Ipod on Command Screen? - Page 2

rob13572468 · 11-08-2008, 06:43 AM

sorry for not posting back sooner.. we were at sema this week...

anyway here is the deal with the media interface. The interface is actually called the UCI by mercedes and its a metal box that hooks into the optical ring. (see pic below). the module is actually the same for all 2009 models and can be retrofitted to any W204 provided it is brought up to 2009 firmware. There is some harnessing involved that we are in the process of building. It will be a T-Harness similar to the one used with the VIM module. Once the telematics update is done there is also some special programming that is needed. The way we are thinking about doing this is to have programmers that you can borrow when you purchase a kit. You would plug the programmer into the OBD port and it will set the firmware up for the media interface. once its programmed you're good to go.

So the rough outline of the installation would be like this:

1. take your vehicle into service to have the latest telematics update.
2. purchase media interface kit from us.
3. pull radio, install T-harness and run the new leads behind the glovebox
4. plug programmer into obd port to program command.
5. send programmer back to us.

right now we are trying to get the best pricing on the media adapter parts.. we know that the kit will be less expensive than the mercedes retrofit piece which is supposed to be somewhere around $2K installed. The goal here is to get the price to around $1200 or lower for the media adapter. Additionally if you have the current factory ipod kit then that would be removed and can be sold on ebay.

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rob13572468 · 11-08-2008, 06:49 AM

pics of the UCI adapter

rory breaker · 11-08-2008, 10:14 AM

good gawd $1200 for an ipod adapter?

GMW · 11-08-2008, 11:22 AM

Is it possible to watch videos off your ipod/iphone through the media interface connection?

rob13572468 · 11-10-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMW

Is it possible to watch videos off your ipod/iphone through the media interface connection?

not yet.. The hardware is set up to do video but the firmware is not. no idea yet if or when they will release firmware that allows video.

2bShawn · 11-11-2008, 06:33 PM

Is this a software hack that you did or is it part of the VIM kit?

2bShawn · 11-11-2008, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2bShawn

Is this a software hack that you did or is it part of the VIM kit?

Ummm yea...nevermind, didn't finish reading the thread. Got to excited!

peet · 11-12-2008, 01:24 AM

No thanks. That's $1200 that can go to engine/suspension/tires/gas/booze anything else that is infinitely more useful to spend on than an ipod adapter.

No offense Rob - I know it's not your pricing.

I'm sure there will be buyers though.

rob13572468 · 11-14-2008, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peet

No thanks. That's $1200 that can go to engine/suspension/tires/gas/booze anything else that is infinitely more useful to spend on than an ipod adapter.

No offense Rob - I know it's not your pricing.

I'm sure there will be buyers though.

Yeah I hear ya... A big part of the pricing comes from the fact that the MOST optical system is licensed so manufacturers have to pay a royalty for every MOST device right now and that has limited the market. We are working on getting something produced for MOST which will bring the cost down considerably...

Centurionsv230 · 11-16-2008, 09:32 AM

Very nice work rob!

Do you think this could be done to an 08 SL63 with NTG 2.5 but without 518..?

Jon

NORTH 44 C55 · 11-16-2008, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob13572468

Yeah I hear ya... A big part of the pricing comes from the fact that the MOST optical system is licensed so manufacturers have to pay a royalty for every MOST device right now and that has limited the market. We are working on getting something produced for MOST which will bring the cost down considerably...

Thats great Rob. Please keep us up to date on the progress. I for 1 am in when its ready.

rory breaker · 11-16-2008, 03:01 PM

Agreed, if and when the price comes down quite significantly Im definitely in.

qship5 · 12-15-2008, 10:23 PM

Rob,

Anything on availability for us mere mortals? Have you been able to get this thing to less than $1200?

Thanks,

Mike

jikjak · 12-15-2008, 10:40 PM

what do the command s/w updates do?

also is there any point in updating the command system on an 06cls55? its actually a euro command unit that allows dvd video playback.
and can that ipod stuff on the screen be added to my screen?
right now i have the mb ipod kit but it doesnt provide info on the command screen, just on the screen in the dash.

qship5 · 01-29-2009, 12:33 PM

Any more news on this front? It looks like the media interface is available as a $300 option on the new GLK? Hopefully that makes it more readily available for those of us in the C63.

rory breaker · 08-09-2009, 11:03 PM

Has this been addressed at all through system updates?

Crazy that a 12k Hyundai displays your Ipod track info on the screen but a 70k benz doesnt.

peet · 08-14-2009, 06:20 PM

Let alone the fact that you can't even use the next track/prev track buttons on the head unit to control the ipod.

-michael- · 08-14-2009, 07:36 PM

And as I understand you can't activate iPod while you are driving, only in P gear. Might be mistaken

craignan · 08-14-2009, 08:03 PM

Hi Guys
my First post. I have a 2009 build C63 with Australian specs.
The media interface does everything you could wish for the ipod. The ipod sits undisturbed int the glove compartment, is charged by the interface cable, goes into standby when the car is off. Tracks, playlists, artists, etc are displayed on the comand screen and tracks on the instrument panel display. Voice command (linguatronic) can be used to control track skipping and also with voice you can switch between ipod, radio and Cd.

Mr. Happy · 08-20-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craignan

Hi Guys
my First post. I have a 2009 build C63 with Australian specs.
The media interface does everything you could wish for the ipod. The ipod sits undisturbed int the glove compartment, is charged by the interface cable, goes into standby when the car is off. Tracks, playlists, artists, etc are displayed on the comand screen and tracks on the instrument panel display. Voice command (linguatronic) can be used to control track skipping and also with voice you can switch between ipod, radio and Cd.

Same here. I have an 09 model in Canada and it does everything on the command screen.

jstefanop · 08-20-2009, 09:38 PM

anyone know of 09 C63 owners can get this? I paid for the iPod kit and it does nothing...

rory breaker · 11-01-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Happy

Same here. I have an 09 model in Canada and it does everything on the command screen.

So does anyone have any more updated information on this?

Are there actual HARDWARE differences between the Canadian models and the US models? Is there an adapter or something we can buy, or a software update to make the ipod visible and hopefully controllable from the comand screen?

qship5 · 11-02-2009, 10:28 AM

It is a hardware and software solution. You need the UCI hardware and the latest firmware on the COMAND unit as well as the COMAND programmed so it recognizes the UCI.

yarukc · 11-02-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qship5

It is a hardware and software solution. You need the UCI hardware and the latest firmware on the COMAND unit as well as the COMAND programmed so it recognizes the UCI.

how much would this cost at american dealers?

MJ50 · 11-02-2009, 04:43 PM

that's pretty sick! wish it'd work on my car...

11-08-2008, 11:22 AM	#29
GMW Super Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 589 Drives: 2009 - C63 AMG	can you.... Is it possible to watch videos off your ipod/iphone through the media interface connection? __________________ -------------------------------- 2009 C63 AMG - Black / Sahara Beige

11-11-2008, 06:33 PM	#31
2bShawn Almost a Member! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Phoenix-AZ Posts: 41 Drives: 2008 C350 Sport-Arctic White	Is this a software hack that you did or is it part of the VIM kit? __________________ Shawn - 2008 Arctic White C350 Sport, Blk Leather, Panorama roof, Multi-Media, P2, iPod integration kit, Tel Aid, De-badged trunk & side chrome, H&R Sport Springs (5mm rear spring pads), 360 Forged Split Seven 19x8.5f 19x9.5r, Nitto Envo 245/35/19f, 275/30/19r (w/OEM TPMS), Back-up camera, Brabus door pins, Avante Garde C63 shifter, clear side markers, Black calipers, clear-bra, 18% tint all-around coming: ???

11-12-2008, 01:24 AM	#33
peet MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chicagoland, IL Posts: 1,092 Drives: 09 C63	No thanks. That's $1200 that can go to engine/suspension/tires/gas/booze anything else that is infinitely more useful to spend on than an ipod adapter. No offense Rob - I know it's not your pricing. I'm sure there will be buyers though. __________________ 2009 C63 2007 BMW M Coupe (sold) 2007 Audi S4 (sold) 2003 C230K sedan (sold) 2003 C230K coupe (sold) ... confused wife and neighbors, priceless.

08-14-2009, 06:20 PM	#42
peet MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chicagoland, IL Posts: 1,092 Drives: 09 C63	Let alone the fact that you can't even use the next track/prev track buttons on the head unit to control the ipod. __________________ 2009 C63 2007 BMW M Coupe (sold) 2007 Audi S4 (sold) 2003 C230K sedan (sold) 2003 C230K coupe (sold) ... confused wife and neighbors, priceless.

11-02-2009, 04:43 PM	#50
MJ50 MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: S. Pasadena, CA Posts: 8,865 Drives: W203 & W211	that's pretty sick! wish it'd work on my car... __________________ 2003 C240 MBenzNL (PTS, IMS, euro COMAND, folding/convex mirrors, euro bi-xenons, SAM, MHI, euro trunklid, euro mat, steering wheel, etc...) 2004 E55 MBenzNL (057,219,390,428,500,527,615,682,816,881,882,884, CLS63 IC, AMG Airbag, iPod, Euro Door Pins/Convex Mirrors/Trunklid), SL65 rims, RENNtech pulley 2004 ML350 MBenzNL (rearview mirror, AMG style steering wheel, euro convex mirror) SOLD 323.205.MJ50 Google Voice

11-08-2008, 10:14 AM	#28
rory breaker Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NC Posts: 338 Drives: 09 C63	good gawd $1200 for an ipod adapter?

11-16-2008, 09:32 AM	#35
Centurionsv230 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: UK Posts: 7 Drives: 2000 C43 AMG	Very nice work rob! Do you think this could be done to an 08 SL63 with NTG 2.5 but without 518..? Jon

11-16-2008, 03:01 PM	#37
rory breaker Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NC Posts: 338 Drives: 09 C63	Agreed, if and when the price comes down quite significantly Im definitely in.

12-15-2008, 10:23 PM	#38
qship5 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Dallas TX area Posts: 389 Drives: M5, C63, 335Ci	Rob, Anything on availability for us mere mortals? Have you been able to get this thing to less than $1200? Thanks, Mike

12-15-2008, 10:40 PM	#39
jikjak MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,444 Drives: CLS55 AMG	what do the command s/w updates do? also is there any point in updating the command system on an 06cls55? its actually a euro command unit that allows dvd video playback. and can that ipod stuff on the screen be added to my screen? right now i have the mb ipod kit but it doesnt provide info on the command screen, just on the screen in the dash.

01-29-2009, 12:33 PM	#40
qship5 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Dallas TX area Posts: 389 Drives: M5, C63, 335Ci	Any more news on this front? It looks like the media interface is available as a $300 option on the new GLK? Hopefully that makes it more readily available for those of us in the C63.

08-09-2009, 11:03 PM	#41
rory breaker Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NC Posts: 338 Drives: 09 C63	Has this been addressed at all through system updates? Crazy that a 12k Hyundai displays your Ipod track info on the screen but a 70k benz doesnt.

08-14-2009, 07:36 PM	#43
-michael- Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Moscow Russia, Los Angeles USA Posts: 239 Drives: 2009 MB C63 (OPM GT3) 2007 MB ML63 2006 MB CLS 500 (wife)	And as I understand you can't activate iPod while you are driving, only in P gear. Might be mistaken

08-14-2009, 08:03 PM	#44
craignan Newbie Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1 Drives: 2008 C Class	Hi Guys my First post. I have a 2009 build C63 with Australian specs. The media interface does everything you could wish for the ipod. The ipod sits undisturbed int the glove compartment, is charged by the interface cable, goes into standby when the car is off. Tracks, playlists, artists, etc are displayed on the comand screen and tracks on the instrument panel display. Voice command (linguatronic) can be used to control track skipping and also with voice you can switch between ipod, radio and Cd.

08-20-2009, 09:38 PM	#46
jstefanop Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 111 Drives: 09 C63, 06 Subaru WRX STi	anyone know of 09 C63 owners can get this? I paid for the iPod kit and it does nothing...

11-02-2009, 10:28 AM	#48
qship5 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Dallas TX area Posts: 389 Drives: M5, C63, 335Ci	It is a hardware and software solution. You need the UCI hardware and the latest firmware on the COMAND unit as well as the COMAND programmed so it recognizes the UCI.

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