If you just purchased a classic Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170), or SLK-Class (R171) you may be wondering how to pair your mobile phone to the car’s outdated stereo system. Fortunately, the process is relatively simple and straightforward, and can be completed in just a few minutes with Mercedes-Benz SLK Bluetooth Adapter.
The SLK has a complex speaker system and layout. It requires a robust head unit -or- head unit + amp combo that has a strong mosfet amplifier section that can handle a decent ohm load, a clean preamp / DSP section, and enough speaker tuning controls to Upgrade Mercedes Benz SLK speakers sound good.
Upgrade Mercedes-Benz SLK Bluetooth Adapter
The first generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, also known as the R170 model, was introduced in 1996 and remained in production until 2004. During this time, Bluetooth connectivity was not yet a standard feature in vehicles, which is why the R170 SLK models did not come with this capability from the factory. Additionally, the SLK’s sound system was designed to use an optical system called D2B, which was later replaced by the MOST Bus system. This means that replacing the stock radio on an R170 SLK model with a new aftermarket one is not a straightforward process. In fact, it can be quite difficult and expensive due to the complex wiring and communication protocols used by these optical systems. Furthermore, the SLK’s dashboard is not easily customizable and replacing the original radio with a new aftermarket unit can ruin the car’s classic look and reduce its resale value.
Bluetooth to Mercedes Benz Stock Radio
However, there is a solution to this problem: the Gizmo Guy Gadget Bluetooth Adapter. This device allows for modern smartphone connectivity and streaming music without the need for replacing the car’s original head unit. The adapter for Mercedes Benz Radio Bluetooth Upgrade is easy to install and provides hands-free calling and GPS navigation integration, all while maintaining the car’s original design and value.
Despite being almost two decades old, many SLK-Class owners still want to enjoy the latest technology and connectivity features. One such feature is Bluetooth integration, which allows you to pair your mobile phone with the car’s audio system for hands-free calling and wireless music streaming.
Bluetooth Adapter for Mercedes Benz SLK
If you want to upgrade your SLK-Class (R171), consider using the Gizmo Guy Gadget Bluetooth Adapter. This device can be easily connected to your car’s existing sound system and provides wireless Bluetooth streaming of music, hands-free calling, and GPS navigation integration. The Gizmo Guy Gadget Bluetooth Adapter is a simple and cost-effective way to add modern features to your classic car while preserving its original design and look.
Smartphone Integration to MBZ OEM Radio
First, make sure your mobile phone is compatible with the car’s Bluetooth system. Mercedes-Benz uses the Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for its mobile phone integration, so your phone should support this standard in order to pair with the car. You can check your phone’s manual or specifications to see if it supports the HFP profile.
Once you have confirmed that your phone is compatible, you can begin the pairing process. To do this, turn on the car’s ignition and activate the Bluetooth function on your phone. Then, navigate to the Bluetooth menu on the car’s COMAND infotainment system. This can typically be found by pressing the “TEL” or “PHONE” button on the center console.
How to pair Bluetooth to SLK Radio
From the Bluetooth menu, select “Pair Device” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process. This may involve entering a PIN or other code on your phone, as well as confirming the pairing on the car’s screen.
Once the pairing is complete, you should be able to make and receive calls through the car’s audio system using your mobile phone. You can also stream music from your phone through the car’s sound system, provided your phone supports Bluetooth audio streaming.
If you experience any issues with the pairing process, make sure your phone is within range of the car’s Bluetooth system and that both devices are properly configured. You can also consult the car’s manual or contact a Mercedes-Benz dealership or service center for further assistance.
The Best Mercedes-Benz SLK Bluetooth Adapter
To Upgrade Mercedes Benz SLK for Bluetooth music streaming. If you have the MMI. Which you do not have as it is only available on facelift Mercedes Benz SLK First generation (R170; 1995–2004). But I was assuming that you found a cable in your glovebox. But now If you don’t. You got a Second generation Mercedes Benz SLK (R171; 2003–2010). In that case forget about the AUX. Buy Gizmo Guy Gadget VIP Bluetooth Adapter instead. You should have an AUX minijack in the glovebox if you have a Comand HU
If you want to enhance the audio system of your 2008 Benz SLK Bluetooth Adapter, consider using the Gizmo Guy Gadget Bluetooth Adapter. This SLK Bluetooth adapter can be easily connected to your car’s existing sound system and provides wireless Bluetooth streaming of music, hands-free calling, and GPS navigation integration, allowing you to enjoy the latest features while preserving the original design and look of your classic car.
How to Connect Your Phone to Mercedes SLK Factory Radio
- Enable Bluetooth on Your Phone:
- Make sure Bluetooth is activated on your mobile phone.
- Pair Bluetooth Settings to Gizmo Guy Gadget:
- Navigate to the Bluetooth settings menu on your iOS or Android smartphone.
- Start Pairing Process: Begin the pairing process on your phone to the Gizmo Guy Gadget Bluetooth Adapter.
- Select and Confirm Pairing: When your car’s system appears on your phone, select it and confirm the pairing request.
- Search for Available Devices: Have your phone search for available Bluetooth devices.
Final Thoughts:
Upgrade Mercedes Benz SLK with the Gizmo Guy Gadget Bluetooth Adapter instead of the replacement head unit. It has a sleek minimalist design, NAV, CarPlay, Android Auto, very good phone system, color matching for the dash lighting, and has negative tilt for the screen, so it can be tilted perfectly horizontal in the dash to eliminate glare. Gizmo Guy Gadget has the best sound quality of all the aftermarket head units if you will not use an outboard amplifier. The internal amplification and A/D conversion chips, are top notch, and all of the DNX units crank the sound. The internal DSP settings, crossovers, sound fields, EQ, are the bet on the market and give you the best sound in any car type.
The result after upgrade? A major improvement in sound quality- and retains the stock speakers. Not a little improvement, a lot- like 200% better. The stock speakers actually sound quite good with a clean, high quality audio source (ipod, pandora,) and decent amplification. I think you’ll be quite impressed as it is, seriously, a dramatic night / day improvement. IMHO, no need to replace speakers unless you just want to or will be entering a sound-off competition (heh). Plus, now I have current modern conveniences such as proper NAV, phone integration and full display / use of iPhone or Android.
The Gizmo Guy Gadget VIP Bluetooth Adapter is 100% top notch and 100% OEM match in fit and finish. It has the rubberized OEM coating like the rest of the OE dash pieces. Yes it is $150, but, it is worth it. it is very sturdy and allows you to set the depth of the head unit so it sits nice and flush instead of sticking out like a clown nose. it comes with a new metal sleeve and new bezel that fits standard double DIN head units, and all hardware. and it is very easy to assemble and use. plus it is rock solid. The regular plastic $40-$50 dash kits from Metra etc are only black ABS plastic and do not look right when installed.
Mercedes-Benz SLK Bluetooth Adapter Install Tips
Where to install the GPS antenna and Microphone:
Let’s keep everything hidden and stock looking, but, keep things easy too! Suggestion! Disconnect and remove the lame center dash speaker. This center speaker will do nothing for you except sound horrible and consume amplifier power needlessly. Be sure to at least unplug it when using an aftermarket head unit. The other speakers will still work fine if it is left unplugged, no worries. It is easy to access this speaker when removing the factory head unit. You’ll need to remove the center speaker in order to accommodate the below install suggestions for the gps antenna and BT mic.
The aftermarket NAV antenna will go under the dash forward of the center speaker, after you have removed the center speaker look to12:01 position from you ,looking at the dash, in a recess just forward of the center dash speaker and just under the skin of the dash board. Once you have the center dash pod out and have removed the center speaker, it is very obvious where to put the NAV antenna. It will receive signal just fine under the plastic dash material. but, you do not want a magnetic speaker in close proximity so please remove that dumb speaker
Upgrade Mercedes Benz SLK with aftermarket microphone will go under the center dash pod, just under the speaker grill opening. Now that you have removed the center speaker lets use that location for stealth install of the aftermarket head unit mic. holding the speaker pod upside down, you’ll see the speaker grill opening. adhere the aftermarket mic to the plastic of the pod so the mic is pointing straight up at the speaker grill opening. this will ensure it gets good reception from your voice. The Kenwood mic comes with a nice mounting base for the mic and double stick tape. It fits perfectly under there, and I used a drop of hot glue to ensure the mic base does not come off. Easy wire run to the head unit.
For the Benz SLK Bluetooth Adapter is very self explanatory once you have the dash speaker pod removed. nothing special in regards to mounting. these are perfect locations and make the overall install a slam dunk easy process.
*note that removing the auto shift handle requires you to turn a plastic bezel to the left, then pull the handle straight up. the bezel is under the leather boot cover at the base of the shift handle. pop the silver plastic shift base up (forward edge first) that houses the drive indicator, pull it up over the shift handle and you’ll see the black plastic bezel. turn that left a 1/4 turn then pull the handle up. install is the reverse process.