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Bluetooth Hands Free - Some Answers

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66K views 61 replies 28 participants last post by  DBSLK  
W
#1 · (Edited)
Okay. Thanks to everyone that replied, it helped make this information quest a little easier. After numerous enquiries around the Internet, I think I have all the answers I need. If I've made any mistakes, please feel free to chip in. Mods, I'm not sure if this is worth a sticky, but it might help clear up some of the questions on here! Here goes.....

New 2008/2009 Models

1. These cars come with Bluetooth as standard. This means you can, without ordering any special extras, take any Bluetooth compatible phone and enjoy some level of functionality, be it simple hands free or extensive use of the cars controls and COMAND interface.

2. The level of functionality available for some phones and the standard Bluetooth fit is listed at this website:

http://www.mercedes-benz-mobile.com/service

Select your country, then car class, then "Bluetooth Connectivity", then "Compare All" to see a list of features

3. The Bluetooth protocol used for this standard Bluetooth fit is HFP. This simply means that your car will talk to your phone and share some of its features. Using this system, phone calls are made through the phones antenna, not the cars. The phone is effectively 'live'. This integrated system replaces the functionality of the Bluetooth HFP cradle:

http://shop.mercedes-benzofmiltonkeynes.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=141&products_id=1378

4. If you wish to use the cars antenna to make calls (this way the signal is boosted) you can do one of two things. Either a) Buy the correct cradle for your phone (if it exists) - a decent list of available cradles can be found here:

http://shop.mercedes-benzofmiltonkeynes.co.uk/catalog/index.php?cPath=141

or B) use a different sort of Bluetooth. By purchasing one of these:

http://shop.mercedes-benzofmiltonkeynes.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=141&products_id=1377&osCsid=9421d0208b914970b9a47d6f872036a0

your car will use the SAP Bluetooth protocol (be aware that there are two generations of this product. You want Version 2). The difference being that the car will take ownership of your phone, and place it into a hibernation state. The car effectively downloads all the information from the SIM card in the phone and uses it to conduct telephony. Again, be aware that not all phones support the SAP protocol. It is part of the Bluetooth Version 2 specification which is becoming standard amongst newer phones. Nokias seem to be the best supported. To the best of my knowledge, Apple hasn't adopted it yet. Another point to note is that irrespective of who makes your phone, 3G models will not work with the SAP protocol. They can still be used with the HFP protocol however - that is to say, the standard Bluetooth fit.

Both methods will allow the use of the cars antenna and maximise the feature set available to you in the car. This should include, amongst others, reading and replying to text messages on the COMAND interface should you have it. To view a list of features available when using a phone specific cradle, visit:

http://www.mercedes-benz-mobile.com/service

Select your country, then car class, then "Comfort Phone System", then "Compare All" to see a list of features.

5. To use either of the cradle types, you must have Optional Extra 386 - Telephone Pre-Wiring installed. Mercedes assures me you do not need any of the other options (388 - Universal Interface, for example) installed.
 
W
#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
Pre 2008/2009 Models

1. Bluetooth Hands Free does not come as a standard fit on older models. Therefore, to get any level of OEM hands free you must have either a phone specific cradle or a Bluetooth cradle. Be aware that older models fitted with COMAND will have a Bluetooth service associated with the computer, but this is for data/audio (music) and not hands free voice.

2. To use either cradle you must have, at a base minimum, Optional Extra 386 - Telephone Pre-Wiring and BQ 682 0718 - SLK Class Vehicle Completer Kit installed in your car.

3. You might need other Optional Extras to get the system working. I'm not certain that these slightly older cars come with the necessary microphones and antenna connections needed for hands free to work.

4. If you want to use Bluetooth, you can either go for the simple option:

http://shop.mercedes-benzofmiltonkeynes.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=141&products_id=1378

which will effectively bring your car up to a standard fit 2008/2009 model (in terms of Bluetooth)

Or you can choose the SAP cradle detailed above.

5. Remember, by using a phone specific cradle wou will get a larger feature set, the phone will charge whilst in the car and you will be using the cars antenna for a boosted signal. However, you must remember to take the phone with you and if you change your phone, you'll probably have to change the cradle. To view a list of features available when using a phone specific cradle, visit:

http://www.mercedes-benz-mobile.com/service

Select your country, then car class, then "Comfort Phone System", then "Compare All" to see a list of features.


Well, that's about it. Sorry the information is a bit weak for cars other than 2008/2009 models, but they're the ones I'm interested in!

If anyone has any information they would like to see added, please let me know. Hope it helps.

Windy

**************************************************
The following from Sneaky Pete:

The Vehicle has the Comand-APS NTG1 Head Unit. Am I assuming that all I need is a NAV/ DVD for the NAV system to engage? Does this Unit have Bluetooth or do I have to add the Bluetooth adapter?[/quote]

Well, it's not that easy.
In your car there is an optical ring connecting all audio/nav devices. This is controlled by something called the Audio GateWay (AGW) If you install an NAV drive in the boot you need to connect this to the ring and configure the AGW so that it knows there is now a NAV drive present. You need STAR for this.
And no, there is no bluetooth, you can connect a bluetooth puck to it but you need to have option code 386. If you have that there is a UHI connector in the middle storage compartment between the 2 seats.
For more info have a look here http://www.billsden.org/fileadmin/media/mercedes/slk/docs/train_audio_comm.pdf and here http://www.billsden.org/fileadmin/media/mercedes/slk/docs/proc_p_i_82_85_431.pdf

From my personal experience the HFP cradle works best. Best use the latest version partnr B67870000.
I did experience some issues with transferring my phonebook from an Android smartphone. Usually this is done by a profile called PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile). The HFP cradle does not handle this always correctly, causing the transfer to be stalled. A way to get around this is by installing the old IrMC/SYCH profile.
I did it by installing the Bluetooth Phonebook app. Phonebook transfer works flawless then.
*************************
If you have option 387 then you should have a connector in the middle storage compartiment between the 2 seats. It might be covered by a black plastic cap and then looks like this

http://mbworld.org/forums/attachment...face-cover.jpg

remove the cap and you should see something like this which is the connector for the bluetooth puck

http://www.mercupgrades.com/pictures...nector_384.jpg

*************************
Some links from jbanks15:

http://www.mercupgrades.com/COMAND+++All+about+the+different+Mercedes+COMAND+systems-article-54.html

https://www.commandonline.co.uk/Mercedes-Bluetooth/
 
#3 ·
Windy, thanks for all the research and placing in one location.
 
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G
#4 ·
Hey, sorry i missed your reply in the other thread. Looks like it was on the money doesn't it.

Just a few additions to make it more complete and to stick it.

1) You need the completer kit if you have a pre-facelift car to get the phone working.

2) Pre-facelift cars do have COMAND Bluetooth built-in however you can't pair a phone with it for voice, its data and audio to a MB handset only.

3) 3G phones can't be used with SAP/Cradle only HFP

A more personal note here, if you can use a cradle then do it.

Thanks for the posts Windy and thread stuck.
 
#9 ·
MY 2008 US spec vehicles (as in my 2008 55) will still need the core kit and completer kit and the bluetooth puck even if the car is "prewired".
 
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#10 ·
Good to see all this info in one place.. Thanks Windy.

Our SLK200 is the face-lifted 08/09 model and it has bluetooth built into the stereo, which is just the basic garden variety Audio 20. It pairs up with the phone(s) we have and seems to work ok. The thing I like most about it, is that I didn't have to drill any holes or fit a cradle. If the phone is on my coat pocket in the boot (trunk), I can still make a call if I want to.

The sales guy at the dealer said that the latest Nokia phones can download your contact list into the car, but it's more tricky to do that with older phones. Something to do with 'business cards'. I looked but I couldn't see where to slot them in.... ;)

All that said, I'm not a big fan of talking on the mobile when driving, even when it's hands-free.

Cheers!
 
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#12 ·
I don't know the part number of the Audio 20 system we have in the car. I only know that the bluetooth option turns up on the menu and we have used it successfully. I guess the point I should have made is that it seems to be able to access/use bluetooth via even the basic A2 unit.

Now I think about it some more, I don't know if the bluetooth hardware is actually in the Audio system or whether it's a seperate piece of electronics somewhere on the CAN that is then accessible via the A20 menu..

I hope that clears up my thinking....

Cheers!
 
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#13 ·
That's actually a good observation GeeJay - I suspect - but don't know for a fact - that the Bluetooth is integrated into the facelifted A20 headunit, since it's built into the NGT2.5 COMAND. I'll do some digging and see if I can fand anything for sure....
 
P
#14 ·
Hi, I have just done the deal on an existing stock new 200K. The dealer is retrofitting COMAND and factory spec parktronic.

I am also interested in the phone pre-wire. I have tried the basic functionality, and it is ok, but not as good as the bluetooth that I have in my CLK. This uses pre-wire and the SLR version 2 puck (text messages and phonebook). Also the battery life of the phone is seriously reduced as the phone is using full speed bluetooth all the time, plus transmitting, whereas in the hibernation state induced by the SAP facility this is much reduced.

Is it possible to retrofit the pre-wire or is it more trouble (and cost) than it is worth?
I do not trust the stealers comments on this, because they told me lots of things

  1. built in-blutooth is the same as pre-wire functionality - it is not - I set them right on that.
  2. parktronic will always be as per factory - i set them right and they eventually confirmed tha there are a number of 'after market' units fitted by dealers - mine will be as per factory:tu:
  3. tyre pressure warning is factory only and requires additional wiring in the loom - I have since confirmed from you guys on this site that this is possible just using the Star computer...discussion still to be had pre-delivery.:tazz:
  4. pre-wire is not retrofittable ??????????
Thanks in anticipation
pos.k
 
S
#15 ·
I am returning my HFP bluetooth puck sold to me by my main dealer (£270) only a fortnight ago, I tried to use it with a SE K850i - it pairs easily and I can make calls, the problems begin if connection is lost due to poor reception or if the caller or person I call hangs up before me - the phone disconnects from the Comand unit and I usually have to switch the phone off and on again to restore connection! This has proven to be frustrating to say the least.
To be fair to the dealer he did tell me it may not work without issue and they have agreed to refund me - my next move is to either wait for a cradle to come on the market(hurry up Merc) or go back to my last phone K800i which has a cradle available and worked on my last C Class.
I cant see the pont of having Comand and not having the facility to read text on screen - cant say I will text back whilst driving!

Oh sorry - I am fairly new on here Edinburgh SLK280 Thulite red(knobs bells and bows!)
 
#18 ·
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#22 ·
Hi guys,

OK, I am going to throw a curve ball now. Here is my question...

I have a MY2005 (Built Dec 04) 350 which came with the crappy Audio 20 of the time. The car also has phone prewire with the cradle in the armrest. I used it fine with a Nokia 6310i and the MB cradle.

Today I replaced the NTG1 Audio 20 with a new NTG 2.5 Audio 20, so get Bluetooth, CD changer etc etc. All lovely and an adventure to get all the stuff fitted with adaptor cables. The bluetooth works fine with a couple of phones I tried.

So, I would like to use the built in cradle to charge the phone and take advantage of the booster for the antenna. On my other MB (MY 2009 E220 with NTG2.5 Audio 20 and phone prewire) the cradle works fine and when I choose Bluetooth telephones in the menu on the radio, I also have an entry for Convenience Tel, which then works like the old prewired SLK radio (no bluetooth required). On the new SLK Audio 20, this option for Convenience telephone is missing, and I can only choose Bluetooth phones.

I plugged the MOST cables into the quadlock connector so it should see the phone kit, but nothing happens. When I put my old Nokia in the cradle between the seats it tells me to disconnect Wired Accessory and then goes to sleep, so I guess it cannot use Bluetooth and the phone prewire at the same time (this may be due to the phone being ancient to be fair).

What I need to know is, should the menu items for a convenience telephone be available on the new SLK Audio 20 (maybe not as I think that Bluetooth is the new method of getting a phone in the car), and if I use the cradle with a new phone (iPhone etc) will it still use the external antenna and work over Bluetooth?

Thanks

fleep
 
U
#24 ·
Downloading Contacts in Comand 2.5

Hi,

Guess that I'm not the only one to end up with this problem, so there might be some one that has a solution for this.

In my BMW (sorry, have that as well) I can import all the contacts to the car and then navigate directly from the phone book (in car), or use the phonebook via Bluetooth.

For my SLK 350 (MY-09) I can download the phone book via Bluetooth, make calls from the car, but I can’t navigate! I can see phone numbers, addresses, both work and home but the small compass (symbol for complete address data from the navigation) will not show up. So, I thought that there was something wrong with the phone (SonyEricsson G900) and tested with my old phone (SonyEricsson W800i) with same result. Tried with my wife’s phone (Nokia something) and had the same result here. Contacts are imported (via Bluetooth) and I can see them and call, but not navigate.

Cleared the entire address book and started again with importing from an SD card. Now I had all contacts as said from MB, vCard format. No problem to import and everything is seen in the address book but still not possible to navigate!

Grateful for all kind of suggestions here.

Tor
 
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#26 ·
Hi Guys, I suppose I am correctly entering here rather than commencing a new thread, let me know if not....

Car is 2006 SLK AMG with 386 UHI and Comand when I bought it I had a Nokia 6230i and bought the cradle for it which worked fine. Upgraded to iphone 4s and didn't bother with the new cradle at the time. Then due to change in circumstances and likely to use the SLK more decided to sort out the 'phone. I just purchased from Ebay a cradle for the iphone 4 (part number A 212 820 11 51 with the media cable) and today I have been trying to install. The instructions are not exactly 100% !! After you have slid the cradle onto the connection under the arm-rest you are told to put the phone in .... then it says that to pair the bluetooth the phone must be in the car but NOT in the cradle, so I took it out again..... follow instructions for bluetooth pairing:
turn on ignition
press button cradle so light flashes quickly
switch on phone and bluetooth on phone...seconds pass and the cradle is detected
select cradle on phone and tap in pass-code
whirly wheel and "Connected" comes up - GREAT you think (there should be a constant light on the cradle now but there isn't)
after about 5 seconds "Connected" changes to "Not Connected" and the whirly starts up again.

I should mention that in my '57 Honda the phone connects everytime I get in the car without a problem.

I did try to connect it via the Comand system as well and it went through all the motions right through to entering the code and then it decided it wasn't having any and that was whether the phone was in the cradle or not - (I was not expecting this to work so I was not disappointed)

I've really been on this for hours and hours and thought I had tried every permutation of phone in or out of cradle and system and (what I consider to be) the correct method many many times, so now I'm getting a little frustrated

So ..... anyone any ideas ..... Got to pop out right now but will be back later and can always spend tomorrow trying to get it going again - be extremely grateful for any suggestions.

I do concede that the part-code number is slightly different to the Mercedes one listed for the car but the item looks identical - I'm assuming that the code difference is because I have the one with the audio cable whereas the one shown in the Mercedes documentation doesn't.

Thank you in advance for any input

Bob
 
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#27 ·
Three different part numbers for completer kit



All found on this site. Which one is correct for my 05?




BQ 682 0718 - SLK Class Vehicle Completer Kit

SLK-Class Vehicle Completer Kit BQ 682 0964

SLK-Class vehicle completer kit
BQ 682 0915
BQ 682 0915
 
#29 ·
This is the key "Automatic reconnection every time you enter the vehicle. Simultaneously use the original or after market Bluetooth handsfree phone and automatically switch between music playback".

Some require a reconnection/repairing every time you turn the power on. Automagic is good.

If you have an aux input jack (3.5 mm) then this should be all you need.
 
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