W203 bluetooth/iphone options...

[georgeg]

Hi All,

So I took the plunge and managed to get a really good deal on a 54 reg, facelift C220 CDI.

Suppose this question(s) has been asked ad nauseum. Humble apologies for that.

I have done a lot of research and am confused as hell about the options for Bluetooth and iPhone compatibility.

I have the Audio 20 system, with no cradle in the armrest. What does that mean with regards to optional Bluetooth and iPhone integration?

Tried tried browsing through various sites, but there just seems to be so many things that I am not sure what applies to my case and what not.

In short, I want to be able to make calls with my iPhone, and on occasion when Radio 4 bores, me listen to a track or two from my iPhone. And at the same time don't want to spend a fortune.

My previous car (Audi A4) had a parrot system, that worked really well, but the LCD screen for the separate system was unsightly and the steering wheel controls didn't was not linked to it. But if someone has an innovative Parrot solutions (like I am thinking maybe putting the screen in the armrest or ashtray and using the UNIKA add-on to link it to steering wheel controls) please speak up...

any advice would be greatly appreciated.

PS: Absolutely love the car! My previous A4 is no match for Merc road manners...

 

[markjay]

Welcome.

The 2004 Audio 20 does not have built-in BT. Later Audio 20 units did.

The original MB Convenience Telephony kit for the W203 - the one that resides in the centre armrest - is very good and supports BT ad well as full integration with the instrument cluster display and steering wheel controls, but for what it does it is quite pricey to retrofit if the car does not already have it.

If retaining the existing Audio 20 unit, BT telephony can be added using a variety of third party kits, however you could also consider replacing the Audio 20 with the excellent COMAND NTG2.5 - not cheap, but a brilliant piece of kit including satellite navigation and many other options.

For all of the above see also:

www.comandonline.co.uk

Alfie and Richard who are members here know all there is to know about these things and can offer helpful advice as well as supply and/or install anything you need.

 

[georgeg]

But that being said, the Fiscon Bluetooth looks good: Fiscon Pro Bluetooth Phone Kit for Mercedes Benz (MOST based cars) | Phone System Retrofit Kits | Mercedes Retrofits | Comand Online Ltd

anybody has experience in this?

Or is this a better idea?

http://www.commandonline.co.uk/W203-NTG2.5-Audio20-Kit.html

will this work with my model?

 

[malluboy77]

Mercedes C Class Parrot Steering Wheel Control Adaptor + CK3000 Bluetooth Kit | eBay

I did certainly not want the parrot buttons hanging around. Been using this kit for 2 years now. Plug and play unit, easy to DIY. I am a very light user and absolutely happy with the money I spent on it. The steering wheel buttons work most of the the time though occasionally I need to get the phone out to dial and answer calls.

 

[georgeg]

Thanks malluboy, I reckon I am leaning a parrot system. The other options looks a bit pricey.

Question, would I need STAR coding to enable the phone buttons on the steering wheel to work?

 

[malluboy77]

No problems!

No STAR required at all. I had my car on STAR for a different reason after this unit went it and STAR was all clear.

There are plenty of videos on you tube on how to pull the head unit out. It takes a little time to squeeze the parrot and the steering wheel module in behind the head unit. Easy to wire the mic in as well. All I needed was to power down the bluetooth/steering wheel unit and power again (just pull the connectors out and back in) while setting it up. Plug n play at its best.

 

[malluboy77]

With regards to audio play back, there is a aux in cable that you can get from Mercedes for the W203 Audio 20 unit. It connects to a socket in the loom in NSF floor and you can bring this out in the glove box to plug the phone in. Cost less than £30.00.

PM me if you want the part number.

 

[georgeg]

anybody have any experience in these el-cheapo Chinese units?

DVD/GPS/3G INTERNET Player MERCEDES BENZ G/C/CLS CLASS DVB-T Optional W203/W467 | eBay

 

[georgeg]

OK so I did a very impulsive thing and bought this:
Mercedes Audio 20 with Bluetooth & MP3, C Class CLC 2008 | eBay

The the model number is MF2830.

My question, will it be a straight swap of my existing non-BT Audio 20 unit?

And this might sound stupid, but what did I actually buy?

(maybe I should have asked these questions before buying... DOH!)

 

[b830ag2]

Hi,
It's been a while I know, but did the mf2830 get installed and work correctly?
I'm looking at one myself that's all...
Thanks.