The Media Interface Plus is an accessory designed to expand the functionality of Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with an installed Media Interface (Code 518). It allows for enhanced connectivity and media playback options, integrating various external devices with the vehicle's COMAND or audio system.
Function Description:
The Media Interface Plus primarily serves as a bridge between external media devices and the vehicle's infotainment system. Its core function is to enable the playback of audio files, including internet radio, and video files from compatible devices. It also facilitates communication features such as reading out and answering text messages (SMS) and e-mails, as well as transferring the phonebook from a mobile phone to the vehicle's system.
Key functionalities include:
- Audio Streaming via Bluetooth®: Allows for wireless playback of audio files from authorized Bluetooth®-compatible end devices (e.g., mobile phones, media players). This feature can be started manually or configured to start automatically upon establishing a Bluetooth® connection.
- Playing Internet Radio (Pandora Radio): Enables listening to Pandora radio stations through the vehicle's audio system. This requires the Pandora app to be installed on a connected iPhone® and a user account set up with selected stations.
- Playing iPod® Video Files: Supports the playback of video files from an iPod® when connected via an iPod® video cable. The vehicle's display will show the video, though the picture is automatically faded out when the vehicle is in motion to prevent driver distraction.
- Text Message (SMS) and E-mail Management: Provides the ability to read out received text messages and e-mails through the vehicle's speakers. Users can also answer these messages using pre-determined or individual standard texts stored on the Media Interface Plus.
- Phonebook Transfer: Facilitates the transfer of a mobile phone's phonebook to the COMAND or audio system, making contacts accessible through the vehicle's interface. This transfer is performed via manual synchronization with an active Bluetooth® connection.
- Mobile Phone Charging: When a mobile phone is connected via a USB data cable and the USB adapter, the Media Interface Plus can charge the phone.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Connectivity: Primarily uses Bluetooth® for wireless connections to mobile phones and media players. It also supports wired connections for iPod®/iPhone® devices via the Media Interface Consumer Cable or a dedicated iPod® video cable.
- Authorization: Up to 5 end devices can be authorized on the Media Interface Plus. If a 6th device is authorized, the first device in memory will be deleted. Parallel operation of multiple devices is not supported.
- Bluetooth® Pin: The default Bluetooth® pin for authorization is 62872.
- Bluetooth® Range: The Bluetooth® connection has a reception range of approximately 30 ft (10 meters).
- Phonebook Transfer Time: Data transfer for the phonebook can take up to 10 minutes, depending on the number of entries.
- iPod® Video Settings: For proper playback of iPod® video files, the iPod® "TV-Signal" setting must be set to "NTSC".
- Software Updates: The device's functionality, particularly for features like e-mail reading and answering, may be expanded with future software versions. Users are advised to consult their Mercedes-Benz Center for information on updates.
- FCC Compliance: The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, ensuring it does not cause harmful interference and accepts any interference received.
Usage Features:
- Installation: The Media Interface Plus is connected in the glove box or storage compartment in the center console, where the vehicle's Media Interface (Code 518) is located. It may require unplugging the existing Media Interface Consumer Cable before plugging in the Media Interface Plus.
- Operation via COMAND/Audio System: Most functions are controlled through the vehicle's COMAND or audio system, using its control unit, buttons, and display.
- Device Authorization: A one-time authorization process is required for new devices to enable phonebook transfer and other advanced features. This involves pressing the Bluetooth® button on the Media Interface Plus and selecting the device on the COMAND/audio system.
- Automatic/Manual Connection: Bluetooth® connections can be established automatically for previously authorized devices or manually selected from a list of authorized devices.
- Automatic Disconnection: The Bluetooth® connection automatically disconnects if the end device moves beyond the reception range.
- Manual Disconnection: Users can manually disconnect a Bluetooth® connection either through the end device or the vehicle's COMAND/audio system.
- Internet Dial-up Costs: Users are reminded that internet dial-up for features like Pandora radio is subject to costs determined by their mobile phone contract.
- Safety Warnings: Emphasizes the importance of paying attention to traffic conditions and only using the Media Interface Plus or connected devices when the traffic situation allows, to avoid distractions and potential accidents. Authorization of devices and creation of standard texts should only be done when the vehicle is at a standstill.
Maintenance Features:
- No User Serviceability: Users are explicitly warned not to open or modify the Media Interface Plus, as this would void the operating permit and product warranties.
- Software Recommendations: It is recommended to install the latest software version on connected iPod® devices for optimal performance.
- Device Protection: End devices (mobile phones, iPods) are not designed for extreme vehicle temperatures and should not be left in a parked vehicle to prevent damage.
- Sound Quality: For optimal sound quality with iPod® devices, the use of iTunes® is recommended, and the "Equalizer Pop" setting should be assigned to files on the iPod®.
- Phonebook Storage: The phonebook transferred to the COMAND or audio system is stored permanently until manually deleted or overwritten by a new transfer.
- Updating Stored Texts: Incoming text messages and e-mails stored on the mobile phone must be updated on the COMAND or audio system, either by restarting the system or selecting the "Refresh" option in the settings.
- Factory Reset: The Media Interface Plus can be reset to factory settings by pressing and holding the Bluetooth® button for 10 seconds or by selecting the "Restore MI plus to factory set" option in the COMAND/audio system settings.
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