Hello all,
I just purchased a 2003 E-320 with 31k miles on it and I am very happy with it.

I do have a few questions though. I have read the manuals and searched on here and I just want to know what/how the phone system works. I would really like some information about it and how I can use the hands free feature. Any help would be greatly appriciated!

 

Hi,
In short you need the MB phone kit.

The steering wheel controls, radio, CD player, COMAND etc are all connected by means of a fibre optic network. When you call for a phone this network is extended to include a phone interface (Copper to Fibre) usually sited under the rear seat or similar dependent upon model/age etc.
This interface is MB/phone specific and is only available for a limited range of phones. The kit (expensive) also includes the phone holder, microphone etc although existing (integrated) speakers are used.

It's possible to fit a phone using any proprietary kit but the integration with the other MB ICE (In car entertainment) elements (e.g. steering column controls, in car speakers etc.) requires the MB installation.

Required parts can be purchased thru eBay etc. but installation is not quite as straightforward as you may think. Module coding is required which can only be done by an MB dealer.

Hope this helps.

Stuart

 

Alright....what is something like this going to cost me? I have read several posts about having a phone that came with the car orignally. Unfortunatley I did not recieve this with the car. I would just really like to have the wireless phone integration.

 

OK
Is your phone one of the following which appear to be those that MB support.
Nokia 6210, 6310, 6310i
Motorola V60i
Sony Ericsson T610 and T630
Nokia 6100, 6610, 6610i, 7250i
Sony Ericsson K700i
Nokia 6220, 6230
Siemens CX65
Siemens S65
If so you need to get the vehicle wired to accept a phone. This requires the carpets being taken up to install the fibre optic and phone interface. Cost. Interface, fibre optic, labour. Guessing 500+ USD?
You then need a cradle to accept the phone. These are about 200 USD.
Integration is very nice but way outside of my available budget if the system isn't already fitted.
Sorry I can't be much more help.
In short. Feasible but very expensive.
Stuart