W218 Iphone Connector Query

[E55BOF]

Good afternoon gents. The car is a 2013 CLS SB. There is an Iphone connector lead in the front centre armrest, and it connects the phone up fine (though with Bluetooth, I'm not sure why this is needed at all), but it doesn't appear to charge the phone. Is it supposed to, and if not, can I charge it with an Iphone/USB connector cable in the USB port that is also in the armrest?

 

[st13phil]

If you're connecting via the Media Interface Port (not the USB port) then with the correct lead an iPhone will both charge and communicate with the car for media functions without using Bluetooth. It always uses Bluetooth for the phone functions though, i.e. making and receiving calls.

That it's not charging and is connecting to the head unit by Bluetooth (I take it you're talking about the media functions, not the ability to make and receive phone calls) would suggest that either the Media Interface Port or - more likely - the lead isn't working.

 

[E55BOF]

Thank you for that. I rather think it connected via the port, but there was no indication in the phone's display that it was charging, and no ping either.

 

[st13phil]

but there was no indication in the phone's display that it was charging, and no ping either

In that case it isn't charging.

I take it you're using the MB Media Interface lead that terminates in the old iPhone 30-pin connector and then a 30-pin to Lightning adaptor? If so then my experience is that only the genuine Apple 30-pin to Lightning adaptors work reliably.

Something else worth checking is that the bottom of the Lightning port on the phone isn't blocked by fluff / pocket lint and thus preventing the Lightning plug fully locking "home". A friend complained that charging his iPhone worked only intermittently and that was the cause. Careful removal of the compacted fluff with a pin and a toothpick (why is it that, just like belly-button fluff, it's always blue?) resolved the issue.

 

[E55BOF]

The lead I'm using is an MB one, and came with the car; it plugs straight into the iPhone, so I presume that's a Lightning connector? The other end goes into a horizontal port on the front inside top face of the armrest compartment.

The phone connects with the car, and buzzes to let me know, when plugged in. I suspect I first tried it with the ignition off, though, because once the COMAND is fired up the phone also starts charging normally. Happy days...

 

[st13phil]

Glad it’s sorted.