Thread: A 180 w/ Audio 20 — Best way to get Bluetooth Audio? MIP an option?

Hi all,

This is my first post. I just got my shiny new A 180 (I live in Beijing, China, according to the dealer, the car was imported from Germany). Anyhow, it's equipped with an Audio 20 sound system and has Bluetooth phone support which works fine with my iPhone.

The AUX audio is set up for a standard 1/8" mini-jack line in —*which is pretty annoying, but there were no other options at the time.

Ideally, I'd like to just stream audio from my iPhone using Bluetooth (like you do with headsets, etc) —*no wires, no mess.

My questions are:

1. Is it possible to set up Bluetooth audio in an A Series? If so, is the MIP (Media Interface Plus) the way to go (seems like it is, from what I've read)?

2. Does MIP work with the Audio 20, or would I have to upgrade to the CONTROL audio kit? (I hear this is possible, but would prefer not to if I can —*unless it offers some other really great features aside from video and gps —*not sure)

3. If the Audio 20 works with MIP, do I just need to purchase the MIP Kit and install it. (Sample here) Or are there other kits/things I'll have to install as well?

Living in China, thus far, it seems the retrofit instructions assistance is hard to come by —*even though the parts seem to be findable (Taobao is your friend and enemy). Any subsites for owners in China?

Thanks in advance for any tips or advice! If you need me to fill in more details or answer other questions, just let me know!

There are 3 steps.

a) Install the media interface from Mercedes

b) Update your datacard for new options

c) SCN flash your head unit at the dealer.

You will need to connect your iPhone to the media interface with a cabling kit.

The media inteface works fine with radio.

BenzMods,

Thanks for the quick reply.

One question:
In your reply you not that I'll have to connect my iPhone with a cabling kit.

Perhaps I misunderstood the features of the MIP, but doesn't it also support bluetooth audio streaming? In which case, shouldn't I just be able to broadcast via bluetooth using A2DP as well? (Or is that not possible/compatible/problematic?)

Thanks a bunch!

Yes, MIP will give then give you Bluetooth Audio Streaming. MIP plugs into Media Interface.

We have assumed your Audio-20 is a NTG2.5 unit (built in bluetooth phone function)

The other thing to note is that you need to check your existing Audio-20 has the fibre optic connection in it's multiway connector.

If you were in Europe, then if you have the Audio-20 with single CD it wont, but if you have the one with CD changer then it will

Richard

Richard,

Thanks. Yes, I've confirmed it's an NTG2.5 unit w/ built-in Bluetooth phone functions.

One thing, you mention:

Originally Posted by richard

The other thing to note is that you need to check your existing Audio-20 has the fibre optic connection in it's multiway connector.

If you were in Europe, then if you have the Audio-20 with single CD it wont, but if you have the one with CD changer then it will

Is there any non-invasive way to confirm if I have fibre optic connections, or will I just have to take the time and open her up to check? (I have the single CD, not CD changer —*but I'm not sure if that's 100% guarantee that I don't have fibre optic)

In the worst, case, assuming I don't have fibre optic, how complicated is it to upgrade that bit as well? Any idea what parts I might need to purchase to accomplish this?

Sorry for asking so many questions. I realize, in retrospect, I should have probably taken more time trying to understand the tradeoffs of the single/multichanger early on. Unfortunately, being in China, the custom-options aren't as flexible as they appear to be overseas, so I'd probably have to figure this out one way or another.

Thanks a bunch so far!

Michael