A Class CD player question

[Number 5]

My 70 yr old Dad has bought a A150 Avantgarde SE 2007/56 the car is fitted with sat nav/command with a 6 disc multi changer in the glovebox the car also has a aux in socket in the glove box, the multichanger will not work i have tried a few settings without success, does anyone know if when having an aux in feature fitted to the car will this disable the multi changer hence the reason for it not working? This was the case with my old B7 RS4 as it was not possible to have both.

Thanks in advance, this will help the old boy out as it would be fair to say that he is not the most hi-tech bloke on the planet (colour televisions are a modern wonder in his house!)

[va1o]

AUX input and a CD Changer can co-exist in a new A-Class without any problems.

Stupid question, but are you sure it has a changer fitted? They have a 4 CD Holder fitted in the glovebox which looks very similar to a CD changer, but in actual fact its just a holder. A lot of people confuse the two!

[Number 5]

Not a stupid question, in fact I feel a bit stupid now because the image you have posted looks exactly the same as what is in the glovebox! The bit I'm having trouble to understand is why would they fit a CD holder if it does not have a CD player? The only CD drive I can find is the slot for the DVD on the command system. I'm now starting to wonder if the command has been retro fitted.

Thank you for your reply it has shed some light on the situation.

[va1o]

They all (apart from a few early Classic models) have the CD holder fitted as standard. The COMAND system is able to play audio CDs, but obviousley not with the navigation DVD in the unit at the same time! CD Changer (option code 819) isn't included with factory fit COMAND.

[Number 5]

Does the pre wiring for the comand also include telephone pre wire as standard? And is the glovebox already pre wired for a multichanger? If so I will buy option 819 from a well known auction site as a Christmas present for him.

Thanks once again

Edited by Number 5 on Tuesday 24th November 22:34

[va1o]

I am afraid I don't know the answer to that!

On the CD Changer front, take a look at the guide here - http://www.mercupgrades.com/COMAND+APS+Retrofit-ar...

It explains how to retrofit COMAND, AUX and the CD-Changer

The CD Changers are very expensive to retrofit. Option Code 819 is this one I believe http://www.comandonline.co.uk/product.php?producti...

No idea about the phone, but again think its expensive. A-Class' are a pain for trying to retrofit things.

Edited by va1o on Tuesday 24th November 22:59

[Redbaron1973]

will be far cheaper to buy him an Ipod kit and a "nano" than retrofitting a changer...

the ipod kit is here:-

http://www.comandonline.co.uk/product.php?producti...

[va1o]

No point buying an iPod kit if he already has the 3.5mm AUX input, as he can just plug an iPod straight into there. THe only advantage with the proper iPod kit is it will charge it and give you control through the steering wheel, but its not really worth the money it costs IMO.

[Redbaron1973]

va1o said:

No point buying an iPod kit if he already has the 3.5mm AUX input, as he can just plug an iPod straight into there. THe only advantage with the proper iPod kit is it will charge it and give you control through the steering wheel, but its not really worth the money it costs IMO.

I take your point but having bought an A150 in A/G trim with Comand i'm not sure budget is the "primary driver" and I just think that long term use/ resale the iPod kit will be better - not in absolute value but in ease/function/sale-ability it beats retrofitting a CDC..... IMO (and trailing wires/chargers are a pet hate.)

[va1o]

Redbaron1973 said:

I take your point but having bought an A150 in A/G trim with Comand i'm not sure budget is the "primary driver" and I just think that long term use/ resale the iPod kit will be better - not in absolute value but in ease/function/sale-ability it beats retrofitting a CDC..... IMO (and trailing wires/chargers are a pet hate.)

I agree the iPod kit is better than the CD Changer, but there isnt much point retrofitting either as the car already has an AUX input in the glovebox for an iPod or MP3 player to be connected to. As for the comment about cabling, the iPod lives in the glovebox, so there is no visible cabling when using the existing AUX input

[Number 5]

Thank you for your feedback, I had already considered the iPod option which I also agree is a far better option, but I think it would create a whole host of problems trying to educate a 70yr Dad on the benefits of the iPod, however I am going to give it a go. It means me loading his whole music libary for him which is going to be time consuming as his computer skills are non existant. After reading the link about the iPod it seems as though my starting point is to treat the old boy to an orginal iPod for Christmas as this will be able to charge from the cars iPod kit (once fitted) This is all a bit of a challenge but the car he has bought really is a nice example and perfect for my dads needs so I think this will be the icing on the cake once he gets to grips with it as he will probably keep this car for a few years or it may even be his last car.

Thanks once again I will keep you updated.