[Knucklehead]

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"?

 

[homerun]

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.

 

[Skylaw]

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.

 

[Skylaw]

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]

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.

Thank You! It most certainly does help.

 

[wndmll]

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

 

[lkchris]

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.

 

[kermalou]

Can someone help out someone lost and frustrated please.

When I got my car, the salesman plugged my cradle in and pushed some buttons and stuff and poof my bluetooth was enable and hooked up to my phone.

I just had to wipe my phone completely and now I dont know what he did on the car to get me to the menu to add my phone. thanks.

 

[hatnut]

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

 

[mrdoiron]

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 ?

 

[Skylaw]

mrdoiron,

I suggest that you re-read the first nine posts in this string, focusing especially on the first, fourth, sixth, and ninth which are applicable to your car. Your car has the CP-211 communications platform combining the cellular support electronics and Tele-Aid electronics, which makes adding a Bluetooth phone fairly simple; and the posts address the "easiest way to get Bluetooth to take advantage of the factory wiring."

You can connect your iPod directly to the jack using a 3.5mm double-ended stereo cable. Music selection will be via the iPod controls, but you can control volume through your steering wheel and head unit controls.

There is an MB-Apple iPod kit available for your car. It provides song title readout on your instrument cluster display, and allows additional steering wheel button control. Check with your dealer for cost of equipment and installation.

Alternatively, take a look at the Dension Gateway 500 at Gateway 500 for MOST – Good Unit, Poor Documentation - MBWorld.org Forums be sure to follow the links.

 

[mrdoiron]

Anyone have a Phone cradle they are not using for an E500 (2004) ? WOuld love to purchase it, thanks [email protected]

mike

 

[mrdoiron]

thanks Skylaw !

appreciate the advice

 

[bronek77]

Handsfree Phone Solution for 2002 E320

Great resource here Skylaw!

I just purchased 2002 E320 4Matic and would like hands free phone hookup if it is cost effective, since I am very low user 25-30 min per month... Emerg.. and contact with 2 family members...

I miss my '00 E320 handsfree

What are my options and where is the best place to get necessary equipment and install?

Regards,

Bronek

 

[mrdoiron]

Any viewpoints on the optional "bluetooth cradle replacer" offered from MB, that apparently does not require the phone system previously installed ?
It is PN B67875855

 

[ndwgolf]

Upgrade

Guys I just bought a 2003 CLK240 and I want to know if I can get rid of the phone cradle and upgrade to bluetooth?
Below is a picture of what i have, I have a Sony DVD player and a phone cradle.
Any help would be much apreceated
Also can someone post a picture what the Blue tooth system would look like

 

[ndwgolf]

Bump

 

[Chauss]

I am finally able to add something useful to this post!
I have an 02 CL500 using v60 setup w/bluetooth puck.
I was able to successfully pair my razor to work with this setup thanks to this VERY helpful post.
I have recently purchased a Motorola Q9 phone for business and could not pair successfully with the phone system in my car......

That is UNTIL I found this software on the web:

JETware Mobile Software

Better yet- you download free for a 30 day trial to get your phone to work so there is no risk trying it! After you use the software successfully it is only $14.95 for the license. This may work for several other phones also...

Beforer the software install I could see the MB phone network- but could not pair with it. Now all phone functions work thru the Command unit including recent calls, missed calls and the phone book.

Verizon has an older version of this phone that is certified on wireless4mb website.
My Moto Razor phone is Verizon- but my Q9 Motorola is Cingular/AT&T.

I hope this info helps.

Cheers!

 

[Skylaw]

Thank you for that information, Chauss. It should help folks whose phones use a Windows-based operating system achieve greater compatibility.

 

[bronto60]

Bluetooth Cradle Replacer

I went to my dealer today and picked up the Bluetooth Cradle Replacer, p/n B67875855 ("puck"). This is the puck for MY 2003/2004 E-Class and 2004 S/CL-Class. The parts guy came outside, removed a few screws, took up the false floor in the center console, and plugged the unit in. I have a Motorola Razr with Sprint service, and the phone and puck paired immediately. The display still indicated that the telephone was not available. Following the information I have read on this thread, I suggested that the phone had to be "turned on" with the diagnostic computer. Once that was done, everything worked perfectly, including downloading my address book.

You need to be careful about where you place the cord or "tail" of the puck under the false floor. The technician simply routed the cord on the edge of the floor, or you can notch out a piece for it. The false floor is held in place by two small screws on the back end and two more screws under the unit itself. You have to place the cord so the two bottom screws can fit properly. You end up with the puck (about the size of a low profile computer mouse) and about 6" of cord. The puck comes with a velcro mount and a very small bracket for more permanent mounting. The cord is really out of the way, and you have a lot of usable space left. I have never seen a conventional cradle with a puck, but I would assume it must be larger than the puck alone, and space may be sacrificed.

Because the telephone is not in a cradle, it may be a wise decision to invest in a car charger. Bluetooth operation puts a heavier load on the telephone, and batteries will go faster than normal. The car will remain in Bluetooth mode for about a minute after you turn off the car, and my telephone beeps and indicates that the MB Phone system has disconnected. If you open a door, the system turns on. All of this is in the manual.

The service guys had little knowledge about anything relating to telephone installation or configuration. The parts guys had a little more knowledge, and in fact knew what a puck was, but were not familiar with this particular one. They had it in stock, and went outside to my car and did the installation. I think they were curious to see if it would work "without the normal kit stuff" and told me if it didn't, they would refund my money.

The hands free telephone system works great, and was very, very easy. You will need a Star computer to make your car see the telephone. There appears to be no problem with Sprint, even though it is not listed on the official list. Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to share my experience with some of the issues I have noticed in this thread. Bottom line, the puck works as advertised. Thanks for the assistance from this thread.