Ipod in my R171

SLK_girl · 01-05-2007

I took my 2007 SLK350 to the dealer this afternoon for a routine dealer install for my Ipod. After they had it for almost five hours, the Service Manager called me and told me that one of the cables needed to attach the Ipod dock was missing and he was unsure if he could even get one from MB. To add insult to injury, they didn't even give me a Benz as a loaner. I won't say what kind of car I got, but you get what you pay for! Anyway, back to the question. Do you know of an additional cable that should have been installed by the dealer in order to use my Ipod? Is this, in fact, an error on the part of the factory? My dealer confirmed it is pre-wired for the Ipod. Thanks for any help you can give me.

**DansSlk** · 01-05-2007

I have never seen a UK car that is pre-wired for the iPod in fact i don't even think its offered over here it just comes as one kit.

You have the wires from the audio gateway to the control unit and then from the controller to the armrest.

I don't see how this can be an error on the part of the factory at all the system should have been ordered as a kit and then the parts should be checked out of the box any missing and a replacement kit is ordered.

Also this is a few hours work at the most in 5 hours we could have half the interior out the iPod install really is plug and play apart from one piece and the hardest bit is fitting the harness from behind COMAND to the back of the console and the connector and all that involves is a screwdriver.

Go and give them a bloody good roasting as you have been had with this one i am sorry to say. Do you have another half if so how big is he? I find in situations like these if i simply pay a visit to the offending store all problems are resolved very quickly to be over 6 foot is recommended.

SLK_girl · 01-05-2007

Thanks for your input. I figure these guys just don't know what they are doing....not the first time I have had problems getting things done. Hubby is a quiet man. Nice build, but too quiet. Me, on the other hand, have "short guy syndrome". I am short, blonde, and weigh about 105 pounds. My mouth is much bigger than most men's spine. I always get my way, it just takes a little work sometimes!

**DansSlk** · 01-05-2007

Yeah sounds like they are a bunch of cowboys to be honest with you i mean they will have detailed instructions for every step so they don't even need to think about it.

I wish you the best of luck in getting this sorted and please keep me posted

**-1-** · 01-05-2007

That's what makes these forums so valuable. Solid information is everything.

Ynot · 01-05-2007

I haven't looked into iPod installation but whatever cables you'll need can probably be purchased at a nearby radio shack.

SLK_girl · 01-05-2007

Well, I finally got my car back from the dealership. Not only did the dealer sell me this particular car with fully intergrated Ipod **accessories and Ipod not included, but now I am told that my Audio 20 that supported the Ipod at the time of purchase now does not. The audio gateway (not sure what that means) was not installed and the dealer swears it can't be done.They had my car for two days and all I have to show is frustration and not Ipod intergration. Any suggestions?

**DansSlk** · 01-05-2007

Oh dear the MB iPod solution has never been compatible with the Audio 20 head unit so god only knows what the dealer sold you thats typical of a dealership i am afraid the thing is its so easy for them to get away with it.

The audio gateway (AGW) is the amplifier located in the passenger footwell it is included in the COMAND package and acts as the brains of the info system it can be retrofitted but this would mean the replacement of your Audio 20 system with the COMAND and the new wiring to go along with it that is a massive job and i dint recommend going it without owning a shop because the labour alone will be massive.

I suggest you demand your money for the iPod kit back.

SLK_girl · 01-05-2007

Thanks for the info DansSLK. The Ipod install was a freeby from the dealership because they forgot to send me my title or other important paperwork for 3 months. They were making up for a huge mistake (at least here in the U.S.) I am out the cost of a new Ipod purchased just for this car, $75.00 in fees and penalties to the State License Bureau, $15.00 for a stop payment for a check the dealer lost, etc. It only gets worse. I am ready to trade this one in on another SLK from another dealer.

**DansSlk** · 01-05-2007

Well the kit costs about $200ish i think so hardly major money for them so i think if you where to maybe demand the cost of the fee's you incurred back from them you might be lucky then simply move to another dealer.

Everything else is OK with the car i take it?

**-1-** · 01-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLK_girl

I am ready to trade this one in on another SLK from another dealer.

Why are you considering a trade so soon? Lack of options?

SLK_girl · 01-05-2007

This ordeal may seem small, but I expect a dealer to know his inventory. I love my car, but the promise of options before the purchase and reality of the installed options after the purchase bother me. I feel that the dealer, through his ignorance, lied to me and I bought the car based on his promises. I traded a different car after one month for similar reasons a few years ago. If the dealer wants to work with me and find a SLK350 with the options I want, I will work with him. Other than that, time to start ripping out oem parts for aftermarket, and that bothers me more than trading, considering the car is a 2007.

**DansSlk** · 01-05-2007

Well a swap from audio 20 to COMAND is still all OEM but as i say expensive i think a dealer would let you go before they made that offer to you

Do you have a CD changer?

SLK_girl · 01-05-2007

I have the cd changer in my glovebox. When I said a trade, I meant a different car, not just the Comand unit. We will pay the difference, up to a certain amount, no depreciation for my current vehicle.

RacerCub68 · 01-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLK_girl

I have the cd changer in my glovebox. When I said a trade, I meant a different car, not just the Comand unit. We will pay the difference, up to a certain amount, no depreciation for my current vehicle.

Oh that won't happen. They will depreciate it 15 seconds after you drove it off the lot. If you can get them to do it, please let me know so I can pray to you for guidance in the future.

My other half is a lawyer, so I know they don't have to do that for you. However, if you have something in writing you can get them.

Luckily, since my dealer screws everything up and takes 3 or 4 tries to fix something, my car qualifies under the lemon law in Florida. However even that would require I take the hit I did.

I lost $10,000 for 1,315 miles on my 2005 that I had for less then 2 weeks and the dealer made a total loss. Even MBUSA refused to reimburse me the 6 months of Tele-Aid and Sirius while the car sat there being destroyed.

If you expect service like that, it's time you shop Lexus. You'll just be a burden on MBUSA and Autonation, and they don't like that.

Hell, Monday is my 2006's Service A, and I am already thinking about it less pleasureably then I would a trip to the dentist.

**DansSlk** · 01-06-2007

I agree.

Sorry slk_girl these things are losing money instantly until they kinda ease off and then take another steep drop.

Thats why some people only buy second hand because the first owner would have taken the first price hit and they are relatively safe when it comes time to sell.

How much where you looking to spend on a replacement?

SLK_girl · 01-06-2007

I figure that the aftermarket system will cost about $1800 (depending on the labor). I did find a SLK350 in St. Louis, which is about 300 miles from me. It is identical to mine, but has the P3 package. We are willing to pay the difference from the $53,000 I paid for mine and the $56,000 for this one. I did find where a company called Dension made audio gateways for Audio 20 from 2004 - 2006. I plan on calling them on Monday. If all goes well, they can send me the retrofit I need for my head unit. If so, it will solve my problems. Of course, the prices I quoted are subject to my dealer's integrity and wish to keep me as a customer. This is the third new car we have bought from them, in 6 years, so I hope that helps.

**-1-** · 01-06-2007

I'm sorry things haven't worked out with your current SLK. You're in a tough situation that I don't think the dealer will be much help or even sympathetic. A fully optioned SLK (any car) is your best bet. The Premium 3 package includes everything you need. Just don't forget the Xenons and heating package with AirScarf. You probably won't be fully satisfied unless you go this route. The issue is, at what cost. You might want to hold off getting rid of your current SLK for a year, with the intentions of ordering a 2008. There are aftermarket iPod and Bluetooth options that might fill the void in the short term. Technology continues to improve. I face the same dilemma (missing options). I looked at a new 2007 SLK 55 two weeks ago that was 99% of what I wanted. After further review (I came to my senses), I realized I WAS happy with our SLK until possibly next summer.

I had a similar situation with our former 2003 Cadillac CTS. It was well optioned, minus factory Xenons, DVD GPS NAV, and factory XM integrated radio, and some nice 18" wheels. I wasn't content with what I had. Through information from the Cadillac forum, I was able acquire all the necessary information for the following. I purchased and installed a set of new factory Xenons (required wiring modification), used DVD NAV and the information to complete wiring for voice commands and directions, and a aftermarket XM kit to provide full factory style integration. I also fitted 18" Cadillac XLR wheels that required "drill and inserting" to change the bolt pattern and a custom dual stainless steel exhaust system. What I wound up with was a "fully" optioned Cadillac CTS. Beautiful car with EVERY option other than automatic transmission (5-speed manual). Total mods ran around $5,000. I was really proud of the car and my accomplishments. Bottom line, sold the car less than a year later. I enjoyed the challenge more than the completed project. I doubt I'll ever be content.

Good luck with your negotiations and decision.

**DesignoSLK** · 01-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

Thats why some people only buy second hand because the first owner would have taken the first price hit and they are relatively safe when it comes time to sell.

That's what we did. Although, when it comes time to upgrade, I know I'll be in a fix to find a designo copper R171. Don't laugh...it could happen.

Sorry to hear of your delimma slk_girl. If it's one thing I hate it's dishonesty for selfish gain! But there is one truism...what goes around, comes around.

SLK_girl · 01-06-2007

Thanks for everyone's concern on this. Guess I needed to vent a little. I will find an answer, eventually. Will let you know how is drama of "As the Wheels Turn" ends.

01-05-2007	#1 (permalink)
SLK_girl SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Vehicle: 2007 SLK350 Posts: 34 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ipod in my R171 I took my 2007 SLK350 to the dealer this afternoon for a routine dealer install for my Ipod. After they had it for almost five hours, the Service Manager called me and told me that one of the cables needed to attach the Ipod dock was missing and he was unsure if he could even get one from MB. To add insult to injury, they didn't even give me a Benz as a loaner. I won't say what kind of car I got, but you get what you pay for! Anyway, back to the question. Do you know of an additional cable that should have been installed by the dealer in order to use my Ipod? Is this, in fact, an error on the part of the factory? My dealer confirmed it is pre-wired for the Ipod. Thanks for any help you can give me.

01-05-2007	#2 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,801 Country: Thanks: 99 Thanked 236 Times in 180 Posts	I have never seen a UK car that is pre-wired for the iPod in fact i don't even think its offered over here it just comes as one kit. You have the wires from the audio gateway to the control unit and then from the controller to the armrest. I don't see how this can be an error on the part of the factory at all the system should have been ordered as a kit and then the parts should be checked out of the box any missing and a replacement kit is ordered. Also this is a few hours work at the most in 5 hours we could have half the interior out the iPod install really is plug and play apart from one piece and the hardest bit is fitting the harness from behind COMAND to the back of the console and the connector and all that involves is a screwdriver. Go and give them a bloody good roasting as you have been had with this one i am sorry to say. Do you have another half if so how big is he? I find in situations like these if i simply pay a visit to the offending store all problems are resolved very quickly to be over 6 foot is recommended. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

01-05-2007	#4 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,801 Country: Thanks: 99 Thanked 236 Times in 180 Posts	Yeah sounds like they are a bunch of cowboys to be honest with you i mean they will have detailed instructions for every step so they don't even need to think about it. I wish you the best of luck in getting this sorted and please keep me posted __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

01-05-2007	#5 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,232 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	That's what makes these forums so valuable. Solid information is everything. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

01-05-2007	#8 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,801 Country: Thanks: 99 Thanked 236 Times in 180 Posts	Oh dear the MB iPod solution has never been compatible with the Audio 20 head unit so god only knows what the dealer sold you thats typical of a dealership i am afraid the thing is its so easy for them to get away with it. The audio gateway (AGW) is the amplifier located in the passenger footwell it is included in the COMAND package and acts as the brains of the info system it can be retrofitted but this would mean the replacement of your Audio 20 system with the COMAND and the new wiring to go along with it that is a massive job and i dint recommend going it without owning a shop because the labour alone will be massive. I suggest you demand your money for the iPod kit back. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

01-05-2007	#3 (permalink)
SLK_girl SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Vehicle: 2007 SLK350 Posts: 34 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for your input. I figure these guys just don't know what they are doing....not the first time I have had problems getting things done. Hubby is a quiet man. Nice build, but too quiet. Me, on the other hand, have "short guy syndrome". I am short, blonde, and weigh about 105 pounds. My mouth is much bigger than most men's spine. I always get my way, it just takes a little work sometimes!

01-05-2007	#6 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	I haven't looked into iPod installation but whatever cables you'll need can probably be purchased at a nearby radio shack.

01-05-2007	#7 (permalink)
SLK_girl SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Vehicle: 2007 SLK350 Posts: 34 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well, I finally got my car back from the dealership. Not only did the dealer sell me this particular car with fully intergrated Ipod **accessories and Ipod not included, but now I am told that my Audio 20 that supported the Ipod at the time of purchase now does not. The audio gateway (not sure what that means) was not installed and the dealer swears it can't be done.They had my car for two days and all I have to show is frustration and not Ipod intergration. Any suggestions?

01-05-2007	#9 (permalink)
SLK_girl SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Vehicle: 2007 SLK350 Posts: 34 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the info DansSLK. The Ipod install was a freeby from the dealership because they forgot to send me my title or other important paperwork for 3 months. They were making up for a huge mistake (at least here in the U.S.) I am out the cost of a new Ipod purchased just for this car, $75.00 in fees and penalties to the State License Bureau, $15.00 for a stop payment for a check the dealer lost, etc. It only gets worse. I am ready to trade this one in on another SLK from another dealer.

01-05-2007	#10 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,801 Country: Thanks: 99 Thanked 236 Times in 180 Posts	Well the kit costs about $200ish i think so hardly major money for them so i think if you where to maybe demand the cost of the fee's you incurred back from them you might be lucky then simply move to another dealer. Everything else is OK with the car i take it? __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

01-05-2007	#12 (permalink)
SLK_girl SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Vehicle: 2007 SLK350 Posts: 34 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	This ordeal may seem small, but I expect a dealer to know his inventory. I love my car, but the promise of options before the purchase and reality of the installed options after the purchase bother me. I feel that the dealer, through his ignorance, lied to me and I bought the car based on his promises. I traded a different car after one month for similar reasons a few years ago. If the dealer wants to work with me and find a SLK350 with the options I want, I will work with him. Other than that, time to start ripping out oem parts for aftermarket, and that bothers me more than trading, considering the car is a 2007.

01-05-2007	#13 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,801 Country: Thanks: 99 Thanked 236 Times in 180 Posts	Well a swap from audio 20 to COMAND is still all OEM but as i say expensive i think a dealer would let you go before they made that offer to you Do you have a CD changer? __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

01-05-2007	#14 (permalink)
SLK_girl SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Vehicle: 2007 SLK350 Posts: 34 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have the cd changer in my glovebox. When I said a trade, I meant a different car, not just the Comand unit. We will pay the difference, up to a certain amount, no depreciation for my current vehicle.

01-06-2007	#16 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,801 Country: Thanks: 99 Thanked 236 Times in 180 Posts	I agree. Sorry slk_girl these things are losing money instantly until they kinda ease off and then take another steep drop. Thats why some people only buy second hand because the first owner would have taken the first price hit and they are relatively safe when it comes time to sell. How much where you looking to spend on a replacement? __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

01-06-2007	#17 (permalink)
SLK_girl SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Vehicle: 2007 SLK350 Posts: 34 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I figure that the aftermarket system will cost about $1800 (depending on the labor). I did find a SLK350 in St. Louis, which is about 300 miles from me. It is identical to mine, but has the P3 package. We are willing to pay the difference from the $53,000 I paid for mine and the $56,000 for this one. I did find where a company called Dension made audio gateways for Audio 20 from 2004 - 2006. I plan on calling them on Monday. If all goes well, they can send me the retrofit I need for my head unit. If so, it will solve my problems. Of course, the prices I quoted are subject to my dealer's integrity and wish to keep me as a customer. This is the third new car we have bought from them, in 6 years, so I hope that helps.

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01-06-2007	#18 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,232 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	I'm sorry things haven't worked out with your current SLK. You're in a tough situation that I don't think the dealer will be much help or even sympathetic. A fully optioned SLK (any car) is your best bet. The Premium 3 package includes everything you need. Just don't forget the Xenons and heating package with AirScarf. You probably won't be fully satisfied unless you go this route. The issue is, at what cost. You might want to hold off getting rid of your current SLK for a year, with the intentions of ordering a 2008. There are aftermarket iPod and Bluetooth options that might fill the void in the short term. Technology continues to improve. I face the same dilemma (missing options). I looked at a new 2007 SLK 55 two weeks ago that was 99% of what I wanted. After further review (I came to my senses), I realized I WAS happy with our SLK until possibly next summer. I had a similar situation with our former 2003 Cadillac CTS. It was well optioned, minus factory Xenons, DVD GPS NAV, and factory XM integrated radio, and some nice 18" wheels. I wasn't content with what I had. Through information from the Cadillac forum, I was able acquire all the necessary information for the following. I purchased and installed a set of new factory Xenons (required wiring modification), used DVD NAV and the information to complete wiring for voice commands and directions, and a aftermarket XM kit to provide full factory style integration. I also fitted 18" Cadillac XLR wheels that required "drill and inserting" to change the bolt pattern and a custom dual stainless steel exhaust system. What I wound up with was a "fully" optioned Cadillac CTS. Beautiful car with EVERY option other than automatic transmission (5-speed manual). Total mods ran around $5,000. I was really proud of the car and my accomplishments. Bottom line, sold the car less than a year later. I enjoyed the challenge more than the completed project. I doubt I'll ever be content. Good luck with your negotiations and decision. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

01-06-2007	#20 (permalink)
SLK_girl SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Vehicle: 2007 SLK350 Posts: 34 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for everyone's concern on this. Guess I needed to vent a little. I will find an answer, eventually. Will let you know how is drama of "As the Wheels Turn" ends.

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