SL350 R230 iPod Solutions

[Burger]

Since I got my car a few weeks back I've been looking at the alternatives that exist for integrating my ipod touch 2G. Preferably a solution that allows video as well as audio without requiring any external displays or controls and allows full control through the Comand and Steering wheel controls.

My car has the 'standard' sound system (NTG1), not Bose, and as I understand it this means that the Amplifiers (audio gateway I believe) are all built into the head unit. I believe also, because it's an SL that it doesn't have an Aux In capability. I wonder why? Anyway, assuming this is all correct, I've looked at the solutions from Dension and NavTV (Although I can't really work out how the NavTV solution integrates). I've looked at a number of other solutions too, but ruled them all out for one reason or another. The Dension GW500 with their AVR (Audio Video Router) would appear to be the best solution. Although why you have to press and hold the FF button to select something and not simply the OK button defeats me.

I do though have some questions please for anyone who knows...

If I'm right that the head unit contains the AGW then am I right that the only additional MOST component is the CDC? Or is the telephone also on the MOST ring? The car came with the pre-wiring and I fitted a ViseeO MB-2.

What connections are on the back of the NTG1? The reason for asking this is that I've come across what might very well be the ultimate solution.

Replacement Units from Hong Kong

These people do not make a direct replacement for the SL, but they do make a standard double DIN unit. Also, I'm thinking it couldn't be impossible to get one for a Mercedes and modify the facia to fit the SL. Trouble is, I have no idea what an MB R300 or B200 are? Is it at all likely that either of these units could just plug into my car?

Thanks for any comments and advice from anyone who knows

Regards,

 

[npuk]

Comand NTG1 has a seperate AGW tuner and nav drive. Some units did have aux input but not the SL unit. Phone pre-wire is on the MOST ring as well as the cd changer.

You could go down the route of upgrading to Comand NTG2.5 and a MB Ipod video interface kit or MB UCI media interface if your prepared to spend the money.

 

[Burger]

Comand NTG1 has a seperate AGW tuner and nav drive. Some units did have aux input but not the SL unit. Phone pre-wire is on the MOST ring as well as the cd changer.

You could go down the route of upgrading to Comand NTG2.5 and a MB Ipod video interface kit or MB UCI media interface if your prepared to spend the money.

Thanks for that. I have considered the NTG2.5 route but that seems a little excessive. I thought NTG1 only had a separate AGW with the Bose system? With the standard system the AGW is built in the head unit?

Thanks,

 

[Burger]

Sorry meant to ask this as well. If I went down the NTG2.5 route and the MB ipod interface, would it play ipod videos?

Thanks,

 

[npuk]

Yes with the specific Ipod video interface, but video will be cut off with the vehicle in motion.

All NTG1 have seperate AGW and nav drive. If you have HK, the HK amp just replaces the AGW.

 

[Burger]

Sorry to be pedantic, but I'm trying to get an accurate picture and understand. Where does Harmon Kardon come into it? According to the brochure from when my car was new the only surround sound system available as an optional extra was Bose. I don't see any mention of HK in the brochure.

Thanks,

 

[npuk]

Sure the brochure is not for an older R230 which would have had Comand 2.0 and D2B. They switched to NTG1 and MOST in MY05 which is when it would have changed to HK.

The MOST system (and thus the NTG1 system consisted of 3 seperate devices, the AGW (Audio Gateway), the head unit (COMAND) and the navigation processor. The AGW contains the FM/AM tuner(s), the amplifer, the MOST bus master controller and the diagnostic gateway for diagnosis and configuration.

The telephone system. voice recogntiion, CD changer, Harmon Karden premium sound system and TV tuners also connect to the MOST bus to route audio in/out of the system. In the case of the HK sound system, the HK amplifer contains the AGW and replaces the standard AGW.

The navigation processor is always in the boot (trunk) of the car, and the AGW is also often hidden in the boot of the car or under passenger feet in the SLK.

If you look at Richards post below in his pre MY05 car he had Comand 2.0 with BOSE.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/electronics/91606-sl55-pieces-ntg2-5-retrofit.html

 

[Burger]

My car is a 2007 model, the first R230 facelift. The brochure is absolutely 100% the correct UK brochure for the car. My system is positively NTG1. It makes absolutely no mention whatsoever anywhere of HK and only refers to Bose as the optional upgrade for the SL350 and SL500. Standard on the SL600, SL65 AMG and SL65 AMG.

I've seen and referred to Richards site and posts many times and very much admire him for the time and effort he's put in.

I believe they switched to HK with NTG2.5 and the 2008 facelift. However, I'm very new to all this and so am reluctant to claim any great knowledge other than what I can read and see. Is it possible HK was the upgrade for the NA markets?

Regards,