Are you looking for a sleek and functional phone mount for your Mercedes-Benz without breaking the bank? Many aftermarket phone mounts can be bulky, unsightly, or simply don’t integrate well with the luxurious interior of your vehicle. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, here’s a simple and cost-effective solution to create your own Mercedes Phone Mount using readily available parts and a touch of ingenuity. This guide will walk you through each step to craft a custom phone mount that looks almost factory-made and keeps your phone secure and accessible.
Materials You’ll Need
Before we begin, gather these inexpensive items. Purchasing two sets of the eBay items is recommended for practice or in case of any mishaps during the DIY process.
- Mercedes Key Fob Stickers (Set of 2, 14mm): These stickers add a touch of OEM aesthetics to your mount. You can find them on eBay for around $5-6. (Set of 2 Mercedes New Key Fob Remote Self Adhesive Stickers 14 Mm | eBay)
- Magnetic CD Slot Phone Mount: A budget-friendly magnetic phone mount that inserts into your car’s CD slot. These are widely available on eBay and Amazon for around $6-7. (Car CD Slot Mount Mobile Phone Magnetic Holder for iPhone 6 5 Samsung Handsfree | eBay)
- Tools & Supplies from Your Garage:
- Dremel tool with an emery cut-off wheel (or similar cutting tool)
- Strong double-sided tape (like 3M, even a 5lb strength is sufficient)
- Plastic cards (expired gift cards, credit cards, or similar) for shims
- Optional: Drill press (or a stable surface for controlled drilling) with a 3/4″ drill bit – See important note below
Step-by-Step Guide to Your DIY Mercedes Phone Mount
Follow these steps to assemble your custom Mercedes phone mount:
Step 1: Modify the CD Slot Mount
The CD slot mount typically uses a screw to expand and create friction within the CD slot. We’ll modify this for a simpler, shim-based system.
- Take the CD slot mount and identify the nut and housing for the bottom adjustment screw. This screw usually raises a middle lip to secure the mount in the CD slot.
- Using your Dremel tool with the emery cut-off wheel, carefully saw off the nut and the surrounding nut housing. The goal is to remove the screw mechanism entirely, leaving a clean surface. Be cautious and wear safety glasses during this step.
Step 2: Create Friction Shims
Instead of the screw, we’ll use plastic card shims to create a snug fit in your Mercedes’ CD slot.
- Take an old gift card or a similar plastic card.
- Cut the card into strips. Start with three strips as a test.
- Slide these plastic card strips between the top and bottom lips of the CD slot mount. These strips will act as shims, increasing the thickness of the mount.
- Trim any excess card material extending beyond the edges of the mount for a cleaner look.
Step 3: Test the Fit in Your CD Slot
Now, test the modified mount in your Mercedes’ CD slot to ensure a secure friction fit.
- Carefully insert the CD slot mount into your Mercedes’ CD slot.
- Check for tightness. If the mount is loose, add more plastic card shims (cut more strips and insert them). If it’s too tight, remove a shim.
- The aim is to achieve a snug fit that holds the mount firmly in place without being overly difficult to insert or remove. In many cases, three pieces of a gift card should provide sufficient friction.
Step 4: Prepare the Magnetic Head and Add the Mercedes Emblem
With the mount fitting securely, it’s time to prepare the magnetic head and add the Mercedes emblem sticker.
- Remove the CD slot mount from your car.
- Locate the plastic collar at the back of the magnetic head where it connects to the neck of the mount. Unscrew this collar to detach the magnetic head from the neck.
- Take one of the Mercedes-Benz key fob stickers.
- Using the double-sided 3M tape, carefully adhere the Mercedes-Benz sticker to the center of the magnetic head. Press firmly to ensure it’s securely attached.
Step 5: Assemble and Mount in Your Mercedes
The final step is to reassemble the mount and install it in your car.
- Reattach the magnetic head, now adorned with the Mercedes sticker, to the neck of the CD slot mount by screwing the plastic collar back on.
- Insert the completed Mercedes phone mount into your car’s CD slot. Ensure it’s firmly seated and stable.
- Attach the metal plate (usually included with the magnetic phone mount) to the back of your phone or phone case. Now you can easily mount your phone to your new DIY Mercedes phone mount!
Important Considerations: Phone Case Compatibility
IMPORTANT: If you choose to use the Mercedes-Benz key fob sticker, be aware of its thickness due to the aluminum construction. Depending on your phone case, the added thickness of the sticker on the magnetic head might require you to create a small clearance hole in your phone case where the metal plate sits. This is to ensure the metal plate sits flush against the magnetic head for optimal holding power. You’ll be able to assess if this is needed once you see the thickness of the sticker and test it with your phone and case. The metal plate is typically placed between your phone and the phone case.
Example of Mercedes key fob sticker application on a magnetic mount.
Disassembled view of a CD slot magnetic phone mount showing key components.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a custom Mercedes phone mount that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This DIY project offers a budget-friendly alternative to expensive branded mounts, allows for a personalized touch with the Mercedes emblem, and provides a secure and convenient way to keep your phone accessible while driving. Enjoy the ease and satisfaction of your homemade Mercedes phone mount!
