In every single car I've ever owned with steering wheel controls, I've had the ability to surf through my "preset" radio stations/satellite radio stations by pressing a program key. in my 2004 S500, is there a setting i need to change in order to surf just the preset channels?

There was a seting that allowed that, but it was removed, and only scanning works now. Might have been payola from the "inbetween" stations to get you to try them. Real reason is probably too many calls to ask how to change it.

Actually, if you are driving only in your "home area" scanning "presets" from the wheel is better. If you are driving away from your home area, scanning "next available station" is the better way to do it. Maybe in Europe the stations dont have strong signals, so scanning "Next receiveable" station was MBs solution.

..but the cars here in the US should offer the choice.

Actually, if you are driving only in your "home area" scanning "presets" from the wheel is better. If you are driving away from your home area, scanning "next available station" is the better way to do it. Maybe in Europe the stations dont have strong signals, so scanning "Next receiveable" station was MBs solution.

..but the cars here in the US should offer the choice... either way, Sirius is the supreme answer.

i just installed Sirius. But is there a way to scan your presets without actually pressing a button on the COMMAND system. ie from the steering wheel? It makes me flip through all of the stations for that particular "style" of music. I know, being lazy, but what the heck. If the car has the functionality, why not use it

No way to jump from preset to preset. Current head units won't roll that way.