[VAslk]

After 17 years with my 280, I refreshed my crusade for Bluetooth access for the phone; I purchased a puck and cradle from the proper era. The '07 has the pre-install connectors to the COMAND and I can open the connector access below the top console lid where the cradle should fit. Problem is that the connectors are in a small storage space beneath the upper lid where the cradle access fits. I don't want to horse the access panel if there's a "right way" to remove it. Similarly, I'll need to find a path from the cradle wires to the pre-installed plugs below. If someone can help me understand the process, I'd appreciate it. Adding pics to both the access panel and the plugs, if that will help. Also adding a pic of the puck and cradle purchased. Anyone who might have captured pics of the process, please point me.Thanks.

 

[Avel Du]

Might be something in these, might only be dismantling for the centre console though as I don't recall a retro cradle fit.

Search results for query: centre console

www.slkworld.com

 

[VAslk]

Thanks. Nothing found yet but I'll keep at it.

 

[Avel Du]

Remove center console and COMAND R171 Facelift

www.slkworld.com

Shesh! looks bothersome.

 

[VAslk]

I think I'll give up for the moment. It IS bothersome. I've removed most of the front console in the past but I may just try to push my way through this one. Gotta be easier than this. Thanks for the pointers, though. Will try to report back when I have it mastered.

 

[Avel Du]

@55russamg did some work on his to fit extra charging ports. He may have some tips.

 

[Avel Du]

And thread is still open, so Russ can reply when he sees this.

 

[Fox07SLK280]

Have the SAME issue in my '07 - totally replace the head unit with a 9" Pioneer screen - would LOVE to get this unit out to gain more space in my center console!

 

[VAslk]

Update: It amazes me that this hasn't been an information- and photo-rich topic for this long but with luck, I can address it at least better. Not trying to solve the head unit issue, though. Just trying to make mine work the way it was intended 17 years ago.

I received the ancient puck and cradle in today's mail. Using a box cutter, I opened the nesting spot for the cradle in the side-opening armrest lid. But a path for the cradle wires was blocked. Second pic is the bottom of the upper lid with the OEM pre-install wires in a flip-down panel. At this stage, I'm almost certain the four tiny screws in the large panel above are tiny torx that should open a path of wires from the cradle to the pre-install connection. My problem today is that the smallest torx bit I have is a T10 which is too big. I ordered a set online that starts at the T4 level and it's my hope that's the answer. Maybe no more than one additional step. Looks like I may never have the missing bottom panel of the puck but inconsequential if it works.

Yes, I could plug it in now and test but what's the fun of that? Don't close the thread yet. I'll want it again if and when I have to take all back out and have forgotten all this.

 

[Avel Du]

Fingers crossed that you are creating a reference thread for others.
The reason it may be an uncommon retro fit will likely be an after market head unit chosen.
That gives better sat nav, wider music choice and all the modern features that these cars should have had as standard.

 

[VAslk]

I agree it will probably seldom, if ever, helpful to others who want to invest in a better head unit with BT already built in. But I'm still pretty satisfied with the Original HK system, it's 11 speakers, Sirius and amp. Living these days without Bluetooth, though, ain't an option if I can make it work even with old stuff. The other car, a 2019 luxo SUV, has all the bells and a Bose sound system so I know what the SLK ought to be. If I judge by the number of these pucks on eBay, I'd say there's still a thriving market for them. The cradle is far more rare. So I'll try to complete the set and hope it helps someone, someday.

 

[Sneaky Pete]

Is this of any help? Old document I found from Bill's Den website,Bill's Den: Taking a Nap, now temporary offline.
Could be that page 10 section H contains the info you are looking for.

 

[VAslk]

That is exactly what was needed. Tells the whole story...more than I needed but thank you, @Sneaky Pete. Confirmed where I was going so now it just looks like I need to wait for the T8 torx. Very much appreciated. I tried reaching to Bill's Den but had no luck. thank you.

 

[Sneaky Pete]

That is exactly what was needed. Tells the whole story...more than I needed but thank you, @Sneaky Pete. Confirmed where I was going so now it just looks like I need to wait for the T8 torx. Very much appreciated. I tried reaching to Bill's Den but had no luck. thank you.

You're welcome. I knew I had seen this document but was not sure if I had downloaded it. Did a search on my computer and it popped up in some obscure folder where I obviously had saved it several years ago. 😁

 

[LeonardoDaBenz]

I find that I tend to forget where stuff is too Piet and every once in a while I will rummage through that document storage area and add NEW key words to the PDF title. Aids in searching

 

[VAslk]

Many thanks for the effort and the pack rat foundation you've obviously nurtured. I've tried to save things I thought I might once use but my intuition back then wasn't nearly as good as necessary. Apparently. But if you need the manual to a dot matrix printer, I might be able to help. Thanks again.

 

[VAslk]

Update: Torx T8 worked on the false floor but the floor refused to separate. Cradle fit the cutout but would not snap in; remains loose. Despite the recalcitrant false floor, I threaded both cradle plugs to the pre-install connectors but when connected, the puck refused to light when activated. Fuse chart points me to three in the trunk, one in the cockpit and one in the engine bay, all associated with "Telephone Systems." PDF from @Sneaky Pete indicates only one fuse specific to the phone component activation. I'll start there. Will disregard two (41, 64) linked also to clearly working components and check 3, 8 and 13. Then, if nothing, probably enter the "stew and brew" phase to create a lovely note to my eBay "buddy." Any pointers to the correct fuse would help. Thanks.

 

[VAslk]

Sidebar to this thread that may save me some time. Has anyone with the387 Mobile Pre-Install option ever been called on to replace or add fuses when they installed cradle and puck? I don't relish pulling the center trunk panel just to look for the presence of one fuse. In that same line, how would I test for power in the cradle's power supply connector? Ultimately, I guess I'm more suspicious of the eBay supplier than the folks who built the car as "almost ready."

 

[Sneaky Pete]

I am not sure what option 387 exactly entails. Is it just the hardware with the exception of what you now just installed? Or do you also have to configure the car as described in step K of the installation document? When you cycle to the menus in the mfd is there a telephone menu? If not,the problem might be that you need first to perform the coding as described in step K.

 

[VAslk]

I suspect someone deep in the files could tell us what MB said was needed to fully-activate the 387 option but I've never seen a thread mentioning anything more than addition of the cradle and puck. The seller of the puck said it tested good when it was removed from a 2008 R350 but...he's the guy who sold it so who do we trust? My screen simply says phone not installed. I'd expect that if the cradle wasn't registering. Is there an easy way to test power to the pre-install supply plug (ten-pin)? One online video suggests with time and use, a wire may have separated there near the hinge. But if it needs re-coding, I'm hosed.