iPhone advice please for using in E320 (W211)

[Matt's Dad]

I recently bought a late 2004 E320 CDI (W211) for my Wife, and as if that wasn’t good enough, she now wants a new phone - an iPhone (I thinks it’s the 16GB latest model)

The car has the UHI adapter in the armrest (searched and found pictures on other posts), and has the phone buttons on the steering wheel, but no Satellite Navigation, just a CD player, with a multi CD underneath (I don’t know what the audio system is called)
If I buy this:

http://www.comandonline.co.uk/Mercedes-iPhone-3G-3GS-Phone-cradle-without-cable.html

Does it mean the music can be played from the iPhone, through the cars speakers, and also the calls can be made and heard through the speakers?

Is there a Bluetooth option that can have the Bluetooth adapter in the armrest, with a lead, if charging is required? I know she wont put the phone in the cradle every time she gets in the car, so I thought a Bluetooth adapter should work for phone calls, if the phone is still in her bag or pocket - But would I then need a separate transmitter or device for playing the music from the iPhone?

Sorry for all the questions! I’ve been a bit left behind with all this modern stuff! (I use my phone to make calls, and sometimes I even manage a text!)

 

[npuk]

Above cradle does use bluetooth (but wont work with any other phone with bluetooth, only the Iphone). Only needs to be plugged in for charging. As stated in item description:

It charges the iPhone 3G(S), thus meaning the iPhone's 3G battery won't go flat on you and is slightly cheaper than a Mercedes HFP cradle.

The phone need not be in the cradle for it to work.

For music from the Iphone you need to have an Ipod interface or UMI and the connecting lead that goes from the above Iphone cradle to the Ipod or UMI. Cable is on this page: Comand Online Ltd :: Mercedes Phone/Bluetooth

 

[Matt's Dad]

Ok, thanks for that, I'd got lost in pages of stuff I didn't really understand

So, I take it the cradle would be fitted to the UHI connector all the time, and would act as a Bluetooth adapter to send calls through the car stereo system, even if the phone wasn't in the cradle - But what about music playing, would it then need to be put into the cradle? (not as important, as I was mainly worried she would answer the phone and use it without it being put in the cradle first)

 

[npuk]

Yes the cradle will be permanently plugged into the UHI connector.

I would think it will need to be plugged in for the music playing. If you PM Alfie from Comand Online on the forum or email him he can advise.

 

[Matt's Dad]

Sorry, just seen you'd added about music playback!

I don't have any leads in the armrest, just the small UHI connector, but still want to play music. I have seen a few FM transmitters, and one that connects to the car stereo aerial. Would I need to buy of those, and Bluetooth adapter for calls?

 

[npuk]

Comand Online Ltd :: Mercedes Phone/Bluetooth :: Mercedes iPhone 3G(S) Phone cradle

You would need the above cradle. That wire visible in the picture is the audio output from the cradle.

You would have to also have an official Mercedes Benz IPOD interface or UMI interface fitted which the Iphone cradle connects too for the music playback but I am not sure if the Ipod kit is compatible with the 2004 audio units in the e class. As I said email Alfie and he can tell you for sure.

Comand Online Ltd :: Mercedes iPod solutions :: Last-E & CLS Class (W211/W219)