Integrated bluetooth phone setup--aftermarket options??

[markbaumel@yahoo.com]

I have an 06 E320 CDI. The only feature I wish I had was the intergrated bluetooth phone system.

Does anyone know of any aftermarket options, or any other solutions that would reduce the approx. $2000 price tag at the dealer?

Also, I have a Palm Treo 650, which I am not willing to give up, but which is apparently not on the "approved" list of bluetooth phones. Autowireless Solutions says that it might work, but wouldn't be guaranteed by MB. I thought that the beauty of bluetooth was its interoperability. What's with that?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Mark

[Diesel Benz]

There are so many different non-MB options that it would be difficult mention anything specifically. All the big names have those, and they should mostly work with other phone brands too.

Considering the Treo, I think you would find answers from the Audio & Telematics forum. Haven't used Treo myself but I think it should work with the MB BT puck but downloading the phone book is an issue for some phone models (you can still use the phone book from the phone itself).

[markbaumel@yahoo.com]

Originally Posted by Diesel Benz

There are so many different non-MB options that it would be difficult mention anything specifically. All the big names have those, and they should mostly work with other phone brands too.

Considering the Treo, I think you would find answers from the Audio & Telematics forum. Haven't used Treo myself but I think it should work with the MB BT puck but downloading the phone book is an issue for some phone models (you can still use the phone book from the phone itself).

These other options are integrated into the command system? I'm looking for something that integrates like the factory hands free system.

[Mark Cummins]

Contact Steve @www.mbenznl.com re the phone items
He did the wifes 2006 with bluetooth..and also added hands free VA kit
Works great all OE MB Parts...Great Prices!

[Diesel Benz]

Originally Posted by markbaumel@yahoo.com

These other options are integrated into the command system? I'm looking for something that integrates like the factory hands free system.

If you are looking for something that works well together with Comand, I would support Mark's suggestion or the dealer installation. Some non-MB kits claim steering wheel control support but I wouldn't count on those.

Perhaps some forum members have experience about non-MB kits that work with Comand and would share their views. Double-check those anyway, I've seen some models praised but some other users (possibly on another car or with another phone) have had issues with the same device.

[lkchris]

Originally Posted by markbaumel@yahoo.com

I thought that the beauty of bluetooth was its interoperability. What's with that?

While the phone might "hook up," display of phonebook entries on COMMAND screen could be a different matter. No "bluetooth standard" for that.

Another thing not possible with Bluetooth is use of car's antenna and phone recharging via car's electrical system.

[Benz-O-Rama]

There is a unit from ARGOS that will do precisely what you're looking for. The problem is, it hasn't been released yet. The release date has been pushed back time and time again and they're saying February or March now. It's 799.00 and the install is super easy and clean.

EuroCarPhone.com

[Dallas_E500]

There is another thread that addressed this as well:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211...h-problem.html

Potentially you could buy the 2 parts from ebay: "Either # Q6820833 or Q6820899 and then the Q6820832"

And I have the instructions to do it. Last month I saw the items on ebay but missed the auction. I may do it once I have time \ see it on ebay.

You could then get\use the V60 bluetooth adapter that would sit in the cradle and have your phone connect to it.

If you want the instructions let me know. Again, I've not tried this, but heard it works. Could be cheaper than the other routes mentioned.

[markbaumel@yahoo.com]

Originally Posted by Benz-O-Rama

There is a unit from ARGOS that will do precisely what you're looking for. The problem is, it hasn't been released yet. The release date has been pushed back time and time again and they're saying February or March now. It's 799.00 and the install is super easy and clean.

EuroCarPhone.com

Thanks. This is exactly the solution I am looking for. I'm already on their waitlist.

[Diesel Benz]

Originally Posted by markbaumel@yahoo.com

Thanks. This is exactly the solution I am looking for. I'm already on their waitlist.

Don't get exited though. The problem seems to be that there aren't many MOST devices available. I think it was argos I registered a year ago for their notice on the MOST device availability, it always seems to be "coming soon". I have not inside info, the device may be perfect but once it is not available (not tested by several persons, in several cars with several different phones) I wouldn't accept the comment "it does what you are after", I would say it is supposed to do what you are after".

I understood you do not have the phone prewiring in your car (may be missing the antenna, microphones etc.). You may not even need the antenna if your intention is to use the phone through BT (HF). But before comparing other options with the MB retrofit option, make sure you count all in for each option. And carefully check the functionality you would get from each option.

This is quite a lot of a matter of taste also, only you know what is best for you. Others can provide information about different options and their views.