Best in car FM Adaptor for use in the UK?

[gregd]

Hi Folks

I'm about to get an IPOD when I'm in the States and wondered from UK users who can tell me which FM units they have had good/bad experiences with? An FM adaptor is the only way for me to connect to my new car (2004 E Class Merc, CD Player only with Ipod unfriendly fibre-optic wiring). The Monster Icarplay looks a nice bit of kit but only tunes from 88 to 89 on FM. Am I better off with an Itrip and seperate car charger? Is anyone successfully using an FM adapter with the W211 Merc e class?

On a related note, I think I'll buy the 15GB for $299. Can I just buy the optional USB cable to connect to my (non-firewire) laptop, or does this only plug into the docking station on the latest 15GB model?

[gregd]

Anyone? Someone must be breaking the law out there?

[gregh]

I just an iPod and iTrip last week and tried it out in a CLK class from Germany to the UK, had to retune around 3 times, but the sound quality was fine.

[gregd]

Thanks Greg. My Folks are bringing me an Ipod back from the US this weekend plus the new Belkin Charger / FM Modulator. I'll let you know how it performs. I nearly went for the Itrip as it looks a lot neater. Sounds promising that it works in a CLK ..were you bringing it back from the Factory? I've got a new E Class Estate due in a couple of weeks (same lack of aux input / tape player issue as you I guess).

Out of interest, are you the same gregh who uses Scoobynet?

If so, it sounds like we've got a bit in common - name, Ipods, Scoobys, Mercs...spooky!

[gregh]

were you bringing it back from the Factory?

>> yup from Bremen

Out of interest, are you the same gregh who uses Scoobynet?

>> yup :D

regards,

greg

[gregd]

Small world, eh! How have you found the Merc so far? Mine should have been ready 1st March but my build slot got bumped back. I wanted to do the factory collection thing too (from Sindelfingen for the E I think) but we've just had baby number 2 so I'd have been in the doghouse if I swanned off on a jolly to Germany!

Looking forward to getting my Ipod from the US this weekend (20GB off Amazon.com). Will be interesting to see how the Belkin car kit stuff performs (when used outside of the UK of course :D )

I recognised your username from Scoobynet as there's not that many Greg's on there. Think you're a consoles fan like me too from what I can remember.. Not been on Scoobynet that much recently, seems to be quieter than a while ago. Have you checked out the Merc forums yet?

[gregh]

Hi Greg,

The merc is my wife's. got a puncture on sat just outside the ferry in Rotterdam, shredded the tyre, and having trouble finding a same tyre, so car is in the garage getting PDI'd and getting APS installed, she should get it back Thursday, so she hasn't driven it since getting it home!

The trip is well worth it, you get to see the robots doing their stuff, around a 2 hour tour in Bremen.

We left the kids with Grandma and both went :) Merc pay for one of you, inc flight, hotel, DB+B and ferry.

Got my iPod via amazon.com when I was in the US. Consoles, not really, just got a PS2 when it first came out that ain't been used much!!

Currently into skiing, kiting, iPAQS, P800 and iPods.

checked out one merc forum here:

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums


cheers,

greg

[gregh]

in fact, check this out!!!

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=5793

[ipodkev]

everythingipod are currently selling the itrip with a free in car charger.

[Pandiebeer]

I got the Belkin tuner for use in the US since I live here but it works great. Actually my boyfriend uses it in his truck and hasn't had any complaints. He pretty much drives everywhere in Las Vegas and surrounding areas. The only problem the sales guy in the store told us we might have is if you go near BIG power line things because it causes interference.

[gregd]

Yep, I've been on the mbclub forums too. Doesn't seem anywhere near as busy as Scoobynet though. Maybe that's just the slightly more "mature" nature of Merc owners! Good luck with getting your wife's car back on the road quickly. I'm pootling around in my wife's Clio at the moment until the Merc arrives. I'm missing my Scooby..may have to trade the Clio in for something more fun soon.. well, when I can afford it anyway!

Must admit, my PS2 hasn't had much use since we've had kids. Not been skiing for a bit either but have booked early for Christmas / New Year this year, when my oldest should be just about big enough to give it a go.

That in car solution on the Merc looks pretty good. The lack of an aux input on the 211 E Class (without Comand..wish I'd had that!) scuppers me. Belkin kit sounds promising though...