Hello all,
I picked up my new baby yesterday, and everything is very new, so please forgive me if I am asking an obvious question.
My car has the phone 'buttons' on the steering wheel and on the dash presumably to allow the use of a phone through the audio system (is this a standard feature on all C Class models?).
My questions: is this system bluetooth enabled, or do I need to purchase a phone cradle? Also, the owner's manual makes reference to 'Mercedes compatible phones', or something along those lines. I did not, however, find a list of specific cell phones listed in the manual. Now, as I said, the manual is quite comprehensive and I may have missed the answer to both of my questions, but I don't feel like re-reading it again today. Can anyone provide a definative answer?
Thanks in advance to anyone that answers.
Michael

 

From some digging, it *looks* like you first have to purchase a handsfree system and have it installed in the car (this will give you the electrical connections in the arm rest that you'll need). You can then either set that up as a cradle to dock (and charge) a phone, or as a place to plug in a bluetooth dongel (and your phone stays in your pocket and gets no charging). MB seems to really press MB Certified phones, or they think you may experience things like dropped calls, bad volume, etc (apparently there are differing flavours of bluetooth interfaces). Suggest you puruse this link to MB Bluetooth Solutions.

The list of MB certified hands free phones that I found are:
Motorola -> MB v710, E815, RAZR V3, ROKR E1, V551, V557, SLVR L7, PEBL U6
LG VX-8100, VX-9800 "V"
RIM BlackBerry 7250, 7290

I've also run across a number of posts from folks who think the MB solution is restrictive and way overpriced. You might want to stop by and talk to a car electronics store (in my area: Car Toys), and ask them what could be done and what parts already present in your car could be used (antenna, radio buttons, wheel buttons etc). It may be possible to get a nice hands free solution that does what you want for much less than MB is asking for.

And I'm sure you can just phone your dealer and get the pitch from them as well....

** edited to include: **
A few prices and part numbers from other posts:
MHI Buetooth dongel: $350
part# Q-6-82-0965 for $625
part# Q-6-82-0907 for $165
approx $575 to install

Ouch.

 

Wow!
Thanks for the extremely comprehensive reply! I have all the info I need (and then some) in one single post. I have printed it and will keep your post as reference while I decide on which phone arrangement is best for my needs/budget.
Thanks again for taking the time to provide your very detailed answer to my question.
Michael

 

No sweat. I was needing to look into this myself. Speaking of self, it should be possible to get the parts and do the install yourself, if you're handy. The MB solution would still require a bit of reprogramming with the MB diagnostic tool, in order to configure the new components correctly.

 

Just noticed this offering in the K1 Motorsport section, for an Argos bluetooth integration kit that lets your phone work with the head unit and steering wheel.