Labels: Accessories, Mercedes Technology, Owner Resources

There has been rumor for months that the SPLITVIEW Front-Seat Entertainment system would be coming to the US market for the S and CL. It is official! It is now an orderable option. If you have an S or CL on order you may be able to add this option depending on its order status.

SPLITVIEW allows the driver and passenger to view two different sources on the same COMAND screen. The driver can control all of the normal COMAND functions like radio, navigation and phone while the passenger can use headphones and a remote to watch DVD video on the same screen!

State law prohibits this system on vehicles registered in AL, AZ, CO, IL, LA, MD, MA, NH, PA, VT, VA, WA, WV and WI. But we can have it in Georgia!

SPLITVIEW - Code 867 - $700 - Order now!

If you purchase a car with this option, your dealer's service department will still need to activate it for you once you have acknowledged that you understand the legal requirements for using it in your state.

Labels: Accessories, CL-Class, Mercedes Technology, S-Class

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK has been a great success in the compact luxury SUV segment. It is the best seller!

To further enhance this great design, Mercedes is introducing the AMG Styling Package. This package will be available to order in January and includes:

• AMG-designed front and rear bumpers with chrome skid plates


• 20" AMG twin five-spoke wheels with all-season tires


• Aluminum roof rails


• LED daytime running lamps (does not require lighting package)

The AMG Styling Package will be priced at $1,970.

Labels: Accessories, GLK-Class

The Univeral Media Interface or UMI has generated a lot of interest and questions since it was launched for the C-Class and GLK last year. There have been some complaints about the system being slow and Mercedes has addressed that and launched the new and improved Nav + 4 with enhanced performance and funtionality.

Nav + 4 has the same features as UMI:
1 - Navigation with free live traffic
2 - iPod/iPhone Interface
3 - USB Interface
4 - AUX Interface
5 - Bluetooth Audio Streaming

The improvements to the system are:
5 times faster route calculation
5 times faster destination entry
5 times faster zooming
Day/Night changeover in real time
Updated navigation data
Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico included

New functionality includes:
Reality View Pro (highway signs)
Traffic Lane Assist Pro (road splits)
Enter destination via map


The NEW part number is A204 870 7096 and the MSRP is $1685 plus labor. The price could vary depending on the equipment already present in your vehicle. Also, it should be possible to upgrade an old UMI to the enhanced Nav + 4 with a software flash.

Labels: Accessories, C-Class, GLK-Class

I have had a lot of questions about charging a 3G iPhone or a newer iPod in our cars. The iPod/MP3 interface cable that comes in most of the 2009 and 2010 vehicles will NOT charge the 3G iPhone and the latest iPods. However, there is a new accessory cable that will. I tested this cable in every 2010 in my showroom and a 2009 E-Class and it charged a 3G iPhone every time. Make sure you have the removeable cable with a plug on both ends. The iPod kit, with the white iPod connector, is different and can't be swaped over.


Part number is A 001 827 84 04 and the Mercedes-Benz suggested retail price is $67.

Thanks to Fitz in Tampa for doing the first test...I hope you are enjoying the SL!

Labels: Accessories

In the Atlanta area they are always adding or modifying roads so it's good that Mercedes-Benz has just released updated navigation disks. You can order these disks from your local Mercedes-Benz parts department. They should cost $249. You can also order them directly from Mercedes at www.navigation.com/mbupdate (this site's search isn't working at the time I'm writing this) or by calling (888)628-4483.

There are several reasons to update your navigation disk:
- Every year thousands of miles of new roads are added.
- Hundreds of Points of Interest are added or deleted.
- Improved routing efficiency can save you time and fuel.

Labels: Accessories

Mercedes has been making some changes to the 2010 C-Class options and packages to make it a better value and respond to the demands of the market.

Originally, Mercedes had announced that COMAND with navigation (512) could be ordered without the Multimedia Package (320). Then, due to factory constraints, that was dropped at the end of April and all vehicles that had been ordered with COMAND with navigation (518) were changed to Multimedia Package (320).

Now, Mercedes is changing the Multimedia Package (320) to reduce the cost of the package. So, the new Multimedia Package (320) will include
Voice Control (396)
COMAND with Navigation (512)
iPod/MP3 Interface (518)
Media Interface Consumer Cables (049)

The harman kardon (810) 450 watt sound system was dropped from the package and is now available as a stand alone option. Ordering Multimedia Package (320) also requires that either the Premium 1 Package (P01) or Sirius Satellite Radio (536) are ordered on the vehicle.

So, there you go. If you have a 2010 C-Class on order you might want to check with your dealership and see how it is currently equipped and if there are any changes you need to make to have it turn out like you expected.

Labels: Accessories, C-Class

Labels: Accessories, C-Class, GLK-Class

If you have a PCMCIA slot in your vehicle (S-Class, CL-Class, C-Class, GLK-Class) you need a PCMCIA adaptor to play music from a memory card. You plug the PCMCIA adaptor into the slot, then you can insert a variety of memory cards into the adaptor to access your saved music or podcasts.

This adaptor has been a little hard to find for some of my clients. Luckily, Mercedes has come out with their own. Called the PCMCIA Multi-Card Reader, it is priced at $102 and the part number is 6-7-82-3974. You should be able to order one from your local parts department.

A quick Google search will come up with cheaper readers that are meant to do the same thing, but these are meant to work with laptops and aren't guaranteed to work with your car like the Mercedes version is. Also, I haven't personally tested the Mercedes adapter with the larger SDHC cards so it may not read those.

Labels: Accessories, C-Class, CL-Class, GLK-Class, S-Class

A customer e-mailed me last week to ask if the iPhone cradle they saw on Ebay would work in their car. Even though I had written about this part when Mercedes announced it I had never actually used one. I had my parts department order one for me and was able to test it today.

This cradle is designed to plug into the MHI port in most 2007-2008 vehicles and the 2009 S and CL. Any car that would use a bluetooth adaptor, what I call a "puck," could use this cradle. This cradle is NOT compatible with the 3G iPhone. The 3G iPhone is too wide to fit into the cradle. There is a rumor of a 3G version but it doesn't seem to be avaliable in the US yet. So, you plug the cradle into the car, synch the bluetooth and you now have a bluetooth adaptor that will also charge your iPhone as opposed to the normal puck that does not charge your iPhone. That seems to be the main benefit.

The instruction booklet also states that "If your vehicle is equipped with an iPod Integration Kit, it is possible to access the iPod functions of the iPhone in the cradle via the COMAND system...after an additional connection between the cradle and the iPod Integration Kit has been installed. A competent installation by a qualified specialist workshop must be performed for the connection of the iPhone Cradle to the iPod Interface Kit." What that means is that you can't just plug it in and start using it as both the phone and the iPod. You would have to take it out of the cradle and plug it into the kit to play music unless you pay the labor (and parts?) at the shop for them to re-wire it.



Also, I thought the plug on the side of the cradle (show above on the left) looked familiar. It is the same plug that the Multimedia Interface Cable or iPod/MP3 Adaptor Cable uses to plug into 2009 vehicles with the NTG 2.5 COMAND system (2009 ML, GL, R, E, SL, SLK). If you unplug the Multimedia Interface Cable and plug in the iPhone cradle you can access the iPod functionality of the iPhone and stay connected via bluetooth (shown below). This is not an improvement. You can already plug the iPhone directly into the Multimedia Interface Cable and do the same thing. The instruction booklet makes no mention of this extra cord on the side. Strange.



So, in summary... You cannot use this accessory with the 3G iPhone. You cannot use it with a 2008 or 2009 C-Class (no MHI). It is pretty useless for a 2009 ML, GL, R, E, SL and SLK. If you use an iPhone and would like it to charge in the car and you drive a 2007-2009 S or CL or a 2007-2008 E, ML, GL, or SL you might like it. Please consult with your parts department to definitely determine compatibility.

Labels: Accessories, Mercedes Technology

The monthly subscription fee for Sirius has been $12.95 for years. Now that Sirius has us all addicted to commercial free music and all of the other entertainment channels, they need to raise the prices $2 per month to start turning a profit! It makes sense to me. To avoid those increased charges you can call Sirius at 1-888-539-7474 before March 11th and pre-pay for a length of time at the current rates.

If you have a lease, pre-pay though the end of the lease. They have lots of packages available. In general, the longer term you sign up for, the cheaper it gets per month. And, if you cancel the subscription early Sirius will apply the unused portion to your next subscription. When you purchase a new Mercedes it's also a good plan to purchase and extended pre-paid plan at the time you take delivery so that they can apply your 6 months base service as a credit toward you pre-paid plan. If you plan to keep the car for many years the best value may be the Lifetime Subscription. It's $399 and will stay with the vehicle forever!

Referenced from SiriusBuzz.com

Labels: Accessories

I am not an iPod user so my knowledge of this subject is limited. However, I know that many of you are as passionate about your iPhone as you are about your Mercedes-Benz.

The new MultiMedia Interface cable in the 2009 vehicles has been a wonderful upgrade for interfacing with iPods and iPhones. It is very easy to access folders and artists right from the main command screen. A problem with the system has been that when you plug in your 3G iPhone it gives a message that it is incompatible and unable to charge. According the to Apple website this error will probably also happen with 4th generation iPod Nano and 2nd generation iPod Touch devices.
It would be handy to be able to charge these devices in the car while listening to music. It seems that this little adaptor (Scosche passPORT), available for about $25 at your local Apple store or online, will fix the problem. I haven't had a chance to try it but from what I have read it works well.

From - Benzworld.org Forum Post

Labels: Accessories

The Universal Media Interface (UMI) for the 2009 C-Class and 2010 GLK-Class is now available to order from the factory for $1500! I have seen a lot of interest in this option since my last post and this will make it an even better value.

The UMI gives non-multimedia cars navigation, live traffic, ipod adaptor, usb port and bluetooth music streaming. It can be installed at the dealership for about $1850. If you know you want this option you can now order your car with it and it will be installed at the Vehicle Preparation Center (VPC) before it is shipped to the dealership. The VPC installation reduces the labor cost which is why it is less expensive when you order it than when you add it later.

Labels: Accessories, C-Class, GLK-Class

Our dealership just installed our first Universal Media Interface (UMI) system in a 2009 C300. I had been reading about this sytem but it seemed to good to be true. Now that I have had a chance to try it out, I am very impressed.


The UMI can be added to any 2008 or 2009 C-Class or 2010 GLK-Class that does not have the Multimedia Package. This system gives you navigation and a number of audio options that are very cool!

#1 - Navigation - The map data and entry system is very similar to what is in all of our other vehicles. It is displayed, in color, on the standard audio 5" screen. It was just as easy to use as the other systems and looks good.




#2 - Live Traffic - Using the FM traffic information, like the S-Class and CL-Class, the UMI will know about accidents and construction delays...for free! You can view these slow downs and ask the navigation to route you around it.


#3 - iPod Adaptor - The UMI can be added to cars with or without an exisiting iPod kit. If it didn't have one it is added in.

#4 - USB Port - Yeah! Good quality sound for those of us who use a non-iPod MP3 player. It is easily accessed in the glove box right next to the iPod adaptor.

#5 - AUX jack - In case you have some other form of audio you want to connect to the vehicle you can use an 3.5mm male to male audio cable to connect.

#6 - Bluetooth Audio Streaming - For those of you who want to beam stereo music directly from your phone using A2DP. The connection process is very similar to connecting your phone via bluetooth to the car and the audio quality is excellent! This is the first time this has been offered in any of our models!


Those are the highlights of the UMI system. We have the components in stock and are ready to install if you are interested. The price for parts and labor will be $1850 plus tax. I think it is an excellent value!

--- Update -- Read my new post on MHI as a factory option.

Labels: Accessories, C-Class, GLK-Class

Don't expect to see a convertible or an optional skate park package when the 2010 GLK350 gets here, but at the SEMA show anything is possible.


Boulevard Customs - 26in wheels, 5,700 watt stereo and no top


Legendary Motor Cars - Mobile skate park


Brabus Widestar - Definitely the best looking out of the group and probably the only one that you'll actually be able to buy.


RENNTech Pikes Peak - Nice wing... RENNTech should probably just stick to drivetrain upgrades.

Labels: Accessories, GLK-Class

Mercedes just released these photos without any other details to explain the functionality, release date, or model avaliablity of this update. I'm making some assumptions here so please don't take this as fact.





These first two images are taken in a GLK. You can see that in addition to the currently avaliable iPod and audio input jacks a new USB connection will be avaliable along with a 12 volt power outlet in the glovebox. The big question is what devices will be able to interface through this USB connection.



This photo was taken in a C-Class and shows a similar box with the addition of an SD card slot. Since most 2009 models will have an SD card slot on ther radio this may be a retrofit for older models or just for the 2009 models that don't already have an SD card slot. We would have to assume that the devices shown are all intended to work with this system so at the least the USB connection should be able to read music files off of a thumb drive. It would be great if this connection could be used to read files from smartphones or other phones with a usb connection. I'll be sure to post more information on this as it's released.

Labels: Accessories, Future Models

Mercedes has just released information about a new cradle that will now fully integrate your iPhone with your Mercedes. As you can see in the photo above this will include a full cradle designed specifically for the iPhone.

Currently, you can connect your iPhone to the vehicle via the iPod connector (Code 057) and control your music through the steering wheel controls. When you get a phone call, the music will stop and you can receive the call. With this new iPhone connector it looks like you'll be able to toggle between the two functions and see the data on the main command screen rather than just the multi-function dispaly. Also, the antenna connection will help to boost you phone's signal. Additionally, this cradle will provide charging and a secure mounting location for your iPhone.

The press release from Mercedes doesn't specifically say that this will only be available for 2009 or newer cars and the fact that they list the CLK as one of the cars it will work with makes me think that it might be available for several models going back a couple years. Mercedes also did not list this cradle being available for the GL, G or SLK Class models. A lot of this press release was specific to European cars and the option code does not show up in my dealer ordering guide yet. More info to come as the 2009's start to arrive in August!

Labels: Accessories, Mercedes Technology

The previous iPod kit available for 2008 and older vehicles replaced the AUX jack in the glovebox. It could only connect to iPods or iPhones and the folders and songs were only displayed in the multifunction display in the insturment cluster.
The new iPod/MP3 Media Interface Cable will replace the old system. This cable has plug-ins, for the iPod and for any MP3 Player! The display will now be on the Command (Navigation) screen and should be much easier to use. I saw it work on the 2009 SL. This will be part of the Premium 1 Package for all of the 2009 SUV's, the SL's and the CLS's.

Labels: Accessories, GL-Class, Mercedes Technology, ML-Class, R-Class, SL-Class

Rear Seat Entertainment systems are one of the most popular accessories available for our SUVs. The big complaints about the system available from Mercedes-Benz for the last few years have been the wired headphones and the single DVD slot located under the seats.

Well, they fixed it! The new systems, available in the '09 models this summer, have a larger screen, a smaller housing, wireless headphones and 2 DVD slots! It will also have user control from the front seat and better gaming hookups.

Mercedes really does listen to the customer comments and I think they have made this new system exactly what we were hoping for!

Labels: Accessories, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class

Labels: Accessories, Atlanta Classic Cars

I know that a lot of you like to put something over your plush floormats. In the past, the all-weather rubber floormats were the best option. However, they were heavy and didn't really cover all of the areas that needed covering.

Labels: Accessories, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class

Labels: Accessories, SL-Class, Top Gear, Videos