05-MB-C230K

I want to first start by saying I followed the IPOD D.I.Y. (https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...od+integration)

I set my IPOD up so that it rests in my cup holder. I used the cable mentioned in the IPOD D.I.Y. and instead of routing it to the glove box, I routed to the center console. My total cost was about $75. Here is what I used:
Parts:
Mercedes Audio Cable Part Number. A 203 540 61 07 $32.00 I used a $10 coupon. $22.00
Belkin Auto Kit for iPod and iPod mini with Dock Connector $39.00
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Belki...oductDetail.do
6-Ft. Shielded Cable, 1/8" Stereo Plug to 1/8" Stereo Plug $5.49
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

I chose to use the Belkin adapter mentioned above because it has an audio output that works much better than the headphone output on the IPOD. It also provides a cleaner install because the only cable you have showing is the 30 pin connector that attaches to the bottom of the IPOD.

So here is how I did it:
1. Followed the IPOD Integration DIY thread to locate the AUX Input Cable.
2.Instead of routing the cable to the glove box, I left it in the kick panel and routed my 1/8" stereo cable from the kick panel to the center console. (when routing the cables to the center console, you should loosen the bolts in the bottom of the center console to give you more room)
3. Installed a 12V power source in the center console by tapping into the rear cigarette lighter.
4. Hid all of the wires and put everything back together.

Finished Product


Locate Factory AUX Input harness.


Route 1/8" stereo cable under carpet to center console.


Tap into rear cigarette lighter.


Inside the center console.

nlpamg

woah, nice! good job!

Arn560

Nice. I don't have a rear ciggy lighter!!

M230K

nice work man how long did it take you to do?

KIRA

damn spoil benz... really got cig lighter in the back........

nickgailloux

Only one thing left to do... route that cable up through the bottom of the cup holder, and then get one of these to put in your cup holder. That will basically give you an iPod dock right in the car...

rlee02135

yeah..thts perfect for 05+ cars since you dont have the pop-up cupholder

e1000

the 05+ still has the pop-up cup holder, we just don't have the door that covers it.

05-MB-C230K

Yeah my car does have the pop-up cup holder. I actually use them a lot. The install took me about 3 hours only because I couldn't make up my mind. I also solider all of my connections. I had to redo the cig tap because I did not leave enough room / slack in the wires to close the cig door tight. Also before I decided on the center console I experimented with the glove box. If I had to do it all over again, I could do it in an hour or less. It was worth it. The sound is great. The audio out from the Belkin adapter is adjustable, but once you set it, it is fixed. So you don't have to worry about messing up the volume every time you touch the wheel like you would if you used the headphone jack. Now I just need to get a new IPOD.

Also note the glove box is a lot cleaner than the shot that I posted. I have to figure out how to post more pics in the original thread. I posted that on to show how I routed the wires. The final product is neat and clean.

dbvolz

By using the Belkin wire, does it charge your Ipod? If so, then I would say this is the best solution to integrating an Ipod yet...

drho2004

Nice job! I have a similar set-up. Im going through the glove box though, i wanted to go under the carpet, but i chickened out thinking i was gonna break something :-( But i have my ipod in a OEM ipod holder, i guess its suppose to go in the glove box. but i have it in the center console. i change songs by using a Scoche RF remote. I wish i had pics to show. But what i wanted to as you is that if you get 'electrical' noise when hooked up to your cig lighter and ipod? i get it when i plug my belkin cig charger to the ipod and hook up the 1/8" mini to the headphone jack on the ipod. ill try to take some pics.

05-MB-C230K

yes the Belkin adapter charges your IPOD.

drho2004

Oh yeah i know that, Mine charges my ipod too, but when i plug in the belkin to the ipod i get background 'noise' kind of like when something is not grounded. does your belkin give u the same results? or it might just be a bad belkin charger, who knows. i found this while searching:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...od+integration
dod u get the same problem?

Brunelleschi

i have to be honest..i am kind of diappointed...i was waiting to see a custom-fabbed interior piece to blend an iPod into the interior of the car.

Nicely done with the electronics though

05-MB-C230K

I do not get any feedback or hissing. I did have to adjust to output level from the Belkin and also made sure i had a good connection on both ends with the 1/8" stereo cable. I was also careful when routing the wires. I tried to stay away from anything that might cause interference.

05-MB-C230K

Yeah. I thought about fabing up a permanent holster or docking station, but I couldn't commit to anything. I prefer to have the flexibility that the loose cable provides. It is easier to read and the passenger can look through the Ipod as well. I can also hide every thing when the car is parked.

drho2004

Ok here some pics of my set up:
This is the wireless remote.

Better shot of position:

here is the ipod, thing on top is the wireless transmitter for the remote.

closer look at ipod with w/l transmitter:

Thats it for now. Eventually i want to put the ipod on the 2nd level of the armrest. Just hanvent figured out how to route the cables.

GINO-ESC

For the 05+ cars will this install allow you to use the steering wheel controls and dash screen? If not, is the dealers $300+ kit the only way to achieve full integration?

drho2004

no, with this you control the ipod from the ipod or you can use a w/l remote like im doing. but u will not be able to use the steering wheel controls or see the track titles on the dash display. the only way for that is the MB ipod kit

METC240

in this setup it will play via the AUX? I thought this will provide you with a display off the song list / playing.

If not which cable do you need to get so it will do such if possible ?

Yonosai

Hi,

Where are the bolts you talking about?

Thanks

outaurleague

That is a clean install, Very nice.

ADHD

can u please elaborate on this exact part?? u linked to all other parts except this one!

Cloudz

do you guys think it's worth it to get one of these, I have the 6 disk CD player - which means 594 songs?

So is it worth putting in the effort of putting an IPOD in? I have a 1 GB 1st gen Nano... and I aint getting a new one

ADHD

I have the cd changer too but still fell cds are getting outdated and its much easier to fly through 500 songs on the ipod than going through cds trying to find the song your looking for!
Ive ordered the part and will be installing it tommorrow thanks for the DIY!