Pre-facelift W211 - audio options for phone?

[tomw]

I have a 2004 W211 and I need some way of getting audio off a phone so I can have podcasts etc during an upcoming long drive across Europe.

Without replacing the OEM equipment, what options do I have? I believe I don't have the aux-in socket in the glovebox that I've read about.

I currently have a power adaptor for the fag lighter that I use to charge my phone sometimes but it causes bad interference with the radio so if I look at an FM broadcasting unit thing, which I've used in the past in other cars, then it needs to be something that's well shielded...

Anyone got a neat solution?

 

[DSM10000]

The module that is needed to connect your mobile to the head unit by Bluetooth fits in a special slot inside the armrest storage container

With this your mobile is only set up for telephony and not for audio streaming.

I believe that the Aux socket may be possible to retrofit.

That would open up some options for you.

I have the Aux socket and used a Bluetooth receiver to stream into the head unit from my mobile.

 

[tomw]

I had my armrest / centre console out recently to replace the shift selector module and don't have the Bluetooth module either unfortunately!

 

[m80]

The neatest and most comprehensive solution 'is' to replace the HU.
Probably the easiest also.

8-Core Android 10.0 Car Stereo GPS SatNav Mercedes E/CLS/G W211 W219 CarPlay DSP 631851143921 | eBay

Built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto module. you don't need to use another adapter, just connect your. Android OS car stereo. Android 7.1. Android 8.0. Android 8.1. - Built-in DSP Amplifier System, which bring the perfect sound effect in your car.

www.ebay.co.uk

The 8" screen version doesn't look as oem.

You can ignore reverse cams and dash cams if you prefer.
The GPS antenna needs to go on top of the dash in the 211 to be useful, unless there is a shark fin on the roof. Or ignore that too.

 

[tomw]

I did consider replacing the unit but my car has HK and I assume the adaptors required to keep the amp etc happy aren't cheap. I've had similar situations with other cars in the past when fitting CarPlay units to HK, B&O etc systems.

I might explore the possibility of running a simple aux lead into the unit through the back of the glovebox, if the unit has aux in capability as suggested above by DSM10000... Then I think I have an old Bluetooth -> aux module I used in an old M3 years ago

 

[DSM10000]

I had my armrest / centre console out recently to replace the shift selector module and don't have the Bluetooth module either unfortunately!

As said, that would only give you telephone connectivity. It is not possible to stream music via that device as the protocol isn't supported.

 

[AndrewOl]

I use a plug in Bluetooth FM adapter and it works great. I put a socket in the arm rest so that I can get to it to switch it on. Phone pairs automatically with it, change the station and away you go. Only real issue is controlling what is being played. As this is done from the phone it obviously can’t be done by the driver if the car is running.

 

[tomw]

Turns out I actually DO have an aux in socket in the glovebox. Never trust your girlfriend when you're driving along and ask her to check the glovebox and she says there isn't one.

 

[tomw]

I ended up buying one of these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07TZ412J5/ref=emc_b_5_i

And it works really well with my iPhone and the aux in.