I read this thread, specifically the definition of "pre-wire" and thought I understood it, but now MBUSA's website has thrown a wrench of confusion in my gearing. MB apparently uses 3 different terms when describing an integrated cell phone option for '08 models on their site.
1. For many of the models (CLS, S, ML, GL, etc.) the option is referred to as a "Hands-Free Communication System".
2. For SLK's the option is referred to as "Hands-Free Communication System Pre-Wiring".
3. And just to make it even more confussing. . . The option for CLK's is referred to as "Cell Phone Pre-wiring".
My guess is that the "Hands-Free Communication System" includes everything minus the BT or Cradle adapter (since that's what is on the window sticker of my wife's CLS and it came with everything but the adapter). But what is the difference, if there is one, between "Cell Phone Pre-wiring" and "Hands-Free Communication System Pre-wiring"?
__________________ "Yes, as a matter of fact, I am that dumb Ford guy!"
'04 Ford F-350 Dually (Mine)
'07 CLS550 (Wifes)
I have a 2006 CLS and the service manager advised that I could buy any phone and not have a problem (El Dorado Hills, CA). I purchased a MHI cradle for the Sony W810i from a guy in "down under" where they use this phone commonly. Now I go back to Mercedes and they can't even get the parts ordered to make it work?! Any ideas on a different way to skin a cat? Thanks.
Homerun - Let's see - you were provided with information on what you needed to do to get a compatible phone to work with your car in the U.S. at posts 5 and 6 above - so you bought a phone used in Australia, if I read correctly, and bought a cradle for cars built for Australia. Now you wonder why a U.S. dealer can't match it? You don't even tell us what handsfree equipment you already have installed (if any) or what parts you are trying to buy.
My idea to "make it work" is to buy a phone that is compatible with equipment designed for your car - not to try to make the car compatible with your phone. Pretty much said so in the first 7 posts above.
__________________
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
Knucklehead - I believe the confusion is resolved by knowing that ordering the "hands free option" gets you the wiring harnesses and the installed phone system electronics, to the point you need only to add either a puck or cradle and a compatible phone to complete the system.
Mercedes used to make prewiring for the phone system standard equipment on most of its cars. However, it stopped making it standard on many models starting with the '06 model year, and offered prewiring (only) as an option (in addition to offering the full "handsfree phone" as a second, more expensive option). Cars having the "prewiring" option still do not have the installed electronics necessary for the phone system - the Portable Support Electronics, the linear compensator for the antenna, or the mounting point (contact plate) for the puck or cradle. However, the electronics can be added later, much more easily if prewiring is present than if it is not.
To get directly to your question: You are correct in your understanding of "hands-free communication system." As to the other two, there is no difference.
Not the easiest labeling for tracking, and frankly, most sales people don't know the differences either. I don't wonder that you and many others are confused. Hope that helps.
Knucklehead - I believe the confusion is resolved by knowing that ordering the "hands free option" gets you the wiring harnesses and the installed phone system electronics, to the point you need only to add either a puck or cradle and a compatible phone to complete the system.
Mercedes used to make prewiring for the phone system standard equipment on most of its cars. However, it stopped making it standard on many models starting with the '06 model year, and offered prewiring (only) as an option (in addition to offering the full "handsfree phone" as a second, more expensive option). Cars having the "prewiring" option still do not have the installed electronics necessary for the phone system - the Portable Support Electronics, the linear compensator for the antenna, or the mounting point (contact plate) for the puck or cradle. However, the electronics can be added later, much more easily if prewiring is present than if it is not.
To get directly to your question: You are correct in your understanding of "hands-free communication system." As to the other two, there is no difference.
Not the easiest labeling for tracking, and frankly, most sales people don't know the differences either. I don't wonder that you and many others are confused. Hope that helps.
Hello Skylaw... I have a 1993 w140 600sel with factory phone... What are my option for upgrading... Can I some how connect my motorola sliver (verizon) to my car system... Thanks Robb
Cars having the "prewiring" option still do not have the installed electronics necessary for the phone system - the Portable Support Electronics, the linear compensator for the antenna, or the mounting point (contact plate) for the puck or cradle.
My '07 GL has the "handsfree communication system" option and ALL that was required was a cradle and a phone.
I walked from parts department to parking lot, clicked in the crade, inserted the phone and was good to go.
Being somewhat old fashioned, I got another V60 cradle--same as in our E-class--and we just transfer the same old V60 between cars as needed. Alltel.
Most brochures omit mention of the V60 cradle, as I suppose the phones aren't available anymore, but the same old part number works and you can indeed order that cradle. Via 800-number phone call--but not on the website--wireless4mb told me they could supply it too.
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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '06 E320CDI
I have a 2003 s500 4matic, purchased ARGOS to go with my razor phone..plugged it in and WOW just like that it worked. job took about 30 minutes which was all in getting the trunk liner out..I am a satisfied customer of ARGOS
Adding bluetooth to 2004 E500 without Phone install ?
I see a “MB V60 BT Cradle Adapter” kit that states for 2004 can get bluetooth for newer phones, but it seems it first needs the "MB phone system with V60 cradle" already installed first…(for Mercedes-Benz the V60 Bluetooth Cradle Adapter specifically for vehicles already equipped with “Integrated V60-based Hands-Free Communication Systems”) - if I do not have the phone kit already in, anyone know the easiest way to get Bluetooth capability to take advantage of the factory wiring etc ?
... it seems this “adapter” plugs into the dock where the factory phone would be – which was not installed in this car. Can you see what it may take to get that and this Adapter installed ? Seems a costly route to me.... HELP !!
I ALSO want to install an IPOD connector - to run through the AUX connection – is there a kit for that you know of ?
Linear Mode
