Ipod Car Radio Adapter - Mercedes SLK 230 1999

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Level 1

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Ipod Car Radio Adapter - Mercedes SLK 230 1999

Sorry if this is in the wrong place, but every other forum seemed even more incorrect.

As the title states, I have a 1999 SLK 230 with the factory installed Bose System and a 6 CD changer.

I have tried the FM radio trasmitter options but the transmitters I have tried (3 or 4 different brands) just aren't strong enough and the airwaves in downtown phx, az are jam packed with all these little radio stations that to even get functional use out of those transmitters I have to program 4 different stations on my radio as I drive around town and the smaller stations bleed in over my ipod transmitter.

I have searched high and low on the web for some kind of adapter. I just can't believe that there isn't something out there that would either let me add an adapter or a plug in for my ipod OR I would even be willing to replace the CD changer itself with just an input for the Ipod Adapter.

Aside from Audio Express (Home of the One Dollar Wire Fire) telling me to replace my stock Bose system with a brand new deck with an ipod input that would also require me to replace my speakers and buy and amp and still won't sound as good as my stock Bose, does anyone have any suggestions or can point me in any directions where I can try to get more information?

Thanks so much, Jay.

CyberpowerPC Windows XP 40g Standard Ipod

Posted on Jan 31, 2007 11:41 AM

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Answer 1

camoracer

Level 5

4,274 points

Jan 31, 2007 9:56 PM in response to Jayyness

All the options I have seen use the CD changer input to the stereo. Doing this gets iPod input but you lose the changer.

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Answer 2

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,644 points

Feb 1, 2007 2:38 AM in response to Jayyness

I must highlight a point that I do not intent to promote a product. I would like to share with you all my past experience

The car stereo in my Benz C230 does not provide with an aux in option. In order to connect my iPod with it I have tried the following methods:-

Sound preformance : 5 Stars - 1 Star = Excellent - Poor

1. cassette adapater - sound was just ok with 2.5 stars, it broke my radio cassette as it was stuck inside it and did not manage to eject it.

2. Early generation of iPod wireless adapter (FM) : sound was poor with 2 stars, plenty of pink noise at some areas, did not suit in Hong Kong as there are too many radio stations in my country

3. Monster iPod FM adapter : better than product (2) with 3 stars, less pink noise but still existing

4. Harmon Kardon's Drive+Play - good sound (3.5 stars) at the begining, but did not know the reason behind, after using around 2 months, noise appeared, even worse, the cable broke and connection failed with my iPod and needed for the replacement. I was so disappointed as I always left the plug connecting with my iPod and seldom to touch it.

5. iPlugRDS

http://www.revozport.com/iplug-rds.htm

Great 4 stars products, I have used it for 2 weeks, almost cant hear any noice. Highly recommended, don't believe me, have a try yourself.

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Answer 3

Jayyness Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 1, 2007 2:54 PM in response to Jayyness

Ok, great, let me look into the link you suggested.

And I don't mind loosing the CD changer at all. Give up a 6 CD changer for a 40gig Ipod? Not a hard decision at all. I will see if I can find out more information on how to do that or see if I can find anyone that knows how to do it.

Jay

Checked the link you provided. Does that adapter ONLY work with RDS compatible Decks? I don't have one of those.

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Answer 4

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,644 points

Feb 1, 2007 6:13 PM in response to Jayyness

I am not too sure about your radio system, in my C230, the CD changer is connecting via the optical, therefore, it cant be disconnected and replace with the iPod, which is analogue output.

Again, please check your radio system in your car, is there a sign of RDS, which should be very common. Even it is not RDS compatible, you can still play it but without the display of song showing on the Radio.

Have a check with an expert of a car stereo shop, they will give you a clear answer

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