Any advise on audio/phone options

[msmitas]

Hi there,
I'm looking at a bit of an upgrade.
2004 w211 e class avantgarde
has the very basic cd player with 6 disc changer underneath.
no phone cradle between seats.

-Need hands free in the car
was looking in to buying the middle part between seats or maybe cradle that goes in to it and then nokia 6310 (feel like this is a bit of a step backwards). Having second thoughts if this will work as it needs some wiring. Any advice on this?

-Would be great if I could play mp3 some how
for this I would probably need a cable for iPOD or my HTC desire phone..
unless I could do something that cd player would play mp3 discs?



I know ultimate solution would be Command unit 2.5 or something.

I would be pushing to get that, as it's expensive pease.


Any thoughts or sujestions appreciated.

 

[jim_bob567]

I have a Fiscon Bluetooth system fitted... uses all the functions the car is fitted with i.e steering wheel buttons, instrument cluster screen and original audio system, plus the added advantage of bluetooth, so no replacement armrest needed and also compatible with wireless music streaming, my friend hooked the Ipad up to it today and the sound quality is amazing. I used this company in Derby, highly recommended!

Mercedes Pro Bluetooth Phone Kit, Derby | Mobile Solutions UK


forgot to mention, I also have a HTC Desire, music streaming is compatible with this phone and you also control the music from the stereo without even taking the phone out of your pocket!

 

[npuk]

You can upgrade to the MY09> NTG2.5 Audio 20 unit or Comand NTG2.5.

The NTG2.5 Audio 20 unit has colour screen, mp3 playback from cd, and full bluetooth connectivity built in so no cradle is needed. It comes in two models, with single cd or with built in 6 disc changer. Your old cd changer wont work with it so you can remove it and sell it on.

Same as above with the Comand NTG2.5 but it also has harddrive for sat nav with 7 digit postcode input, music register on the harddrive, single dvd or built in 6 dvd changer, SD card slot for music + more.

Both units come up for sale on ebay. To fit either of the above units you would need one of the conversion kits below depending on if you car has phone pre-wire or not:

http://www.comandonline.co.uk/W211-....5-conversion-set-for-cars-without-phone.html

http://www.comandonline.co.uk/W211-Audio20-NTG2.5-converter.html

 

[welland99]

What capabilities exist for connecting bluetooth phones to audio systems? Is it indeed possible to connect a phone directly to the audio system, or is an intermediate thingy needed, like a parrott?

 

[msmitas]

Looks like either way it's going to cost £500+
Anyone knows what are the prices for the NTG 2.5 unit with the HDD?

 

[npuk]

Have a look on ebay. The Audio20 units for W211/W219 that you need tend to go for anything between £100 - £200 but they dont come up for sale as often as the other model units so you need to keep an eye out on ebay and the Comand NTG2.5 from about £550.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/COMAND-NTG-2-...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35b101c9f0

That unit is being sold by a member from MBO forum and comes with all cables needed.

 

[msmitas]

Unfortunately can't afford NTG 2.5 just yet, even tho it looks like a bargain.
Anyone retrofitted phone cradle in to the middle compartment? How good is it?

 

[ELGRINGO]

cant fit phone cradle unless pre orderd with pre wire for uhi systems.

 

[npuk]

Unfortunately can't afford NTG 2.5 just yet, even tho it looks like a bargain.
Anyone retrofitted phone cradle in to the middle compartment? How good is it?

As above you need phone pre-wire. See: Choosing Bluetooth Cradle for European Mercedes Vehicles

http://www.mercupgrades.com/Choosing+Bluetooth+Cradle+for+European+Mercedes+Vehicles-article-41.html

If you dont have phone pre-wire it can be retrofitted but it isnt cheap. The official retrofit will still require a cradle. http://www.comandonline.co.uk/Mercedes-Phone-retrofit-kit-MOST-based-cars.html

Or there is an aftermarket option the Fiscon Pro kit which works out cheaper and works exactly the same as MB phone pre-wire but wont require a cradle. http://www.comandonline.co.uk/Fiscon-Pro-Mercedes.html

 

[msmitas]

cant fit phone cradle unless pre orderd with pre wire for uhi systems.

what about item like that?

 

[msmitas]

As above you need phone pre-wire. See: Choosing Bluetooth Cradle for European Mercedes Vehicles

Choosing Bluetooth Cradle for European Mercedes Vehicles

If you dont have phone pre-wire it can be retrofitted but it isnt cheap. The official retrofit will still require a cradle. http://www.comandonline.co.uk/Mercedes-Phone-retrofit-kit-MOST-based-cars.html

Or there is an aftermarket option the Fiscon Pro kit which works out cheaper and works exactly the same as MB phone pre-wire but wont require a cradle. http://www.comandonline.co.uk/Fiscon-Pro-Mercedes.html

What's the story with prices? This stuff priced like it's custom made invention..
It is nearly worth buying 2.5 NTG command then.. bluetooth, mp3 and satnav..