E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Hi, new to this forum.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Apr 13, 2005 | 12:55 AM
  #1  
Ggirl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Irvine,CA/ Las Vegas, NV
2005 E500, 1987 560SL
Hi, new to this forum.

I just got my E500 about 2 weeks ago. I have been in this forum quite a bit in the last week or so. I have been trying to find out what is going on with my NAV/comand. This has happened to me twice in the last 2 days, I will be driving and the whole comand system just shuts off and then 30 secs later turns itself back on. Has this happened to anyone yet? I am a little concerned since I haven't even paid the first payment yet and the car is acting up. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2005 | 01:05 AM
  #2  
DWP's Avatar
DWP
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
The audio system on my '03 (no nav, no COMAND) did just what you describe when we first got it. Lots of other drivers of '03 models reported variations on the problem of the audio system shutting down and restarting or "rebooting." The problem was fixed under warranty by a software upgrade (in our case) or replacement of the "audio gateway", whatever that may be, in other cases. I haven't heard of the problem on later models, or extending beyond the audio system to the nav as well, so your symptoms may or may not be related to the problem with '03 models.

For what it's worth, the "rebooting" problem is the only problem of any significance that we've experienced in 19 months of ownership of our E500 - and of course it was hardly a disabling problem.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2005 | 01:25 AM
  #3  
Ggirl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Irvine,CA/ Las Vegas, NV
2005 E500, 1987 560SL
Thanks for your input. I noticed when it happened that my NAV AND the SAT radio was on too. I was concerned that it had something to do with the SAT radio. Well, I will drop it off at the dealership for that software upgrade this week and see what happens. I hope that is all it will be. Besides that, I absolutely LOVE my car!!!!
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2005 | 03:55 AM
  #4  
U2fast4me's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
1 of my uncle also has an E500 and his wife once almost went "white" like she just saw ghost or something... or maybe she did.
It was a rainy night in the middle of no where, her CD+radio certaintly went crazy... like someone else in the car trying to tune to their fav. station. She was so panic and tried to shut it off but it didn't, perhalps it changed to diff stations/disks.... she later called my uncle up and curse him out for getting the E500. Funny but true story.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2005 | 12:49 PM
  #5  
steph280's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, CA, USA
Tesla
Welcome Ggirl. another fellow Irvine resident.

Haven't experienced that shutoff issue yet (knock on wood) but then I don't have SAT radio. Hope the dealer will take care of it. FletcherJones?
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2005 | 12:56 PM
  #6  
Brav's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
I had the same exact problem in first few months of ownership. It is a known problem, which should have long been fixed.. I'm surprised (maybe not..) that it hasn't been resolved at the assembly line.

Anyway, your Gateway as they call it is overheating. They'll pull it all apart and replace the whole thing. There is a service bulletin on it.

I beleive Fletcher did the work on mine, maybe have been H of I. Either way, once replaced, no issues. I also had the COMAND replaced due to the map/nav placing me somewhere in the Pacific Ocean on a return trip from Arizona..

Congrats on the car - you will enjoy it despite the scattered annoyances.

What options did you get?? Pano?

And yes, another Irvine resident

Last edited by Brav; Apr 13, 2005 at 12:59 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2005 | 03:11 PM
  #7  
Double Eagle's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: San Clemente, CA
2003 E-500
I had a similar problem with my Nav Replacement vehicle delivered in Aug 2003. They took four days to find the real problem which was a faulty COMAND unit and not the Audio Gateway. That is the console display with all the buttons and it caused everything (NAV, Radio, CD) to go dead when it failed. Haven't had any problems after the repair in past 18 months and car has been in very hot and very cold climates.

Mine was bought from and repaired at MB of Laguna Niguel, and I've been happy with their service.

Let us know what the fix was and enjoy your new E
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2005 | 04:15 PM
  #8  
Ggirl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Irvine,CA/ Las Vegas, NV
2005 E500, 1987 560SL
So, when I take the car in to Fletcher Jones, should I make sure they check to see if the actual comand unit is faulty also? Not just the software upgrade problem (audio gateway)? I am hoping to fix this all in one shot so I do not have to bring it back. Will let you know what happens.



My car is black with ash interior,premium pkg, appearance pkg, wood/leather steering wheel(bird's eye maple) and SAT radio.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 13, 2005 | 04:37 PM
  #9  
Brav's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
Originally Posted by Ggirl
So, when I take the car in to Fletcher Jones, should I make sure they check to see if the actual comand unit is faulty also? Not just the software upgrade problem (audio gateway)? I am hoping to fix this all in one shot so I do not have to bring it back. Will let you know what happens.



My car is black with ash interior,premium pkg, appearance pkg, wood/leather steering wheel(bird's eye maple) and SAT radio.
They should be pretty fluent with the problems of the gateway/COMAND. They service a lot of cars. Just make sure you tell your SA to check both. 90% sure its your gateway overheating (bad chip of some sort).

Ash interior looks really nice with the black birdseye, good combo. And that wood wheel was hard to come by for a while (just in birdseye), luck that you got it. I had to retrofit after the fact. Makes a huge difference in the interior.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2005 | 06:52 PM
  #10  
Ggirl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Irvine,CA/ Las Vegas, NV
2005 E500, 1987 560SL
I took my car in today....we'll see what happens tomorrow.

Brav, I noticed you have 19 inch wheels on yours. Do you feel the road alot more? I had a C240 before this E500 and I lowered the car 1 1/2 inch and had 18's on it . It compromised my ride quite a bit. So, I swore that I was NEVER going to mess with the E500. But now, I look at the car and it seems like it is missing something...like wheels and it may be a bit too high. I love the ride when it is stock, however, I rather it look better. Any sugesstions?
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2005 | 01:52 AM
  #11  
Brav's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
Well I can tell you that if you lower this car, you will not lose ride quality. Pretty much zero. Going to 18's won't do much. Will depend more on the properties of the tires you select vs. stock conti's or hopefully, you have the michelins. 19's, you will start to feel the difference. I had 19's on my last M3 with super stiff suspension, so this seems a lot nicer. I would say I feel it a lot more, but not in a bad way. Its only a lot harsher over harsh terrain. Hard to explain. 80-90% of the time there is little difference, the other portion is worse.

For the difference in handling and appearance, its no contest. Lowering this car is cheap and easy, I'd do that at a min. You can always raise it back up with the push of a button. Looks much better, stance wise with 1-1.5" drop. Wheels will be subjective. I see so many E's around here, its like a German Camry, so it helps feel "different" as well. Just don't get cheesy looking chrome wheels, IMO.
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2005 | 02:04 PM
  #12  
clkcadet's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 0
From: NYC
S550
same problem in my clk its an 04 though is it the same problem that you guys are having?
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2005 | 02:29 PM
  #13  
Brav's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
I think you're asking if this is the same as your problem (you have 4 sentences in 1) --- How do we know?? We don't know what your prob is and this is a W211 forum, most people here probably aren't keeping tabs on other makes. Not to flame.. but it should be obvious - if you have a prob, take it in!
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2005 | 07:28 PM
  #14  
Ggirl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Irvine,CA/ Las Vegas, NV
2005 E500, 1987 560SL
Picked up my car today from Fletcher Jones. They did a software update on it. From the first minute I got in the car, the CD changer started acting up. It had alot of static going on. So, I got my service guy to look at it and he tells me I cannot play copied CDs in the changer. It completely confuses the system he says. Even if I play a normal CD with some copied CDs in the changer it's going to have static. Has anyone heard of this or is he BS-ing me?

Brav:
You are right about cheesy chrome wheels on a car. I am completely undecided which wheels I going to want. What do you think of Zaubers?

Last edited by Ggirl; Apr 14, 2005 at 07:31 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2005 | 07:35 PM
  #15  
Brav's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
That's BS. I have used burned CDs in mine since day one. Even burned DVD MP3 discs (I have euro navi). Now, there may be a problem with some types of CD blanks and software, but I have never had 1 problem.

Are these the one's you're thinking of?


They kinda look like Lorinser LM-5 knockoffs. Not familiar with the brand.

here is lorinser..


Either way, they are nice looking wheels, classy and sporty.
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2005 | 07:45 PM
  #16  
steph280's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, CA, USA
Tesla
Yeah that SA is BSing you (his name is not JP by any chance?). Like Brav I've also been playing mp3 on CDR without problems.

Most likely the static is from the AGW. There was a post about TSB on AGW grounding issues just posted today by someone. Search for it.
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2005 | 08:01 PM
  #17  
Ggirl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Irvine,CA/ Las Vegas, NV
2005 E500, 1987 560SL
Yeah, those are the Zaubers I like. (no chrome of course) Wow, it never occurred to me that they look like the Lorinsers LM5. I had Lorinser LM1s on my C240 so I am trying to get away from that brand of wheel and that whole "urban" look. Any other brand suggestions?


As far as the CD changer, I now have only normal CDs in the changer and they are fine. I guess I will wait til the static comes back (with the normal CDs in) and bring in to Fletcher again.
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2005 | 02:13 PM
  #18  
ElDiabloJoe's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,753
Likes: 3
From: South Orange Co., CA
'03 W211 aka E-500
Brav,

You saying my chromies are too ghetto? I'm far from ghetto, as you know. Just a 36 year old, flat-top wearing white boy.

GGirl, welcome to the forum, and yes, another South OC member (Hey double eagle, you in Talega?? I'm in Mon.Bch). GGirl, stay outta OT unless you want all the teens hitting on you, fwiw.

FYI-The NAVs in the E have a history of being buggy. The E in general is buggy due to the massive amount of cutting-edge technology ('cept an ipod adapter ) in them. The first new E's with Nav were a joke. People ordered a 2003 E with Nav never got them, so MB (to their credit) instead of refunding the 2K for the NAV simply offered everyone Brand New cars. Some folks cashed in their E's with 12K miles on them for brand new models !

Not me, but I think Etenn was one member here who was thus fortunate.

Again, welcome, bienvenidos, etc.

EDJ
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2005 | 07:22 PM
  #19  
Ggirl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Irvine,CA/ Las Vegas, NV
2005 E500, 1987 560SL
Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. This forum is very helpful. Glad to be a part of it.

ElDiabloJoe:
Sorry to sound dumb but this is my first time joining a forum. What does OT and fwiw mean?
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2005 | 10:01 PM
  #20  
Brav's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
Originally Posted by Ggirl
Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. This forum is very helpful. Glad to be a part of it.

ElDiabloJoe:
Sorry to sound dumb but this is my first time joining a forum. What does OT and fwiw mean?
OT means Off Topic, and FWIW means for what its worth.. internet-speak.

Well, as far as wheels, it depends on what effect you want and how much you want to spend. I have Angstroms, which are a new company and barely anyone has them. 2 piece forged. You can come by and check them out if you want. As far as forged whees go - they are very well priced and good quality. you might spend double on higher end makes and almost same mfg process. I like more of a sporty type wheel, but not toooo sporty. Just use your best judgement and findd a classy sporty wheel, cant go wrong. I'd say you should get a split 5 spoke or 7 spoke with a brushed or polished finish. And get a staggered setup

Here are some pics of mine.




Last edited by Brav; Apr 16, 2005 at 10:07 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2005 | 11:44 PM
  #21  
ElDiabloJoe's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,753
Likes: 3
From: South Orange Co., CA
'03 W211 aka E-500
Originally Posted by Brav
OT means Off Topic, and FWIW means for what its worth.. internet-speak.
I've been needing a translator, you're hired!

EDJ
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2005 | 04:19 AM
  #22  
glojo's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 14
From: Torquay, England
E-class E300e Estate, Sprinter (stretched limo)
Hi Brav,
I think we are all aware of the brake dust problems, and the extra effort needed to clean the wheels. (particularly the fronts )

What comments can you offer on this as I see you have multi spoke wheels?

Pity we cannot all use normal 'speak' that is easily understood! FWZXYPP!!!!!

Have a nice day,

John

A cool, windy, rough morning in Torquay
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2005 | 10:31 PM
  #23  
Brav's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
Wax your wheels, if buying new ones. Otherwise, get a wheel cleaner specific for the metal you have, and scruuub. If you have a polished finish, just have to be carefull. For quick jobs, I use a wheel brush for the first 80% of the dirt, and then come back with a soft cloth and pinch each spoke and give it a couple rubs up and down to finish it off. 2-part system works the best for me.

Wax will make the dust come right off tho when you wash.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2005 | 06:26 PM
  #24  
Ggirl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Irvine,CA/ Las Vegas, NV
2005 E500, 1987 560SL
So far so good as far as the CD changer is concerned. It just drive me nuts that i can only play normal, unburned CDs though.

Brav or whoever else that wants to give me their 2 cents:

I am now really tired of the way my car looks w/o rims. I just feel so average drivng around, especially in Irvine and MBZs are a dime a dozen. I am requesting your help and knowledge. As far as $ I want to spend, I just don't want to spend 5 grand on a set of wheels like I did with my Lorinsers. Now I can't get rid of them to save my life.
Brav did offer to to show me his wheels, I was wondering if the offer still stands?
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2005 | 09:47 PM
  #25  
Brav's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
What kind of burner and CDs are you using? That can make a difference as they all have different specs and tolerances.

Don't hate your car too much whithout the wheels.. I didnt have any for 9 months, waiting for mine to come (first set from Angstrom). PM me if you want to see them, we are close enough to meet. I like the LM5's.. classic wheel. I think 3K is plenty to spend on wheels and tires, about what I spent.
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:53 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE