If you wish to remain with Sprint, the Argos may be your best solution despite its expense. The Mercedes V60 puck is not compatible with any Sprint firmware that I am aware of. Upgrade of your S500 to a V60 configuration would be about as expensive as the Argos option if you could locate parts through ebay, and much more expensive to have a dealer do it.
There is no Mercedes iPod kit that integrates with your car. Further, your car does not have an AUX input that would allow you to use a simple stereo plug. The only system I am aware of for good integration is the Dension Gateway 500; you need the D2B version. You're already familiar with it, apparently - but it would be a good idea to read in detail. The interface for the D2B version is limited (your COMAND does not display text, i.e., song titles - only track numbers). However, the sound quality is superb, and you do have steering wheel controls. Also, there is an option to allow using the iPod itself for all of its selections and sort options, and use the steering wheel controls for volume and changing tracks.
What firmware update do you want for COMAND? Flashing COMAND units can be dicey, and unless it is an update called for by a service bulletin (there has been at least one, because of audio dropouts not related to a call waiting signal from the phone) it is not recommended. The update is only available from Mercedes. There is no MB Sirius unit that integrates with the D2B COMAND. And, RDS is not available on any U.S.specification W220, much to my chagrin. it is available on European specification cars.
When you look at the Gateway 500, however, be sure you check out some of the additional equipment options just becoming available. Out of the box it has USB and RCA jacks; and new equipment (that I have not seen) provides intriguing options. Information is on the home page for the GW 50 and is also in the user manual, which you can download. One of the options includes bluetooth, but I don't know enough about it yet.
__________________
2005 S500 4-Matic
with Gateway 500 iPod integration
Formerly: 2000 S500
with Ice>Link iPod integration
Moto V710 phone with MikBox
Upgraded Voice Control
Vehicle: 2002 C230 Coupe (Me) 2003 SLK 320 (Wife) 1993 Toyota (Commuter)
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 85
Just as a test this afternoon I successfully paired a Sprint Sanyo 8400 (SPC-8400) with a v60 Bluetooth puck in my 2003 SLK 320. I also successfully placed a call. I do not know if indicates that the Treo BT will pair or not.
You seem very knowledgeable when it comes to wiring & installation…maybe you can help me. I recently purchased my first MB - the only problem I have encountered is transferring my XM from my BMW to the MB. The dealership won't help me since they have a contract with Sirius, and I can't find an XM installation guide for a Benz online.
Reading past threads, it seems possible to install the XM, but I have not come across exactly what equipment is needed.
From the previous set-up, I have the adapter, receiver, antenna, and wires to connect through the radio. Do you know if I can use the same equipment to install in the MB?
You seem very knowledgeable when it comes to wiring & installation…maybe you can help me. I recently purchased my first MB - the only problem I have encountered is transferring my XM from my BMW to the MB. The dealership won't help me since they have a contract with Sirius, and I can't find an XM installation guide for a Benz online.
Reading past threads, it seems possible to install the XM, but I have not come across exactly what equipment is needed.
From the previous set-up, I have the adapter, receiver, antenna, and wires to connect through the radio. Do you know if I can use the same equipment to install in the MB?
Any suggestions??
Thanks,
MMB
Sorry, mmb, I can't help you with that one. And since MB is a part owner of Sirius, MB isn't going to help you with it either.
There is a blank button on my COMAND unit...next to CD, I believe. On European models this is SAT or TV. Couldn't a Sirius be added to this? Also, how do I tell if I have 2.0 or 2.5 ?
You have a COMAND 2.5. It is a D2B unit, with a CD-based navigation system.
I do not believe the MB Sirius retrofit is available for your car. It came out for MOST bus equipped cars. If you have a Sirius or XM unit with RCA or USB output, you might research the Dension Gateway 500 for D2B.
We'd appreciate your adding the year and model of your car (perhaps below your avatar) so we don't have to hunt for it.
Your questions related specifically to COMAND and to Sirius might be better placed in a different location in the Audio and Telematics forum - rather than in a string designed as a how-to guide for cell phones.
I wouldn't even worry about the list from AWS... My phone is not on the list, Sprint PPC-6700 . I have found a bluetooth stack that makes all the functionality of the phone work. Phonebook, missed and received calls, and outgoing call will all show up on the command. You can even use voice command dialing.
The name of the product is Jetware.. JETware Mobile Software
The build is a beta but Jim should be releasing it in a few weeks. I am extremely pleased with product and their support for the product is great. They have a data logger that logs all communication between the command and the phone and if any problems arise you email the data log to support and they are usually back to you in a day or so...
Anyone that has a smartphone or Windows Mobile 5 phone should definitely check this product out if your phone is not completely syncing with your command...
I just tried this software on my HTC Advantage (X7501) WM6 device, and it allowed the contacts download to my car's phonebook - which I couldn't do prior to this software. The Caller ID name isn't coming up on COMAND when I receive a call, but it could be a configuration issue with the software. Overall, I think I'll be keeping and registering this software.
Dual band linear compensator issues and possible solution
I have a 2001 CL600 with the built in Timeport whose network is obviously dead or dying. I went the Argos Bluetooth route which was as painless an installation for me as it has been for others. Then I replaced my timeport cradle with the smoothtalker cradle for the GSM RAZR V3 wanting to use the linear compensator and bumper antenna to get around the infra red metallic coating in my car windows which does in fact cause me to lose a bar of signal strength in my rural area.
When I put my phone in the newly installed cradle I lost signal strength rather than gaining it. Upon further investigation (including going to the FCC website using the dual band compensator FCC id to gain a tremendous amount of information about what the compensator does and how it works) I found out that the compensator was powered off. I tested it using teleaide (the old system that is dying) and found out how to power it on. I tested this with a lash up wiring system and found that I gain 1 bar of signal strength as a result of using the linear compensator. My current plan is to use a relay powered off "key in position one"voltage to power up the dual compensator. The other issue that I have is that the compensator has a digitally controlled attenuator on the transmit path - unknown purpose but presumably to either compensate for different phones or to prevent too high a transmit signal strength in urban areas. Comments on this would be welcome. Since I have no means of altering it it will be left at whatever setting it was at and we will see what happens.
Newbie to this forum posting but these forums have been so helpful to me that I thought I would write up this note since it did not look like it had been discussed before.
What about older models? CLK430 from 1999.
I have there: original phone installation (old Nokia), no COMAND, APS IV (radio, CD changer, CC, small Navi).
And I would prefer: adapter for more modern phone, connection to external MP3 player (or iPod), perhaps bluetooth.
Any suggestions - highly appreciated
Wiring/installation help.... 
Linear Mode
