Hi

I was about to order a 2006 CLK500 Cabriolet with the following options

Navigation system
Hands-free communication system
Multi-contour seats
Lighting
Parktronic
Active ventilated front seats with heat

I met a man in his late 50’s who said most of the passengers in his 500CLK complained about the ventilated seats as giving an uncomfortable sensation, so he turned it off. As a result I eliminated this feature. Now I’m told that the Multi-contour seat only comes as a package with the “Active Ventilated seats & is called the Comfort package. Would anyone want to comment on the ventilated seats with the heating feature? Are there any after market substitutions that would work as well as the contour seats?

I was also told that the Parktronic feature has been eliminated and thats ok with me.

However I was told that if I get the Navigation system I have to get the Premium package that comes with:

(819) - 6 Disc CD changer
(810) – Harmon/Kardon LOGIC Surround Sound
(875) - Heated Windshield Washer System

This last item was standard on the 2004’s or 05’s and it wouldn’t seem like I need it. I live in the south & will move to another city in the south. Nor do I need the other two features in the Premium package. Does Mercedes do this a lot? Does it have anything to do with keeping the base price down but then requiring a $1200 option? The same kind of thing is done in the Comfort package above.

I'm going to cry. Only kidding, but I would appreciate any comments.

I might add that I wanted the 500CLK because of its passing ability when on highways. That seemed to be a good safety feature. Does anyone have a feel for how good the passing ability will be on the 2006 350CLK?

Thanks again.

 

If you're getting an '06 500, you may want to get an '05 at a seal of a price, and then you wouldn't the issue with what was standard in 05, but not standard in 06. Besides the minor facelift, these isn't much of a change in the 500.

 

I have the ventilated seats on my car and while I wouldn't say they are hugely effective, they don't cause any uncomfortable sensation - well not that I've noticed anyway.

 

I have ventilated seats as well. They don't do much, but there certainly isn't any unpleasant sensation.

 

I've just had my tour at Bremen and found that yes, Parktronic is still being fitted to the 2006 Model for all vehicles that are destined for the USA. So I don't know who told you otherwise.

 

I put in an order for the CLK 350 and requested Parktronic but was told it wasn't available. It seems silly that to get Dimming Mirrors, garage controls you have order them as a packaged option.