Connecting an iPhone to Command unit on C Class

[Thatch]

Hi Guys

Just bought a 2009 C250 with Command Sat Nav, but it doesn't have a built in as standard the iPhone/iPod connection cables.

I have a Belkin FM and power connector (plugs into cigarette lighter, and broadcasts the music via FM radio), but i was wondering if there was any other ways people are using to:
- control the music/podcast playlists
- recharge their iPhone
- use the phones contact details

Can you get an aftermarket iPhone/iPod connector wired into the Command unit?

I was wondering if you could use a USB/PMCIA card and connect via the PMCIA slot? (and if that method would provide recharge power)

Any proven solutions appreciated.

Many thanks

Andrew

[Squishey]

You can activate "Bluetooth Audio" in the engineering menu. Press "End Call + # + 1" for ten seconds to open the engineering menu, scroll down to HU Parameters and you can turn on BT there.

Also in the glove box there should be a connection for interchangeable media connections: iPod, USB and 3mm jack. I think they are about £70 from the dealer.

[Thatch]

Squishey said:

You can activate "Bluetooth Audio" in the engineering menu. Press "End Call + # + 1" for ten seconds to open the engineering menu, scroll down to HU Parameters and you can turn on BT there.

Also in the glove box there should be a connection for interchangeable media connections: iPod, USB and 3mm jack. I think they are about £70 from the dealer.

Thanks Squishey, just been outside playing in the car and I have got the BT working and can see my contacts fine (couldn't see them on screen first time I connected) but I don't have the 'media connectors", just the 3mm jack.

Unfortunately BT connection won't let me play phone podcasts via the command unit (or obviously recharge the phone).

It would be great to find another way of connecting as my dealer says the media connection module can't be retro fitted.

I'm wondering if I buy a PCMCIA card with USB output it will both charge the phone and allow content on the phone be controlled via the command unit?

Anyone use this method?

[Squishey]

Is the 3.5mm jack lead removable? i.e. Is there a connector plug that goes in to the side of the glovebox? If so you need to buy the "Media Interface" cable set.

If not, then something like this would be a solution.

HTH

[R4PID]

Picked my '07 C350 up on Saturday and tried to connect it to my iphone 5 with no joy whatsoever. Old work Blackberry worked fine which does me for now, calls etc.

Read lots on the internet about the engineer menu as I wanted to adjust the BT settings for audio but I think the firmware version on my comand is way out of date (07 Q4).

Found a company very close to me that specialise in updating the firmware on these cars and they came back to with a price so fingers crossed this will work and get it all sorted. They do all the other peripherals etc as well.

[AMG Merc]

Would appreciate updates on this as have a C63 with Comand Online - no one in MB seems to know which phones work, and how to connect them! They just send me to the MB connectivity page which is somewhat similar to a chocolate tea-pot

[R4PID]

AMG Merc said:

Would appreciate updates on this as have a C63 with Comand Online - no one in MB seems to know which phones work, and how to connect them! They just send me to the MB connectivity page which is somewhat similar to a chocolate tea-pot

Mine's being updated tomorrow, so will let you know how it goes.

[SirVandru]

AMG Merc said:

Would appreciate updates on this as have a C63 with Comand Online - no one in MB seems to know which phones work, and how to connect them! They just send me to the MB connectivity page which is somewhat similar to a chocolate tea-pot

This should help...
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/owners/videos/detail...

Then to play music via bluetooh just select bluetooth audio from the audio section.

[AMG Merc]

R4PID said:

Mine's being updated tomorrow, so will let you know how it goes.

Great, thanks.

[AMG Merc]

SirVandru said:

This should help...
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/owners/videos/detail...

Then to play music via bluetooh just select bluetooth audio from the audio section.

Thanks for this but the phone connects via Bluetooth ok. I want to use the online part of Comand - to connect to the web.

[rassi]

AMG Merc said:

Thanks for this but the phone connects via Bluetooth ok. I want to use the online part of Comand - to connect to the web.

Depends on the build date. IIRC only after June 2013 will Comand Online work with an iPhone. A Blackberry should work, though.

[Stegel]

Squishey said:

You can activate "Bluetooth Audio" in the engineering menu. Press "End Call + # + 1" for ten seconds to open the engineering menu, scroll down to HU Parameters and you can turn on BT there..

I've got an 09 E320 with the later style Command. I've tried the end call (both on the steering wheel and the unit itself) + # + 1, but nothing happens, whether ignition on, off or engine running, or whichever order I press and hold them. I have had courtesy cars with the same Command with BT audio, so guess it is possible to turn it on, but I'm getting nowhere. Are there any settings the unit has to be in before you can enter the engineering menu (or has my unit been locked by the dealer in some way?)

Many thanks