R171 OEM Bluetooth Phone Install

dodman · 06-02-2007

I don't usually post but I just finished installing an MHI bluetooth setup in my wife's 2006 R171 and felt I should share with anyone else interested in trying this install. Thanks to the information I found here and at other Mercedes forums I was able to determine part numbers and install instructions. I puchased the core kit (less linear compensator), completer kit, and an MHI bluetooth adapter on the web. It took me about an hour to install the MHI plug in the center console plus another 1-1/2 hours to remove the equipment carrier in the trunk, install the MHI and wiring and put everything else back together. The only real problem I had was figuring out the "tricks" to disengage a few of the electrical connectors. Other than that it was a piece of cake. I then installed the Bluetooth adapter, fired it up and everything works great. Using a v3 Razr, the phonebook downloads, I can scroll the phonebook, make calls, answer calls and hang up using the steering wheel buttons. Interesting enough, the signal strength accurately appears on the Audio 20 screen. I purchased the latest release of the bluetooth puck and MHI which may account for this unexpected bonus. Also, I have not had the car Star Coded and am beginning to think I will not need to take it to dealer for this added step. Maybe it was coded to include a phone from the factory. No sure but everything included TelAid is working properly. The whole deal cost me about $1,300 which is about half of what my dealer wanted to do the install. It was fun, not overly difficult, and certainly worth a few hours of my time. I am just an average guy with no special training in auto electronics. If anyone needs part numbers or help with the install let me know.

DansSlk · 06-02-2007

Glad you got it working mate.

I find a lot of people are too scared to touch anything on cars nowadays giving the dealers all the cards they need.

Once you actually get your hands dirty then everything becomes so easy you wonder why you even thought twice about doing it in the first place.

**etyu** · 06-02-2007

Welcome dodman! Appreciate your post. If you can post links or pics and tutorial on the Hands-Free Communiation install, this will help quite a few members.

dodman · 06-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

Welcome dodman! Appreciate your post. If you can post links or pics and tutorial on the Hands-Free Communiation install, this will help quite a few members.

I didn't think to take any photos, but the MB install instructions have pretty good photo detail. What I did before I actually purchased the parts was to pull the center console false floor to make sure I had the proper wiring and also the equipment carrier in the trunk to verify the connections were present and also to familiarize myself with the setup. This post over at benzworld got me started "http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audio-telematics-forum/1313173-how-guide-cell-phone-upgrades-plug-bluetooth.html, then I was able to download and print the actual install instructions at this address "http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsite/phone_bulletins.htm". I don't think there is much more I can add to this information other than to help someone with a specific question for the r171 install. The biggest point I wanted to make is that it is an easy install for me. Spend a little time doing research and then some hands on time with the instructions and I believe just about anyone could install their phone.

dodman · 06-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

Glad you got it working mate.

I find a lot of people are too scared to touch anything on cars nowadays giving the dealers all the cards they need.

Once you actually get your hands dirty then everything becomes so easy you wonder why you even thought twice about doing it in the first place.

It was easy. Did you notice my statement about having a working strength meter on the display? I didn't expect this based on other posts I read leading up to the install. Is this something new MB added to the latest MHI and BT adapter?

**etyu** · 06-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodman

I didn't think to take any photos, but the MB install instructions have pretty good photo detail. What I did before I actually purchased the parts was to pull the center console false floor to make sure I had the proper wiring and also the equipment carrier in the trunk to verify the connections were present and also to familiarize myself with the setup. This post over at benzworld got me started "http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audio-telematics-forum/1313173-how-guide-cell-phone-upgrades-plug-bluetooth.html, then I was able to download and print the actual install instructions at this address "http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsite/phone_bulletins.htm". I don't think there is much more I can add to this information other than to help someone with a specific question for the r171 install. The biggest point I wanted to make is that it is an easy install for me. Spend a little time doing research and then some hands on time with the instructions and I believe just about anyone could install their phone.

Thanks for the links, esp to http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsit..._bulletins.htm. The PDF is worth downloading and saving.

DansSlk · 06-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodman

It was easy. Did you notice my statement about having a working strength meter on the display? I didn't expect this based on other posts I read leading up to the install. Is this something new MB added to the latest MHI and BT adapter?

Yeah i believe thats normal function now.

Handy to have if the phone is hidden away.

VitaminT · 06-02-2007

So this is possible for my 2005 US model with Audio20 even if it didn't have the phone prewire that is in the prem pack (or whatever it is called)?

DansSlk · 06-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaminT

So this is possible for my 2005 US model with Audio20 even if it didn't have the phone prewire that is in the prem pack (or whatever it is called)?

No if you don't have phone pre-wire installed this goes from a DIY to a specialist job.

Interior has to come out and a new loom needs to go in from the trunk into the console and right up to the roof cross member.

dodman · 06-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaminT

So this is possible for my 2005 US model with Audio20 even if it didn't have the phone prewire that is in the prem pack (or whatever it is called)?

Our car is a 2006, but we did not get the "prewired" option. I think this option includes the components as well as the wiring, but it would seem all cars have the wiring installed as part of the regular harness. The thing to do is download the Install Bulletin shown earlier in these posts and then take the top compartment of the center armrest apart to check if the antenna and power cable is in place. It's easy to check, maybe 1/2 hour at most. Once you confirm the wiring is in place it's almost plug and play to install the components. I just saw Dan's reply and I repeat, I did not get the Prewire option with the car. The wiring was in place and I suspect they have a standard harness that includes all the options.

DansSlk · 06-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodman

Our car is a 2006, but we did not get the "prewired" option. I think this option includes the components as well as the wiring, but it would seem all cars have the wiring installed as part of the regular harness. The thing to do is download the Install Bulletin shown earlier in these posts and then take the top compartment of the center armrest apart to check if the antenna and power cable is in place. It's easy to check, maybe 1/2 hour at most. Once you confirm the wiring is in place it's almost plug and play to install the components. I just saw Dan's reply and I repeat, I did not get the Prewire option with the car. The wiring was in place and I suspect they have a standard harness that includes all the options.

Mate not quite sure whats going on there but i can assure you the pre-wire option only includes wiring not hardware, wiring that is not included on a standard harness.

You brought the completer kit that connects to the pre installed harnesses.

If you would not mind PM'ing me your VIN i can run it past the computer and see what it says, its not saved and is erased as soon as EPC closes.

Cheers mate

DansSlk · 06-02-2007

OK just looked this up on the EPC -

The "pre-wire" option as we call it is Code 387 (Mobile Pre-Install) this includes the wiring harness to enable plug and play use of the phone with the completer kit.

In US cars the Tele-Aid harness is very similar but they do have different PN#'s and the Tele-Aid only harness is missing phone connectors, so to check if you have the correct option open your hood and look at the black label if you see 387 you can install a phone if you dont see it then you cannot.

The Tele-Aid harness does have a phone disconnect point under the armrest but it's non-functional so check for it by all means but don't take it as a sign you have the correct system without first checking the carrier in the trunk and the codes for your car.

I dont mean to sound argumentative here dodman so please don't think i am just trying to be a pr*ck its nothing like that at all and we appreciate your input mate but if i could maybe suggest you double check your cars codes because i have a factory application sitting on my desktop thats telling me i need 387 to fit a phone.

**etyu** · 06-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaminT

So this is possible for my 2005 US model with Audio20 even if it didn't have the phone prewire that is in the prem pack (or whatever it is called)?

I would follow Dan's advice, he is trying to give you the exact and correct info and check for the code on the sticker under the hood or PM Dan your VIN.

I would need someone (e.g., experienced MB technician) "to hold my hands" if I were to attempt this, as it seems "way over my head".

US cars, even with audio 20 (as I currently do), have some sort of Prewiring because of Teleaid. Check with Mtiede, he may have some experience with this also. The main difference might be it will use the mic that TeleAid uses, instead of the noise cancelling mic from the factory. Dodman's experience may be suitable to US spec cars, because of TeleAid.

Here are some pix for your reference. It is located at the underside of the lid that covers the center storage area between the seats. Towards the rear you can see a rectangular compartment and a small slot. Push in and slide towards the rear and it comes off easily.

Hope the photo helps.

dodman · 06-02-2007

I checked the black sticker and there is no code 387. I also sent my vin to Dan so he can check his sources. I am not sure if the special mics are fitted in my car. The harness was included with the completer kit but I am not comfortable with pulling the plastic cowling to see if it's already installed. The phone works great but that could just be the TelAid mic. What started me on this quest initially was other posts on other forums indicating US cars all had the proper harness in place, and in some cases, the special mics. Another interesting thing is I have not had the car to the dealer for coding. Is it possible it was coded at the factory? I guess I just got lucky.

dodman · 06-02-2007

My understanding based on many other posts is that MB has gone back and forth on the issue of phone prewiring. Based on my experience it's worth the time to physically inspect the console and equipment carrier to see if the harness is in place. Unless my car was a mistake at the factory, 06 US SLK's only need the core and completer kit installed.

DansSlk · 06-02-2007

After running dodman's VIN my machine does show code 387 on his car however from what he has told me his own datacard makes no mention of it.

I'm thinking either the Audio 20 cars have the wiring as standard in the US but an option here in the EU and thats why my machine shows the code and tells me i need it to install the phone / In the US the pre-install option is for the COMAND system only.

So if you have the COMAND on your car's check for the code on the black sticker it will be there if you can install it if its not then it will not be possible this i know apply's to US cars also, if you have the A20 your more than welcome to send me a PM and i can run your VIN past the computer and it should show the 387 if your car has the harness installed in it.

As i said before the Tele-Aid harness has some of the wiring in it so don't use that as your only reference point when working out whats installed, check the carrier also and as i said your more than welcome to PM me and i will check for the code.

I will ask some of the guys here who spend more time on the parts system than i do and see what they say just seems very odd my machine shows the code and dodman's datacard does not but if it where a standard fit on the A20 then it would not show.

**-1-** · 06-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodman

I don't usually post but I just finished installing an MHI bluetooth setup in my wife's 2006 R171 and felt I should share with anyone else interested in trying this install. Thanks to the information I found here and at other Mercedes forums I was able to determine part numbers and install instructions. I puchased the core kit (less linear compensator), completer kit, and an MHI bluetooth adapter on the web. It took me about an hour to install the MHI plug in the center console plus another 1-1/2 hours to remove the equipment carrier in the trunk, install the MHI and wiring and put everything else back together. The only real problem I had was figuring out the "tricks" to disengage a few of the electrical connectors. Other than that it was a piece of cake. I then installed the Bluetooth adapter, fired it up and everything works great. Using a v3 Razr, the phonebook downloads, I can scroll the phonebook, make calls, answer calls and hang up using the steering wheel buttons. Interesting enough, the signal strength accurately appears on the Audio 20 screen. I purchased the latest release of the bluetooth puck and MHI which may account for this unexpected bonus. Also, I have not had the car Star Coded and am beginning to think I will not need to take it to dealer for this added step. Maybe it was coded to include a phone from the factory. No sure but everything included TelAid is working properly. The whole deal cost me about $1,300 which is about half of what my dealer wanted to do the install. It was fun, not overly difficult, and certainly worth a few hours of my time. I am just an average guy with no special training in auto electronics. If anyone needs part numbers or help with the install let me know.

Dodman, EXCELLENT work and initiative. This is the kind of neat stuff that I like. Question, where did you purchase your parts from? Not a bad price. Clarify, you DID NOT install a microphone with the parts, correct? You make it seem easy. I have the factory system in one car and a Parrot Bluetooth kit in the other. I would prefer the factory kit vs the Parrot kit. Thanks for your help.

V8SLK · 06-02-2007

nice work Dodman!

06-02-2007	#1 (permalink)
dodman SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 17 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	R171 OEM Bluetooth Phone Install I don't usually post but I just finished installing an MHI bluetooth setup in my wife's 2006 R171 and felt I should share with anyone else interested in trying this install. Thanks to the information I found here and at other Mercedes forums I was able to determine part numbers and install instructions. I puchased the core kit (less linear compensator), completer kit, and an MHI bluetooth adapter on the web. It took me about an hour to install the MHI plug in the center console plus another 1-1/2 hours to remove the equipment carrier in the trunk, install the MHI and wiring and put everything else back together. The only real problem I had was figuring out the "tricks" to disengage a few of the electrical connectors. Other than that it was a piece of cake. I then installed the Bluetooth adapter, fired it up and everything works great. Using a v3 Razr, the phonebook downloads, I can scroll the phonebook, make calls, answer calls and hang up using the steering wheel buttons. Interesting enough, the signal strength accurately appears on the Audio 20 screen. I purchased the latest release of the bluetooth puck and MHI which may account for this unexpected bonus. Also, I have not had the car Star Coded and am beginning to think I will not need to take it to dealer for this added step. Maybe it was coded to include a phone from the factory. No sure but everything included TelAid is working properly. The whole deal cost me about $1,300 which is about half of what my dealer wanted to do the install. It was fun, not overly difficult, and certainly worth a few hours of my time. I am just an average guy with no special training in auto electronics. If anyone needs part numbers or help with the install let me know. Last edited by dodman; 06-02-2007 at 11:52 AM. Reason: Added email notification.

06-02-2007	#2 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Glad you got it working mate. I find a lot of people are too scared to touch anything on cars nowadays giving the dealers all the cards they need. Once you actually get your hands dirty then everything becomes so easy you wonder why you even thought twice about doing it in the first place. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

06-02-2007	#3 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,280 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Welcome dodman! Appreciate your post. If you can post links or pics and tutorial on the Hands-Free Communiation install, this will help quite a few members. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

06-02-2007	#12 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	OK just looked this up on the EPC - The "pre-wire" option as we call it is Code 387 (Mobile Pre-Install) this includes the wiring harness to enable plug and play use of the phone with the completer kit. In US cars the Tele-Aid harness is very similar but they do have different PN#'s and the Tele-Aid only harness is missing phone connectors, so to check if you have the correct option open your hood and look at the black label if you see 387 you can install a phone if you dont see it then you cannot. The Tele-Aid harness does have a phone disconnect point under the armrest but it's non-functional so check for it by all means but don't take it as a sign you have the correct system without first checking the carrier in the trunk and the codes for your car. I dont mean to sound argumentative here dodman so please don't think i am just trying to be a prck its nothing like that at all and we appreciate your input mate but if i could maybe suggest you double check your cars codes because i have a factory application sitting on my desktop thats telling me i need 387 to fit a phone. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.*

06-02-2007	#14 (permalink)
dodman SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 17 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	No Code 387 I checked the black sticker and there is no code 387. I also sent my vin to Dan so he can check his sources. I am not sure if the special mics are fitted in my car. The harness was included with the completer kit but I am not comfortable with pulling the plastic cowling to see if it's already installed. The phone works great but that could just be the TelAid mic. What started me on this quest initially was other posts on other forums indicating US cars all had the proper harness in place, and in some cases, the special mics. Another interesting thing is I have not had the car to the dealer for coding. Is it possible it was coded at the factory? I guess I just got lucky.

06-02-2007	#8 (permalink)
VitaminT Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Vehicle: 2005 SLK55 Posts: 361 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	So this is possible for my 2005 US model with Audio20 even if it didn't have the phone prewire that is in the prem pack (or whatever it is called)?

06-02-2007	#15 (permalink)
dodman SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 17 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Interesting My understanding based on many other posts is that MB has gone back and forth on the issue of phone prewiring. Based on my experience it's worth the time to physically inspect the console and equipment carrier to see if the harness is in place. Unless my car was a mistake at the factory, 06 US SLK's only need the core and completer kit installed.

06-02-2007	#16 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	After running dodman's VIN my machine does show code 387 on his car however from what he has told me his own datacard makes no mention of it. I'm thinking either the Audio 20 cars have the wiring as standard in the US but an option here in the EU and thats why my machine shows the code and tells me i need it to install the phone / In the US the pre-install option is for the COMAND system only. So if you have the COMAND on your car's check for the code on the black sticker it will be there if you can install it if its not then it will not be possible this i know apply's to US cars also, if you have the A20 your more than welcome to send me a PM and i can run your VIN past the computer and it should show the 387 if your car has the harness installed in it. As i said before the Tele-Aid harness has some of the wiring in it so don't use that as your only reference point when working out whats installed, check the carrier also and as i said your more than welcome to PM me and i will check for the code. I will ask some of the guys here who spend more time on the parts system than i do and see what they say just seems very odd my machine shows the code and dodman's datacard does not but if it where a standard fit on the A20 then it would not show. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

06-02-2007	#18 (permalink)
V8SLK Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Home of the brave Vehicle: 05 SLK55 AMG Posts: 1,071 Country: Thanks: 40 Thanked 48 Times in 26 Posts	nice work Dodman!