Why can't my Mercedes connect to the phone via Bluetooth?
2 Answers
Mercedes may fail to connect to the phone via Bluetooth due to reasons such as Bluetooth invisibility, excessive distance, changed Bluetooth name, or hardware issues. Bluetooth invisibility: If either the car's Bluetooth or the phone's Bluetooth is in an invisible state, neither device can scan for the other, making pairing and connection impossible. Excessive distance: Bluetooth transmission has a limited range. When the phone and car Bluetooth are too far apart, the Bluetooth device might not be detected. Even if detected, the excessive distance can negatively impact the connection. Changed Bluetooth name: If the Bluetooth name has been changed, devices saved under the old name won't connect. However, the new Bluetooth device name can still be found in other Bluetooth device searches. Hardware issues: Although less likely, if none of the above issues apply, hardware problems cannot be ruled out.
When I drove a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Bluetooth frequently failed to connect to my phone. Initially, I thought it was a phone issue, but the problem persisted even after switching phones. Later, I asked in the owner's group, and many mentioned that the Mercedes Bluetooth module is prone to overheating and lagging, especially during summer when the car interior gets hot. The solution is to park the car, completely reboot the infotainment system by holding the center console power button for over 10 seconds until the screen turns off, then restart it. After rebooting, clear the paired device list, turn off and restart the phone's Bluetooth, then re-pair step by step. Additionally, delayed software updates are a common issue with Mercedes—for example, after a new iPhone system release, the Mercedes app might become incompatible and disconnect. So, regularly checking for OTA updates for the car's system is crucial. If problems persist frequently, it might indicate a hardware failure, such as a loose antenna or aging connectors, in which case a visit to the dealership for inspection is necessary. After all, Mercedes repairs may be costly, but they ensure safety.
