iPhone and 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350?

[HawaiiMacAddict]

Aloha everyone,

I am in a bit of a quandry with respect to iPhone interoperability, as I live in Hawaii - not many vehicle manufacturers ship their product here with DVD Navigation capability, hence not much Bluetooth. Anyway, I currently have a 2002 Lexus RX300 (wonderful vehicle), and am looking to upgrade this year. I would like to achieve at least the same level of comfort, but with an iphone-compatible Bluetooth system pre-installed. When I contacted the local (the ONLY) Lexus dealer on Oahu, I was informed that the RX series would NOT have Bluetooth standard until 2010 at the earliest. Too bad - they just lost a customer.

For whatever reason, my wife doesn't like BMW, so we're left with only a couple of choices. I have been considering the Mercedes-Benz ML350, but have a couple of questions for anyone who has that vehicle and an iPhone. I only ask about the 2008-year model, as I understand that Bluetooth is standard in that year's model, but not in year's earlier (if I bought a 2007-year model, I would have to also purchase the P1 package to get Bluetooth).

I think that the only option I would have to purchase, to ensure charging of the iPhone while driving, is the MHI Bluetooth cradle. Does anyone have any information to corroborate or dispute that understanding? Do any 2008 Mercedes-Benz owners have any advise for another potential owner?

I bought the iPhone with the intention of giving my iPod to my wife, but that is not possible at the current time. I still get a lot of GSM interference while using my Belkin TuneBase FM - so much that I have gone back to using my iPod while on the drive into work. I would just like to have my convergence device really "converge".

HawaiiMacAddict

 

[glsda]

I have a 2005 E500 with the BT adapter installed. My Treo 650 works beautifully with the command system except it will not upload my phone book this isn't a problem because I just load the names and numbers into the voice command system I fell for the iPhone and am told by my MBZ service adviser and everyone else at the dealership that the iPhone works with my system I have paired a friends iPhone and it works with the system. The dealership tells me they can install the iPod jack and the iPhone will charge and work through the command system. The install costs $1,000. My understanding is that 2008 MBZs come with the iPod jack already installed. I also understand that the ML may have a different configuration then the autos. Don't know if this helps but it is additional information.

 

[DinesesBenz]

I have a 2005 E500 with the BT adapter installed. My Treo 650 works beautifully with the command system except it will not upload my phone book this isn't a problem because I just load the names and numbers into the voice command system I fell for the iPhone and am told by my MBZ service adviser and everyone else at the dealership that the iPhone works with my system I have paired a friends iPhone and it works with the system. The dealership tells me they can install the iPod jack and the iPhone will charge and work through the command system. The install costs $1,000. My understanding is that 2008 MBZs come with the iPod jack already installed. I also understand that the ML may have a different configuration then the autos. Don't know if this helps but it is additional information.

The Mercedes Benz offers an optional (I think about $300) IPod integration on the new vehicles. I have a 2005 and had it installed and can use it with my iPhone OR my IPod (both charge as you listen to them). I also have a bluetooth module and the 1.1.4 software on my iPhone. I have my entire contact list/playlists/song choice, you name it displayed on my gauges. All I do for the bluetooth is approach my car and leave it in my purse, or plug it in to the integration. It is my understanding that WITHOUT the bluetooth module, but standard bluetooth in New Mercedes the iPhone will pair, but NOT load the contact list. I have a 2005 and the way it has been set up, I have it all. If you want to speak to the PRO that installed mine at Mercedes, call Mercedes Benz of Fresno and ask for Keith in service. He can DEFENITELY answer ANY questions you may have in considering a purchase of a Mercedes Benz!

 

[IphoneTony]

Do you really think that these people that posted the prior 2 comments are going to see your comment since they have not been on here is some time. At least you know how to use the search feature here

- reported-

 

[DinesesBenz]

Do you really think that these people that posted the prior 2 comments are going to see your comment since they have not been on here is some time. At least you know how to use the search feature here

- report-

Just thought I'd post in case someone was doing a search on a search engine for Mercedes Bluetooth troubleshooting. When I was looking to purchase, I wish someone had!

 

[glsda]

I subscribe to the thread and appreciate DenesesBenz's reply. The reason I seldom post is the negative attitude expressed by iPhoneTony, a Review Editor. It appears you don't want participation from people such as DeneseBenz and myself. Geez 'Just leave', what a quality reply. glsda

 

[DinesesBenz]

Bullies

I subscribe to the thread and appreciate DenesesBenz's reply. The reason I seldom post is the negative attitude expressed by iPhoneTony, a Review Editor. It appears you don't want participation from people such as DeneseBenz and myself. Geez 'Just leave', what a quality reply. glsda

Thank you glsda! I had no idea of the bullies on this forum. I will try and find another quality forum where our opinions can be expressed. This was my first time posting and I had NO CLUE people here were so mean spirited. I guess new comers are not welcome to post REAL experiences? Anyway, glad to help if I can. Thanks for sticking up for me!

Dinese

 

[glsda]

Thank you glsda! I had no idea of the bullies on this forum. I will try and find another quality forum where our opinions can be expressed. This was my first time posting and I had NO CLUE people here were so mean spirited. I guess new comers are not welcome to post REAL experiences? Anyway, glad to help if I can. Thanks for sticking up for me!

Dinese

Dinese, this is a quality site despite the input from iPhoneTony. I have visited many sites to keep up with the relevant information and to solve problems and they all have someone like this person. I am just surprised he is a Review Editor for the site. I have seen this type of response on other quality sites so I just read and search to find solutions to problems and seldom if ever post. Just wanted you to know that there are a lot of us that are not technology wizards and just read and don't post for this exact reason.

Jerry

 

[The Apple]

what was he going to "report" you for anyway? Your post contained pertinent information to the OP. Please do not be discouraged from posting here because of this incident. Tony must have woke up on the wrong side of the bed, I apologize for his brash comment.

 

[newbie]

Hey there,
I just joined the site and will take my chances (with moods) and ask for help--I have a 2008 ML350 with iPod integration, but not bluetooth enabled wiring. I know I can't connect my current phone, but I am getting an iPhone in a few days. I didn't think I could connect it to the car, but after stumbling onto this conversation I'm not sure anymore. Does anyone know what I can do with my iPhone when my car only has the iPod integration kit, but is not blue-tooth enabled? Can I only listen to music?

 

[Marianne]

Hey there,
I just joined the site and will take my chances (with moods) and ask for help--I have a 2008 ML350 with iPod integration, but not bluetooth enabled wiring. I know I can't connect my current phone, but I am getting an iPhone in a few days. I didn't think I could connect it to the car, but after stumbling onto this conversation I'm not sure anymore. Does anyone know what I can do with my iPhone when my car only has the iPod integration kit, but is not blue-tooth enabled? Can I only listen to music?

well, i don't have an MB (i have a real car - a BMW - just kidding!) but i think it's still safe to give you some general guidance based on what you described. i also have a factory ipod kit in my car - i CAN connect my iPhone to it to play music through the stereo system and can control it using the steering wheel control buttons. you should be able to do the same thing with the ipod kit in your MB, though you may want to confirm this with MB or at least check an MB-specific forum for what others have experienced, as i have heard horror stories about some ipod car kits essentially frying iPhones.

without bluetooth in your MB, there is no way to use the iPhone for hands-free calls in your car through its stereo system. i know MB offers bluetooth - you may be able to get it retro-fitted, but i have to think this will be quite costly...

 

[newbie]

Thanks macgirl! I will definitely ask the folks over at MB--i DO NOT want my new iPhone to get fried! I figured I wouldn't be able to use the phone through the speakers--oh well--I could probably still use one of those attachable bluetooth pieces, right? I suspect iPhone can definitely work with those?

 

[Marianne]

Thanks macgirl! I will definitely ask the folks over at MB--i DO NOT want my new iPhone to get fried! I figured I wouldn't be able to use the phone through the speakers--oh well--I could probably still use one of those attachable bluetooth pieces, right? I suspect iPhone can definitely work with those?

no problem!

i think your best bet is a bluetooth headset - that way you can plug your iPhone into the ipod system in your MB (which may use the dock connector, preventing you from using any other bluetooth transmitter) and then still use it for calls with the bluetooth headset. if you don't have one already, i'd recommend the aliph jawbone...

 

[glsda]

Hey there,
I just joined the site and will take my chances (with moods) and ask for help--I have a 2008 ML350 with iPod integration, but not bluetooth enabled wiring. I know I can't connect my current phone, but I am getting an iPhone in a few days. I didn't think I could connect it to the car, but after stumbling onto this conversation I'm not sure anymore. Does anyone know what I can do with my iPhone when my car only has the iPod integration kit, but is not blue-tooth enabled? Can I only listen to music?

Hello Newbie, This is the link to the official MBZ web site for connectivity issues, www.wireless4mb.com. You may want to buy the bluetooth adaptor. As you will see at the site the iPhone is supported.

 

[dcom]

Thanks for that link, glsda. My wife has been wanting to know if we can put some kind of iPod kit in our '04 S430. Maybe that site will tell us.

 

[glsda]

Thanks for that link, glsda. My wife has been wanting to know if we can put some kind of iPod kit in our '04 S430. Maybe that site will tell us.

My dealer tells me they can install an iPod / iPod touch kit in my 05 e500 for $1,000. The bluetooth adapter in the link I mentioned allows bluetooth to be used with the MB command system.

 

[chiro888]

iPhone C230

The Mercedes Benz offers an optional (I think about $300) IPod integration on the new vehicles. I have a 2005 and had it installed and can use it with my iPhone OR my IPod (both charge as you listen to them). I also have a bluetooth module and the 1.1.4 software on my iPhone. I have my entire contact list/playlists/song choice, you name it displayed on my gauges. All I do for the bluetooth is approach my car and leave it in my purse, or plug it in to the integration. It is my understanding that WITHOUT the bluetooth module, but standard bluetooth in New Mercedes the iPhone will pair, but NOT load the contact list. I have a 2005 and the way it has been set up, I have it all. If you want to speak to the PRO that installed mine at Mercedes, call Mercedes Benz of Fresno and ask for Keith in service. He can DEFENITELY answer ANY questions you may have in considering a purchase of a Mercedes Benz!

I have 2005 C230 with navigation what parts do I need? How much did you paid for yours?

 

[tomleung]

well, i don't have an MB (i have a real car - a BMW - just kidding!) but i think it's still safe to give you some general guidance based on what you described. i also have a factory ipod kit in my car - i CAN connect my iPhone to it to play music through the stereo system and can control it using the steering wheel control buttons. you should be able to do the same thing with the ipod kit in your MB, though you may want to confirm this with MB or at least check an MB-specific forum for what others have experienced, as i have heard horror stories about some ipod car kits essentially frying iPhones.

without bluetooth in your MB, there is no way to use the iPhone for hands-free calls in your car through its stereo system. i know MB offers bluetooth - you may be able to get it retro-fitted, but i have to think this will be quite costly...

I just bought my new 2008 mb 350 ml , In order for you to use the bluetooth for your cell phone, you must buy a bluetooth receiver from mb. is $500 canadian. and goes into the side storage box. The dealer will help you set up the phone. It took them less then 3 min . very simple

 

[Marianne]

I just bought my new 2008 mb 350 ml , In order for you to use the bluetooth for your cell phone, you must buy a bluetooth receiver from mb. is $500 canadian. and goes into the side storage box. The dealer will help you set up the phone. It took them less then 3 min . very simple

that's less expensive than i was thinking, but still quite an investment when a parrot kit costs around $100. but the integration is key - i don't think i'd want a kit that doesn't fully integrate with my car's stereo system after knowing how seamless it can be.

thanks for the info - my mom has an ml350 too and i think she's interested in getting bluetooth for it...

 

[Tony27nine]

Hope that anyone looking for info on iPhone and Bluetooth read this. There's been a lot of hype re the new iPhone cradle which purports to offer full integration with the Command system. Sounds fab but if my experience at my local MB dealer is anything to go by is rubbish.
I have an 07 Mercedes CLS with a Comand interface. My old 1st generation iPhone worked great via the iPod lead and Bluetooth module. The new 3G phone doesn’t charge via the iPod lead due to the loss of Firewire capability and the phone book won’t load names (only numbers) via the Bluetooth module. I thereforee tried the new iPhone cradle. After much messing around the parts chap at the garage gave up as the phone works fine but there was no access whatsoever to music via the cradle. I think thereforee there is either a)a complete lack of training at MB dealerships, b)some rather exaggerated selling of the capability of the new cradle or c) some serious software upgrades needed. Basically the iPhone 3G has been mis-sold as being even better than the old iPhone when in fact for some like me it’s a giant step backwards. I’m told BMW drivers are similarly affected although I’ve no first hand experience of this. Buyer beware!