I just bought the ipod integration kit for my CLK 500. I was shock that MB charges about $400 for the installation. I made an appt. to get it installed, but I feel that I could get installed for a lot less. I also noticed that the kit comes without installation instructions. Has anyone gotten it installed outside MB? Any advice?

 

For 2005+ CLKs: the integrated iPod kit will replace the auxiliary input in the glovebox. Not sure how the install exactly goes, but you need to remove your head unit for sure. And try to get to the AUX input to replace it for the wiring that comes with the MB kit.

The iPod kit can be controlled from the steering wheel buttons - and you may need to get your instrument cluster reprogrammed through Stardiagnose at the dealer (phone menu must be activated).

BTW, a knowledgeable tech will only need approx. 1-1.5 hours to do the job...

greetingz,

BigSis

 

thanks for the info, BigSis ... I guess that means that I am better off with MB doing the installation even though they charge an outrageous fee of $400 for a couple of hours of work! I did a little research and Sound Advice charges $80 for the installation but they may not be able to reprogram it, and MB claims that I will lose my MB guarantee on the sound stereo system and electrical system if anyone else does the installation!

 

It's funny that MB dealers tend to say that a warranty gets unvalid if a customer wants to get original MB parts installed - even through a third party and even if it was installed as if it came that way from factory. [&:]

Oh well, try to convince them that it shouldn't cost $ 400 for only 1.5 hours of work. Two tops, if the tech can't get it installed straight away... that would be like $ 200 an hour!!!

greetingz,

BigSis

 

any more news on the iPod kit installation?

If you can control the iPod from the steering wheel, does the info show up on Navi screen? Does the steering wheel control go through different folders or oes it just go up and down through one folder?

Please post some more information.

 

Yes, I got it done at Mercedes. Ended paying $750 for the kit + installation. It works great! I am very happy. You can control all the ipod features from the steering wheel, and it also displays the song name when playing. It is a little tricky at first but then you will flip back and forth between artist, songs, playlist just like with the ipod. Most importantly, the sound is amazing. If you have the money, I highly recommend it. Also, the advantage of installing with MB is that they give you a 4 year guarantee.

 

Hi All..

I have a CLK280 with a Audio20 system with the ipod kit installed.
I can't seem to get the IPod to display or be operated from the centre console. All it shows is "Aux input accepted".
The drivers display works fine, showing the song details artist etc, and I can navigate thru the folders via steering controls, but not on the centre console.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

MQ [8D]

 

Well... the iPod kit can ONLY be controlled through the steering wheel controls, and info is ONLY shown on the instrument cluster. You simply can't control it through your Audio 20 (or through whatever head unit one has in dash), because that's the way it has been designed.

I believe the iPod kit works through (or over, or whatever you want to call it) CANBUS.

greetingz,

BigSis