1st Post - Advice on Enhancing Base E320
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4
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From: Los Altos, CA
2005 E320
1st Post - Advice on Enhancing Base E320
Long time lurker; first time poster here.
My wife and I are proud owners of a 2005 E320. The only upgrades that came with the vehicle were hotseats, side / rear sunshade and the 6 disc changer. I really do enjoy the car, but I have this gnawing feeling that I'm not getting the most out of what was a fairly substantial investment.
So to that end, I'm trying to figure out how to enhance my E320 with some after market upgrades and enhancements. I'd also like to add a few touches to add a little sportiness to what is clearly an elegant vehicle. I have listed my thoughts below and would love to hear any comments / guidance on these thoughts. Any other add ons would be appreciated too.
* Window tint: I'm thinking of a 35% tint on the rear and side windows. With the ash interior, will 35% be good enough? I don't want the car to look too pimped out. Any recommendations for tinting in the San Jose area?
* Navigation: Do I need to purchase the navigation install through the dealer, or can I go outside the dealer network? If so, any recommendations for someone in the San Jose area?
* Hands free phone: I have a Treo 650. I've searched the forums to see what my options are for either hands free or (ideally) bluetooth integration. Is it possible to integrate the Treo via bluetooth the e320? If so, who can I see about this?
* Any other cosmetic / performance suggestions?
Thanks in advance for your input. You guys (and gals) clearly know MB very well and I value your perspective on this!! Ciao.
My wife and I are proud owners of a 2005 E320. The only upgrades that came with the vehicle were hotseats, side / rear sunshade and the 6 disc changer. I really do enjoy the car, but I have this gnawing feeling that I'm not getting the most out of what was a fairly substantial investment.
So to that end, I'm trying to figure out how to enhance my E320 with some after market upgrades and enhancements. I'd also like to add a few touches to add a little sportiness to what is clearly an elegant vehicle. I have listed my thoughts below and would love to hear any comments / guidance on these thoughts. Any other add ons would be appreciated too.
* Window tint: I'm thinking of a 35% tint on the rear and side windows. With the ash interior, will 35% be good enough? I don't want the car to look too pimped out. Any recommendations for tinting in the San Jose area?
* Navigation: Do I need to purchase the navigation install through the dealer, or can I go outside the dealer network? If so, any recommendations for someone in the San Jose area?
* Hands free phone: I have a Treo 650. I've searched the forums to see what my options are for either hands free or (ideally) bluetooth integration. Is it possible to integrate the Treo via bluetooth the e320? If so, who can I see about this?
* Any other cosmetic / performance suggestions?
Thanks in advance for your input. You guys (and gals) clearly know MB very well and I value your perspective on this!! Ciao.
Last edited by SouthBayMB; Mar 9, 2005 at 03:54 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
put on some 03 E500 wheels or appearance pkg wheels. Also if you don't want it to be "pimped" out go with 50% or 35%. Another thing you should look at is getting Bi-xenon headlights from MBenzNL (user on this forum) or scorchie (he is in the bay area). MBenzNL also does navigation installs on the E-class... I would go this route rather than the dealer or aftermarket (he uses original mercedes parts). Good luck with the Treo phone, I do not think integration is possible with this phone.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 491
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From: Irvine, CA, USA
Tesla
If you want to save a few bucks, the nav can be installed very easily.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/100143-oem-navigation-retrofit-w-pics.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/100143-oem-navigation-retrofit-w-pics.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 4
From: Las Vegas, NV USA / London, UK
GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Originally Posted by steph280
If you want to save a few bucks, the nav can be installed very easily.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=100143
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=100143
If you're out of warranty, no problems then.
-s-
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 491
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From: Irvine, CA, USA
Tesla
Scorchie,
No disrepect to you, but what makes you think it's the wrong part? The part number was obtained from a Star Bulletin similar to this one, except for 2005 model. And I had it verified by parts dept of local MB dealer. These star bulletins are the exact documents used by dealers to install the nav. Are you sure you're not looking at a 2004?
No disrepect to you, but what makes you think it's the wrong part? The part number was obtained from a Star Bulletin similar to this one, except for 2005 model. And I had it verified by parts dept of local MB dealer. These star bulletins are the exact documents used by dealers to install the nav. Are you sure you're not looking at a 2004?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
I can give you a vote for Steve (MBenzNL). Much cheaper than the dealer, and just as knowledgable if not more. He did my Euro COMAND install, as well as wood wheel and euro bumper strips.
Tint - I have 35%. Personally, I wish I went with 20%. Don't waste your time wth 50%. You would probably be happy with 35% - its not too dark, you can see in most all the time. Sometimes, It looks very light. I'd go with 20% maybe in the back window.
Not much choice for BlueTooth - Steve is a good source. I think there may be a kit, but the intergration and phone choices are limited.
Tint - I have 35%. Personally, I wish I went with 20%. Don't waste your time wth 50%. You would probably be happy with 35% - its not too dark, you can see in most all the time. Sometimes, It looks very light. I'd go with 20% maybe in the back window.
Not much choice for BlueTooth - Steve is a good source. I think there may be a kit, but the intergration and phone choices are limited.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Originally Posted by Brav
I can give you a vote for Steve (MBenzNL). Much cheaper than the dealer, and just as knowledgable if not more. He did my Euro COMAND install, as well as wood wheel and euro bumper strips.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/99111-steve-mbenznl-march-2005-trip.html
Scorchie knows more about M-Bs than, I would say, everyone else in this forum combined, but I don't know that he's in the retrofit business.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 4
From: Las Vegas, NV USA / London, UK
GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Originally Posted by steph280
Scorchie,
No disrepect to you, but what makes you think it's the wrong part? The part number was obtained from a Star Bulletin similar to this one, except for 2005 model. And I had it verified by parts dept of local MB dealer. These star bulletins are the exact documents used by dealers to install the nav. Are you sure you're not looking at a 2004?
No disrepect to you, but what makes you think it's the wrong part? The part number was obtained from a Star Bulletin similar to this one, except for 2005 model. And I had it verified by parts dept of local MB dealer. These star bulletins are the exact documents used by dealers to install the nav. Are you sure you're not looking at a 2004?
-s-
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,559
Likes: 4
From: Las Vegas, NV USA / London, UK
GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Originally Posted by DWP
Scorchie knows more about M-Bs than, I would say, everyone else in this forum combined, but I don't know that he's in the retrofit business.
-s-
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: bay area
pinto
Steve and Scorchie are your best source for any upgrades you do to your car. Wonder if they are related? Because they sure know a lot more than most MB dealers sales or service in the Bay Area. Oh, if you need to upgrade to appreance package, contact me. i got the body kit and the wheels if you want. 
