Available for all Mercedes-Benz models except A-Class, B-Class, CLC-Class and G-Class, Mercedes-Benz has released details and pricing on its new cradle connection for Apple's iPhone. The cradle is installed in the center console and allows the iPhone to be easily plugged in with a single click and unplugged.
Once connected, either the phone functions or audio functions on the iPhone can be activated via the controls on the multi-function steering wheel. Meanwhile the vehicle display is used to indicate the phone status or music functions and information such as the track title and artist.
When inserted into the cradle, the iPhone automatically connects to the vehicle's antenna system for receiving radio programming. Also, the cradle automatically recharges the iPhone battery when the phone is sitting in the cradle.
The cradle connects to the audio system either via the optionally available Media Interface or the retrofittable iPod Interface Kit. Both variants use an integral adapter lead that has to be installed by a specialist workshop.
In Germany, the Apple iPhone® cradle retails at € 249 (including VAT) and is obtainable from all Mercedes-Benz dealers. The adapter leads for the Media Interface or iPod Interface are available for € 39 (including VAT) in Germany.
New Mercedes iPhone Cradle Allows full Vehicle Integration
Comments
Bremen_Koenigsegg
June 21, 2008 12:22 AM
BabyMilo
June 21, 2008 1:47 AM
benzboy
June 21, 2008 3:17 AM
benz_man
June 21, 2008 11:19 PM
benzboy
June 23, 2008 5:57 AM
Micke
January 11, 2009 11:44 PM
Thx, Michael
johnd
May 15, 2009 9:40 AM
It was a big job for my dealer as they had to route a new media cable from the centre armrest where the cradle is mounted,to the COMAND control unit in the centre console.
The phone features are great and are fully integrated into the COMAND system. The address book sync works perfectly and numbers with the + symbol for international dialing are supported (unlike with some 3rd party iPhone bluetooth adaptors for the the Mercedes).
I was a little disappointed to find however that the iPhone audio features/controls are only available from the multi-function steering wheel with information displayed in the instrument cluster. i.e. the COMAND screen is not used and remains blank. I've asked the dealer to clarify that this is the way it is supposed to work. They believe that this is the case because it is the way the iPod integration kit works when it is installed into the glovebox on its own. I had assumed that when used with the iPhone cradle, it would work with the COMAND system screen as this is what all the promo material from Mercedes indicates. My dealer believes that this is only supported on the Media System fitted to the new C class and this is not retrofitable to other Mercedes models.
Does anyone know if this is the case, or should the equipment I have had installed display the audio features on the COMAND screen?
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