Mercedes-Benz's current iPod integration kit is pretty weak sauce, especially since the new COMAND nav / multimedia system is so well done, but it looks like the automaker's newest iPhone cradle will take steps to address some of the more glaring issues and also add some interesting new features. The cradle appears to finally integrate iPod controls with the main nav screen and COMAND controller instead of relying solely on the instrument display and steering wheel controls, and it will charge your phone while allowing you to make calls and listen to music. On top of that, plugging the phone in will apparently increase reception by using the vehicle's antennas as well as the iPhone's, and from what we can tell, you'll be able to access the contacts list as well -- something MB's current Bluetooth system doesn't allow. If you've already got the iPod kit or Media Interface kit, the adapters needed will run you €39 ($60), and the cradle itself is available now in Germany for €249 ($385). Lots more pics at the read link.
[Thanks, Ashley]
posted June 19th 2008 7:03PM
At least they didn't ruin the Benz by sticking in some grotty WinMo phone. Next up....Porsche and Ferrari. If you're equipping the best vehicles, go with iPhone 3G.
The thing about the external antenna is bogus. The iPhone does not support external antennas. Not via a cable or wirelessly.
20 years from now, a 19 year old man goes to a used Benz dealer and discovered the iPhone integration kit in the arm rest of the Mercedes.
"What is this" the man asks.
"It's an iPhone dock" said the dealer.
"What's an iPhone" he asks.
"It's the latest phone your parents used back in the day" he said.
Something that no one else has picked up on is how will this, or indeed the BMW or Audi solutions, will work when using the iphone as a satnav device?
I believe TomTom have already developed software for the 3G iphone?
No if i could only drive the car from the iphone while crouched down in the back seat avoiding bullets. Or better yet save on valet parking and not having to walk to my car. Think James Bond.
It takes up the whole space in the armrest storage bin?
What a waste!
Shouldn't it be in a cradle on the dash up next to the nav system?
Unless MB has implemented a multi-touch UI that's at least as good as the iPhone UI, I'd rather use the phone.
And now the iPhone has GPS and will have a nav app ... why pay $2K+ for nav in the car?
ps. Bluetooth handsfree and the iPod connector work with the iPhone, play sounds and the audio quality of their phone system is great. I don't think this bulky kit is a step forward.
Hi friends
Whe can I buy this iphone kid for my
mercdes e320
Thank you,
Dennis
Sounds brilliant except it’s not true. I have an 07 Mercedes CLS with a Comand interface. My old 1st generation iPhone worked great via the iPod lead and Bluetooth module. The new 3G phone doesn’t charge via the iPod lead due to the loss of Firewire capability and the phone book won’t load names (only numbers) via the Bluetooth module. I therefore tried the new iPhone cradle. After much messing around the parts chap at the garage gave up as the phone works fine but there was no access whatsoever to music via the cradle. I think therefore there is either a)a complete lack of training at MB dealerships, b)some rather exaggerated selling of the capability of the new cradle or c) some serious software upgrades needed. Basically the iPhone 3G has been mis-sold as being even better than the old iPhone when in fact for some like me it’s a giant step backwards. I’m told BMW drivers are similarly affected although I’ve no first hand experience of this. Buyer beware!!