RacerCub68

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MBUSA told me I was the first person in the USA to order an iPod interface when the dealer called them not knowing what the hell I was going on about (when getting my original 2005.) Being the first person in the USA with an iPod interface (but not a car to put it in for another 6 months) I think I got a really, really, really early version.

I took it into the dealer because it has this problem, however they said they couldn't find anything wrong. The puzzled look on their face, and the four hours it took them to install it initially tells me they're not really familiar.

Is there a way I can check the firmware date on the iPod interface? How do I know what is the latest version?

Here's what happens:

When I first put my iPod in, and select Shuffle via the steering wheel, it finds a random song and starts playing. Then, when that song is done, it plays the one alphabetically next, and the alphabetically next one, and so on...

When I select shuffle again, it finds another random song, then starts playing alphabetically again.

After about five to ten times of pressing shuffle again, it will finally go to another random song, and work corretly after that.

The second problem is, it seems to always favor certain songs, and these are NOT songs on my highest rated list. I have over 2,000 songs on my iPod.

Now the dealer told me I was probably selecting shuffle and repeat on the iPod, which isn't the case. However, when I take the iPod out, even though I made sure shuffle and repeat were off when I connected it, they are turned on. This is especially the case after the 5 to 10 times of redoing shuffle so it will go. I'm thinking they misread something.

My command unit on my 2006 SLK350 is the upgraded NAV / Harmon Kardon package. My iPod interface is the Mercedes-Benz version, installed by the dealer.

My iPod is a 20GB U2 version (to match the car ) running version 3.1.1. software. The Apple model number is M9787LL. It is the earlier more narrow iPod, but so is the Mercedes felt cradle they put in. The cradle holds the iPod, but the cable is connected to the iPod before laying it in, it's not like a cradle that has the connectors in it's base.

Hope that's enough info, and you can help. I love my iPod interface, even more so since Sirius Sucks! (Dismal sound quality on Sirius, can't even compare to XM.)

DansSlk

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Hiya,

Will look into it for you the FW version should be on the interface sticker i will have a look at one Monday for you the only thing is your going to need to strip the control panels out to get at it since it sits just by the airbag controller.

I am not sure if it can be updated since it does not communicate with the SDS at all its a totally hidden device but again i will look into it Monday for you.

Never heard of problems like this before your right it does sound like your suffering from an early model problem here, should have more info for you soon OK pal since i don't have any of my stuff with me at the moment sorry.

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mtiede

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How did you compare the sound of XM to Sirius? Did you drive an SLK with an integrated Sirius and then an integrated XM?

I find the Sirius sound quality totally acceptable especially so when on the road.

I haven't listened to any XM.

DansSlk

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OK the version can be checked on the sticker but not from anywhere else sorry so you would need to get at it and have a look.

It's not updatable so if its on the way out and it sounds like it is then it might be worth replacing the unit if its under warranty then you could always show the dealer the problem so they can actually see it for themselves and will know your not making any errors.

It does sound like this is the module its not what you would expect from a comms failure really if you do have another ipod you could try just to be sure but i am 90% the module is having problems here not the ipod.

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RacerCub68

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ACCEPTABLE? My friend YOU'RE PAYING for GREAT!

I had 2 SLK350's with Sirius. The 2005 and the 2006. The first week I had my 2005, Sirius sounded fine. The second week, it sounded like over compressed Real Player setup for dial-up speed. They replaced the antenna, didn't change. Then the 2005 became history.

The 2005 had the LARGE black boat looking antenna on the back.

Queue the 2006, although with smaller, painted antenna. Sirius still sounded like crap. They replaced the entire antenna and cabling up to the command unit, still same thing. Dealer went to a couple of other Mercedes and we listend and it sounds like crap in all of them, no matter if base radio, or Harmon Kardon like mine. I went to play Sirius on-line, sounds like crap.

Ergo, Sirius has over run their bandwidth and have had to compress, or there was something wrong with my account, which they said it couldn't be. Fight insues with Mercedes saying it's Sirius at fault, Sirius saying Mercedes has a run of bad command units, etc.

I can't tell with friends who have Sirius add-on as it plays through the radio, and has same barely FM quality my built-in had.

Now, get in my 2005 Lexus LS430, turn on the XM, and CD quality or better from EVERY channel, even the talk channels are clearer then Siruis' music channels. No contest at all, go listen to a Lexus or other car with a built-in XM unit, you'll want to kick your radio.

My car, BTW, plays iPod music beautifully, and CD as well. So it's not the speakers or the head unit (baring the Sirius part.)


Ugh, well I guess I'll have to play the games with the dealer then, they kept saying it's my fault and there are no updates, etc.

I have to schedule the 12,000 mile service anyway. What side is the control unit on? Under the passanger seat?

DansSlk

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iPod interface control unit is behind the dash mate.

You will need to remove the climate control and the control panel above it that should be enough to see the module.

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RacerCub68

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Oh Hell-No!

Putting the KVM was more then I wanted to work on the car... Taking it out even more.

Trust me, after restoring a FIAT X1/9 and working on my Fiero GT, I am done with it for a while.

Besides I have a new wedding ring that's not all crushed on one side, diamonds falling out, etc.

I'm in the 3 year "some else has to do it" mode...

DansSlk

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OK mate your call it really is as easy as it sounds but if you want to leave it alone thats fine.

Make somebody from the dealer sit in the car with you and show them what happens or even better let them have a go then laugh at the when they have the same problems.

Get the to replace the unit pal it sounds like its ronnied

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