You mean Audio 20?

 

Thats it.... I hadn't realised the autochanger did the MP3 playing. I didn't order one as it filled half the glove box.

I was thinking of some sort of FM tranmitter or the like.

 

It is either going be a storage space fall of CDs or a storage space taken up by a 6 CD changer. The basic Audio 20 system cannot play MP3s but the the 6 CD changer can.

 

Or if you had the Command system you can play MP3's throught the single cd slot.

 

If you have the Audio 20 and want to keep it, google for dension gateway 500. There are online UK stores. I agree with Ikarus taht it is overpriced, but it is the only? way to go if you want to keep the stock system
Performance/cost wise throw away the audio 20 and get a 2 din screen. Command is archaic guys, compared to what's on the market and seriously overpriced...Mercedes Benz may build good cars but when it comes to entertainment electronics it is out of touch

 

Out of touch - Yes for sure not a doubt in my mind.

BUT for integration you cant beat OEM.

 

Thanks for all the advice, its good stuff! I think my options are.

1. Use my satnav (a tomtom go720) which will broadcast MP3's over FM, if in less than superb quality. Cheap, I only need a memory card, and no drilling holes in the car

2.Ikarus's suggestion. I like this. Easy (assuming my soldering skills are still OK, so some risk of stuffing the Aaudio 20 unit)

3. Retrofit a CD changer. Work well, but I suspect tricky to do, and I'd prefer it somewhere other than the glovebox.

4. Dansslk idea of the Dension unit. Sounds complicated...I'll need to understand it a bit more...

5.Go for a 2din screen (again Dansslk suggests.) I think it would difficult to fit it neatly, but again more thinking needed.

6. Live with a tesco bag full of CDs rattling around the car!

Thank for the advice

 

3. Retrofit a CD changer. Work well, but I suspect tricky to do, and I'd prefer it somewhere other than the glovebox.

That's why I didn't even bother. Glove box space is scarce and precious, especially since there is a 99 track limit per CD with this thing.

 

As regards to integration of 2-Din multimedia players in the place of the Audio 20.
Nowadays, most reputable manufacturers of such devices (Pioneer,JVC,Kenwood etc) have adapters that can make us of the steering wheel buttons and provide all the multimedia - bluetooth telephony needs . There are available special facade adaptors that make the installation of a double DIn unit a breeze and look terrific,without distracting from the expected OEM look.
And in the cost/performance stakes you can get a high performance system with the kitchen sink thrown in for half the money of the Command system.
I am not an audiophile per ce , but the OEM MB speakers I replaced were of a very bad quality and it is simply unacceptable not to be able to connect an ipod to the OEM Audio 20 system in year 2007. Once again it is the penny-pinchers not the engineers taking the decisions.

 

Does anyone know if the CD changer will definitely play MP3s with the audio 20? I have the APS 50 and although the CD changer is able to play MP3s it wont with the APS 50 and my dealship said the CD changer only plays mp3s with command.

Angela

 

I'm not sure about Euro Spec but the owners manual for US spec R171:
The CDC (CD Changer) will play MP3 on CD-R and CD-RW data carriers. Format: Romeo or Joliet.

The single slot CD on COMAND can also read MP3 on ISO 9660/Joliet on CD-R and CD-RW data carriers.

Caveat: "With multi session CDs, the content of the first session determines how COMAND treats the CD. For example, if the first session contains data in audio CD format and the second session contains data in MP3 format, COMAND will trat the CD as conventional audio CD."

 

OK I've just checked WISnet and as of 1.6.05 the A20 will play MP3's with the CDC.

To quote the computer -

"Playback of an audio CD in MP3 format -
The designation MP3 is an acronym for MPEG1 Audio Layer 3 and describes an audio compression standard, which permits the compression of digital music to approx 8% of the original data size. This is done with almost no audible difference to the original signal (CD). It is also possible to playback a CD in MP3 format in addition to conventional CD's in the CD player with changer (In glove compartment) (A2/6). While doing so a conventional CD is emulated (simulated)"

That should clear it all up, thats WIS document number "GF82.60-P-2002SKF"

GrubbyGirl - Yours says the same so it must be either a fault in your unit or the way you burn them, am i correct in thinking you have A50 retrofitted? If so it might be worth checking that they fitted a capable CDC.

I personally use WMP to do the burning and the back end stuff is done with Nero the standard software on the machine.

 

Thanks I'll give it a go over the weekend.

Dan the CDC was already fitted before the APS 50 was retro fitted. I'll try burning them as data disks and see if that works, it may well be itunes!

 

OK and your cars newer than 05 right?