MB Timeport installation on ML
 

Has anyone done this ? I've done similar installation on my 5-series BMW and it was managable. I'm curious to see if most cable connections/handset cradle/telematics unit are all plug-N-play type. i.e. no drilling required.

It gets a little involved. Depends on the year, since you are interested in Timeport, I assume you are 2001 or 2002. 2002 definitely more involved than 2001. There is a compensator that goes inside the dash area, it's a little tough to get in there. The PSE goes under the dash on the right side, requires holes. There is the D2B connection that goes into the back of the radio (MCS), so the MCS has to be removed, which involves the removal keys.
The storage area in the center console needs to come out and requires drilling holes to install the handset cradle. I believe (if I have this right) on a 2001 the passenger side seat is removed to install an antenna switch. The antenna isn't a problem on 2001 or 2002 because it's already there from the factory due to the Teleaid system having it already.
There is also programming to the MCS unit to get everything to work correctly.
Gilly

Okey Dokey. I better leave this to the professionals then:)

Gilly,

you mention 2001 and 2002....how about the 2000? I have a 2000 ML320 that I would like to install the Timeport phone into. I recently the the NAV install myself and had no problems with the installation of functioning of the unit.

Just curious.

Thanks

Kevin:
Installation in a 2000 isn't much different than a 2001 or 2002. Compatabilty isn't there for a Timeport in a 2000, has to be I believe a Star Tac in a 2000.
Difference is that in 2000, the antenna wiring supports 800 MHz, the 2001/2002 supports 800 MHz and 1900 MHz.
The 2000 phone is either CDMA or TDMA, and uses analog as a backup. With the Timport it is CDMA and TDMA, plus the analog backup.
You may also need to replace the antenna, I'm not sure if the 2000 GPS antenna works for cell phone or not, that may be a dedicated GPS antenna. With 2001 you already have a GPS and cell phone antenna, as the Teleaid unit needs both.
Gilly

ps Why does it say you have a 1999 ML320 when you're asking about 2000 installation???

Gilly,

Ooops, just changed my profile. I just swapped the 99 for a 2000 a few weeks ago. The 99 had one too many "bugs".....

:eek:

As for the phone, I just installed the Navigation system, and part of the install was a splitter the included a input for the cell phone. So I am assuming that antenna is a combination one. I know that you can base it on looks, but its identical to the ones on the 2001. When I installed the navigation system there was no antenna at all, just the rubber plug in the roof. I'm a bit confused now as to what I can or can not put in my truck. I prefer to have the timeport. If the wiring is incorrect for the antenna, that should be updateable? What are your thoughts on this?

MB says NO RETROFIT of a Timeport into a Star Tac vehicle.
Gilly

You can't plug it in and hope it will work. Officially, there's no retrofit, but there are people who have got it to work. Here's a link...

http://www.keysolutions.com/M-Class.nsf/aac7d56ca8fd884b852563be00610639/4b03c46f4b72b2d4852569a9000be6e2

Kuan