W204 - Mercedes Universal Media Interface

[richard]

Good news for those of you with the new C class with Audio-20 who want sat nav.

Mercedes is a few weeks away from releasing the 'Universal Media Interface'

This is an add on to the W204 Audio-20, which then gives
Navigation - using the colour Audio-20 display, with TMC
iPod interface with control/track-display on the Audio-20 *
USB interface (for MP3 memory sticks)
Aux input (3.5mm)
Audio Streaming via Bluetooth from compatable devices (such as Nokia N95)

It looks *really* nice, and of course I will write a retrofit document

No idea of pricing at all yet i'm afraid. But expect it not to be cheap :-) But more competitive via comandonline than MB UK i'd hope.

I have managed to get a set of input cables, so I guess it really is close to be released.

Richard


* Supported iPod, Generation 3 (doesnt charge), Generation 4, photo, mini, U2, nano, video, classic, touch, iPhone

[sylvester]

Thanks, sounds very interesting.
If I have read your post correctly it appears to say that the iPod display is shown via the in dash screen rather than in the multifunction display in the instrument cluster.
If that’s correct it sounds like a big improvement on the standard iPod integration kit. Would that mean that we could expect similar functionality to be added to the full command package in the W204 ?

[richard]

Originally Posted by sylvester

Thanks, sounds very interesting.
If I have read your post correctly it appears to say that the iPod display is shown via the in dash screen rather than in the multifunction display in the instrument cluster.
If that’s correct it sounds like a big improvement on the standard iPod integration kit. Would that mean that we could expect similar functionality to be added to the full command package in the W204 ?

Yes, its all controlled and displayed via the comand screen.

I dont think it will be on the existing COMAND on W204 yet. Technically, its very very different

I also think there will be a very significant difference between the standard iPod kit and the MUMI device (3-4 times so as a part, and a significantly different labour time to install - but only when I have a price will I really have a clue)

RIchard

[st13phil]

Originally Posted by richard

Good news for those of you with the new C class with Audio-20 who want sat nav.

Mercedes is a few weeks away from releasing the 'Universal Media Interface'

I first heard about the UMI back in October/November last year but since then all has been quiet so many thanks for the update. Do you have a W204 to do the first install on, yet? Depending upon the price, mine could be available

[Alfie]

Originally Posted by st13phil

I first heard about the UMI back in October/November last year but since then all has been quiet so many thanks for the update. Do you have a W204 to do the first install on, yet? Depending upon the price, mine could be available

Not yet but we hope to have them soon. Thanks for the offer, we will certainly consider it.

We do have a W204 comand unit though We plan to do some testing with it with a view to offering retrofits for it. Mind you all the well heeled members here seem to be ordering their cars with it already

[st13phil]

Originally Posted by Alfie

Thanks for the offer, we will certainly consider it.

Just PM me nearer the time if you want to discuss further.

[Marshy747]

Is there any updated news about this interface for the W204 ? .

[sylvester]

Hi Richard,
Have you received any further information regarding the UMI ?
I am even more curious now that my W204 has been delivered as there is a section in the command APS manual covering the operation of the Media Interface. I'm not certain if this is a new section or not though.

For Command APS the system seems to support 3.5mm jack plug as per standard delivery + iPod & USB sockets.
The display of information, especialy iPod via the command screen rather than in the instrument clusters looks like a vast improvement in terms of readability and selection (in fact what the iPod integration should really have been all along).

Although a new delivery and information in the manual referencing the Media Interface, my car does not show the option in the command display of have the other interace leads mentioned, so seems to have the original iPod kit. Which is what I ordered so no suprise really.

What would be interesting though is to understand if the hardware is really different or if its really a SW and coding upgrade which could be enabled ?

Rgds

[richard]

Hi sylvester - sorry, I really dont know yet !!

Richard

[c43]

Not sure if this helps/hinders or completely not relevant, but on the buyacar.co.uk site under the options for a W204 it has...

Mercedes Audio 20 radio/single CD with colour display £ 0
8 speakers £ 0
Media interface (from 01-Oct-2008 ) £ 140
6 CD/MP3 changer £ 245
DAB digital radio module £ 320
Harman/Kardon logic 7 surround sound system £ 560
Audio 50 radio/6 CD/MP3 + DVD navigation system with TMC and linguatronic £ 995

..of note is the date next to media interface??

[c43]

Also just found this

http://mercedes-benz-blog.blogspot.c...sal-media.html

which has some more info, for (which I understand so far?) is the same thing we are talking about here.

The new GLK and W204 are very similar, if not the same, technology wise.

I am personally very interested in accessing a USB stick with music on..

[Rory]

Love this picture - the devices look like they're hiding!

[st13phil]

Originally Posted by c43

Also just found this

Thanks for the link. I suspect that this is what we're waiting to be released for the W204. Interesting retrofit kit price in Germany - EUR 1099.00 + fitting. Wonder what the price will be in the UK? Any betting on GBP 999.00 + fitting?

[partsspecialist]

Hi all, ive had a play with my iphone on the new comand in the brand new SL and its A LOT better and easier to use, artists, albums and tracks are simple to navigate through with the bigger screen its just like the ipod. However i was using the media interface that is factory fit option on the new vehicles.
As for the retrofit w204 system there are 2 different ones, for cars with and without sound system (code 810). As with the ipod kit i would think the one without sound system would have an amplifier inbuilt.

With sound system retail £875.79
Without sound system retail £(no price yet but same cost)

And it will work with the new GLK when it comes out.

[st13phil]

Originally Posted by partsspecialist

With sound system retail £875.79
Without sound system retail £(no price yet but same cost)

Thanks for the info, Gareth. Is that the retail price including VAT? Also, do you have an availability date and could you post the part numbers, please?