W164 - iPhone Media source? or best way to add BT audio?

[RedMB]

Hi there,

I just purchased a 2010 ML 350 (and lovely it is to)

It has come with a number of aux connectors to connect external audio sources. There's an old 30-pin ipod/iphone type, a jack socket type, and a USB type.

When I connect my iPhone to the USB one it charges it fine but the media input says that the device is not compatible. I presume it's just expecting to see a drive full of mp3s or something like that on a USB connector?

What's the best way to be able to use my phone as an audio source (I use Spotify a LOT, and I like the alerts on the Waze nav app)

I don't mind if this is done through a wired connection or Bluetooth (so far I can only do phone calls by Bluetooth - the iphone doesn't see Comand as a bluetooth audio destination is that correct? )

thanks in advance for *any* pointers - this is my first MB ownership experience since last millenium ;-)

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

If it's got the media interface, then get a converter from Apple 30-pin to Apple Lightening connector, and pop it in between your 30-pin cable and your iPhone. Original Apple converters are expensive (~£30), but based upon what the Internet told me, "replica" converters often don't work properly when used in the car.

 

[RedMB]

Thanks - I'll give that a go!

 

[garycat]

This says it is compatible with ML, and with Amazon you can return it for a refund if it isn't

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07425BR1V/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

or

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01LXEDZ0I/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

 

[RedMB]

I kept googling this and looking for evidence of positive outcomes - lots of contradiction and hard to nail down.

Some observations:
The inexpensive BT adapters for sale online that plug in to the Media Interface in the glove box say they add audio streaming but don't support hands free calling (which seems odd but there you go)

Some statements that 30pin to lightning adapters work and some that they don't (suspect different car model years)

As I was also considering going the whole hog and swapping out Comand for Carplay I called comand.co.uk to see if they could shed light on what was possible.

They said that the Lightning adapter wouldn't work with W164 - but does with W166 (so I cancelled my order of one of those)
They said they can supply a replacement Carplay head unit (options with and without additional built-in Navigation - the latter adding *significantly* to the cost) that integrates with W164 Comand wiring
They said the simplest way was to get the Bluetooth adapter sold by Car Communications (presumably this one: Viseeo WMA3000A Wireless Bluetooth Music Interface Adaptor for In-Car Kits )

So I've ordered that via Amazon and will see how we get on...

 

[Alfie]

The WMA3000 will do the job for you and it wont adversely affect your bluetooth phone either.

 

[garycat]

For anyone else buying, Xcarlink has it a bit cheaper (£90 incl VAT & shipping)

ViseeO Tune2Air WMA3000A Wireless Bluetooth AD2P Streaming Kit for Audi Mercedes & VW :: BLUETOOTH INTEGRATION :: XCarLink

Dunno if the Tune2Air version is different