Integrated Phone option (C55)
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Integrated Phone option (C55)
Wife and I were thinking of getting new phones with Verizon "new every two" plan. I can get a camera phone at no extra cost if I sign a two-year agreement. Is the C55 phone option worth it? Are there MB phones I could use with Verizon service in New England and what do they cost? Even if I decide not to get the MB-compatible handset, is it worth getting the option for resale? Also, anybody know about Bluetooth for the C55?
Rgds,
Norm
Rgds,
Norm
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You can use every MB phone with verizon wireless. The phones are about $700, plus you have about $700 into the cradle. No phone can match the integration of the mercedes phone system. It is so much easier, less distracting, and overall superior to talk in traffic on the hands free. The microphone is built in and the stereo plays the other end of the connection. I have had it in every car since 1998.
The complaint I always had was that phone technology changes faster than car technology, so the phone was always outdated before the car was with no upgradeability that was factory supported.
They have sort of fixed that now by offering a MB "universal" cradle, which means universally adaptable to only MB phones. Still, you get a choice now, and that is a hell of a lot better than what it used to be like.
The complaint I always had was that phone technology changes faster than car technology, so the phone was always outdated before the car was with no upgradeability that was factory supported.
They have sort of fixed that now by offering a MB "universal" cradle, which means universally adaptable to only MB phones. Still, you get a choice now, and that is a hell of a lot better than what it used to be like.
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No bluetooth. I got the cradle with no phone for two reasons. One, I do think it will matter with resale now that you can get a current technology phone rather than buy preowned with a dinosaur phone. Two, they might get a contract for a really cool phone like the Motorola Razr or the Motorola MPX (pda and cell phone but actually the size of a cell phone with dual hinges).
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
If I want the phone capability, do I have to buy the option from the factory (order it with the car) or is it also a dealer-installed option? If it can be dealer-installed:
- is it exactly the same as factory-installed option?
- is the price much different?
- how invasive is the install procedure?
Rgds,
Norm
- is it exactly the same as factory-installed option?
- is the price much different?
- how invasive is the install procedure?
Rgds,
Norm
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No dealer installs. MB has totally removed the dealer from the accessory install process. You buy the phone and the cradle from the dealer now, but not the cabling or the install. The same goes for cd changers. The 05 C-class will not accept a mercedes cd changer installed by the dealer.
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Originally Posted by rguy
No dealer installs. MB has totally removed the dealer from the accessory install process.
UPDATE:
On the MBUSA website for "Build Your Own" it says:
2005 Accessories
Hands-Free Communication System (compatible portable phones sold separately)
Price = $1595.
So, are you saying this is something they pulled and it is NOT available?
Rgds,
Norm
Last edited by noka; Nov 22, 2004 at 06:59 PM.
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Dealer informed me they can indeed install phone kit (and CD changer). The initial thinking by MB was that they would remove this ability (to better control warranty expenses through factory install?) but later retracted that due to dealer complaints. Imagine the dealer having to swap a car because with another because it didn't have a CD changer that the customer wanted. Anyway, that's what they told me.
Rgds,
Norm
Rgds,
Norm
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From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
I cannot answer your question, but my experience is:-
My ex-W210 was with integrated phone.
My C55 does not have built in phone.
I just hate to wear headset and not be able to concentrate with driving when dialling with mobile phone regardless bluetooth or not.
It is not about technology all that matter , it is the 'additonal luxury' and convenience counts. Worth it or not ?
My ex-W210 was with integrated phone.
My C55 does not have built in phone.
I just hate to wear headset and not be able to concentrate with driving when dialling with mobile phone regardless bluetooth or not.
It is not about technology all that matter , it is the 'additonal luxury' and convenience counts. Worth it or not ?
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Thread Starter
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
I think you are correct. That's why I wanted to confirm that it could be dealer-installed. So you may be happy to know that it can (at least according to my delaer). So perhaps you can buy the convenience again!
Rgds,
Norm
Rgds,
Norm
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From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Originally Posted by noka
I think you are correct. That's why I wanted to confirm that it could be dealer-installed. So you may be happy to know that it can (at least according to my delaer). So perhaps you can buy the convenience again!
Rgds,
Norm
Rgds,
Norm
Never like my W210 that I can show off my luxury hand-free to my passengers. Well, get the deasler reinstall within one year means I still have to pay the high tax , which would be total amount US4000 here. If I do it one year later, that would be less 'justified' as the car is aged.So anyone here , think twice before you give up the handfree.
It is not technology , it is usuability and your face value.
That's why we are crazy about the MB name.
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So what you are saying is that you are looking to pay double for your phone install? If they have changed their policy, a classic mercedes hallmark, then it would reverse their idiotic move to cut costs that is really more mental masturbation than actual benefits.
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Originally Posted by rguy
So ... you are looking to pay double for your phone install?
Rgds,
Norm
