jaguar Peugeot Smart | eBay

This should solve the problem. Either that or change the ground to your stereo and cig lighter to somewhere else with beefier wire.

Is the noise present only when you are trying to charge with a lighter adapter and listen at the same time?

Is the noise engine speed dependent (i.e. does it do it when you are driving or even if the car is turned to pos I with the engine stopped)?

Or is it a constant raspy buzz that happens whenever you are on the phone, get a text, or using data to stream music? If so who is your cell carrier?

I have not been using the charger when I've noticed the noise....so the charger is not part of the equation.

No, nothing related to engine speed.

It's only when listening to music....I'd describe it as heavy static.

I wonder if somehow shielding the cable on the cassette adapter would help.

Are you on AT&T or T-Mobile?

If so the way these phones communicate with the tower (GSM) causes a lot of interference. If you place a GSM phone next to anything with an amplifier and speaker you will get a raspy buzz buzz sound.

Verizon uses CDMA which does cause as much interference.

AT&T

I'm afraid that's probably your problem. Not much you can do about it except maybe using Bluetooth streaming and keeping the phone as far away from the radio as possible.

Do you think using a radio transmission to an FM station would be a viable alternative....or would I still have the same problem?

I've not had any issues with any in-car or truck electricals interference. I use all (3) big carriers too.

I would suggest buying a Bluetooth radio so you can wirelessly stream music and have hands-free speakerphone and never worry about getting a ticket talking while driving. I have 2 Pioneer DEH 6500BT's and love it so much I'm buying a 3rd one.

Just noticed ur sig. You have to add effect/ affect. Lol

As soon as I get a chance I am going to figure out how to hack the CD player interface so that it becomes a line-in. If I get that working then my bluetooth mod in the audio forum might be your best choice.

The way I have mine set up now, it will stream, but only to the two little speakers in the dash. Sounds just like a 1st gen 124 with the fader rolled all the way to the front. Tolerable but no bass.

David,

Have you tried another tape adapter device? The static you are hearing might be caused by that device.

You should also try another input device to the tape adapter.

That way you can isolate the problem to either your phone or the tape adapter.

An FM or Bluetooth transmitting device might be a viable solution IF you find that the tape adapter is not the problem.

I'm on the road for work this week. Drew a Chebby Impala for a rental car this week with the Hertz Never Lost. They have a new version system with a GSM cellular radio in it for live updates. Every time I start the car I get the "bzzt bzzt tat tat bzzzzttt" off the GSM radio into the stereo speakers as the unit syncs up.

If your interference sounds like that I am not sure that even Bluetooth will help you. That crappy GSM modulation is the RF equivalent of throwing a boulder into a swimming pool. The harmonics that come forth from that couple into anything with two wires and a semiconductor junction and a speaker. (Ever built a crystal radio as a kid and notice how it picked up every bit of stray rf and demodulated it, so you got the Tower of Babel in your ear?)

I think that is why the owners manual for the W210 cautions against running any type of transmitter inside the vehicle that was not the MB installed cell phone with the external antenna. It's not coincidence that the built in cell antenna is in the back bumper on the W210, as far away from the powertrain and ABS ECUs as possible, and 90* rotated with respect to the main wiring runs in the car.