Hello guys,
I have found a Bluetooth module which connects in my old r170 head unit! It uses the cd port which is rarely used anyways for most people in this car.
I own a 1999 slk230 with becker radio (be1650)
The fun part is that it is totally hidden away as now your CD button is used as the Bluetooth button. Skip track still works and can even be used to accept or decline an incoming phone call. This type of new technology so seamlessly integrated with old technology is really satisfying to me.
I will use this post to explain how to make it work since I haven't found any posts about this workaround on this forum.
Step 1:
Buy the right Bluetooth adapter for your radio. Not all r170 have the same head unit. If your unit doesn't have an unused pin input at the back then this won't work for your model.
I seem to have a rare unit (be1650) which has both a cassette and also the cd input on the back which makes it compatible.
Most interesting brands to look out for are BlueMusic and Yatour.
I paid 50 euros for a bluemusic adapter on amazon.com
Step 2:
Pull out the head unit using the right head unit 'keys'
Step 3:
Plug the Bluetooth adapter in the cd input. If you already use the cd input for an actual cd player you need to unplug it to make room for the Bluetooth connector.
Step 4:
Press the cd button twice to start pairing mode. Connect the Bluetooth and test if it works.
Step 5:
If you bought one with a microphone for calls then you need to get the microphone from the back of the head unit to the front somehow. I found the easiest way was to remove the top panel in the passenger footwell. Now take the microphone aux cable from the footwell and push it to the back of the headunit. Use your other hand to reach behind the head unit and try to pass the cable to yourself.
The microphone emerges from the passenger footwell and you may choose yourself where to attach it. Personally I just keep it hidden in the glovebox and take it out when needed
Step 6:
Push the head unit back in place and keep the Bluetooth connector and cables hidden. One of the radio keys was stuck when I tried to remove it. You can push the spring on the side of the unit to manually unlock the key.
Enjoy the hands free calling and fully integrated Bluetooth solution, even music skip or rewind buttons on the steering wheel should work.
Not everyone may have a compatible head unit. But swapping it for one that is compatible may still be a cheaper as paying someone to install Bluetooth. It is the best stock looking option with modern capabilities in my opinion!
I added some photos of my installation process.
Edit: removed list of compatible head units because it wasn't accurate.
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I have found a Bluetooth module which connects in my old r170 head unit! It uses the cd port which is rarely used anyways for most people in this car.
I own a 1999 slk230 with becker radio (be1650)
The fun part is that it is totally hidden away as now your CD button is used as the Bluetooth button. Skip track still works and can even be used to accept or decline an incoming phone call. This type of new technology so seamlessly integrated with old technology is really satisfying to me.
I will use this post to explain how to make it work since I haven't found any posts about this workaround on this forum.
Step 1:
Buy the right Bluetooth adapter for your radio. Not all r170 have the same head unit. If your unit doesn't have an unused pin input at the back then this won't work for your model.
I seem to have a rare unit (be1650) which has both a cassette and also the cd input on the back which makes it compatible.
Most interesting brands to look out for are BlueMusic and Yatour.
I paid 50 euros for a bluemusic adapter on amazon.com
Step 2:
Pull out the head unit using the right head unit 'keys'
Step 3:
Plug the Bluetooth adapter in the cd input. If you already use the cd input for an actual cd player you need to unplug it to make room for the Bluetooth connector.
Step 4:
Press the cd button twice to start pairing mode. Connect the Bluetooth and test if it works.
Step 5:
If you bought one with a microphone for calls then you need to get the microphone from the back of the head unit to the front somehow. I found the easiest way was to remove the top panel in the passenger footwell. Now take the microphone aux cable from the footwell and push it to the back of the headunit. Use your other hand to reach behind the head unit and try to pass the cable to yourself.
The microphone emerges from the passenger footwell and you may choose yourself where to attach it. Personally I just keep it hidden in the glovebox and take it out when needed
Step 6:
Push the head unit back in place and keep the Bluetooth connector and cables hidden. One of the radio keys was stuck when I tried to remove it. You can push the spring on the side of the unit to manually unlock the key.
Enjoy the hands free calling and fully integrated Bluetooth solution, even music skip or rewind buttons on the steering wheel should work.
Not everyone may have a compatible head unit. But swapping it for one that is compatible may still be a cheaper as paying someone to install Bluetooth. It is the best stock looking option with modern capabilities in my opinion!
I added some photos of my installation process.
Edit: removed list of compatible head units because it wasn't accurate.
