My 2005 CDI suffered a problem and I will no longer drive it so I am getting a 2006.

Having a chance to do things over, I am wondering what options I should add. One thing is for sure, I will get a dark interior after getting aggravated with denim blue dye transfer. Will also add orthopidec seats like the 2005.

Soo.....

Brilliant Silver,
Charcoal Interior
Orthopedic seats.

Considering....

Bi-Xenon headlamps....are they worth it? I could always get a bit brighter bulbs.

Drive-Dynamic driver’s seat.....anybody have this and recommend it?

Heated headlamp washers...I like this but it is an expensive option for what it does.

COMAND-DVD in-dash GPS navigation system.....yes...no....yes...no......I just wonder how much of a distration versus benefit it is.

I wonder what other options they will be offering for 2006. Anybody know?




BTW, I drove the new M-class and it's damn good BUT it sucks feul like a jet. I am used to seeing 32 mpg on my CDI and this thing was running at 14 mpg. OUCH! On the other hand, if they had a diesel version, I would seriously consider it.

 

I have the charcoal interior (with Pewter) and it shows light particles of dirt well, but I don't think most stains would show.

The bi-Xenon headlamps are, bar none, the best headlights I have ever owned on a car. Others may have seen something better, but I haven't. The curve-following seems pretty subtle, but the output is phenomenal.

The drive-dynamic seats are a conversation piece, but I like them. A friend who teaches racing and driving sat in mine yesterday and said they might be one of the best stock seats he's ever felt. I like the adjustability of the side bolsters, whether or not I use the dynamic feature. The pulse feature is actually nice on long drives, though I wouldn't exactly call it a "massage." It does stave off low back aches on long drives in my experience. The dynamic inflation of the side bolsters in turns can be a little distracting, but there are two levels of settings for the inflation speed and magnitude.

The headlamp washers came with the lighting package, so I didn't really think much about them. Coming from a W124 with headlamp wipers, I believe that anything that helps clear headlamps is a nice safety feature, especially in snow/salt/sand muck. I can't really speak to how well the washers work, but the couple of times I felt they were needed, they seemed to make a positive difference.

The COMAND DVD nav is not a bad system. I can only compare it with the Alpine that I used for the past 7 years or so:

Pros:
- the MB/Harman-Becker system pretty much only talks when it has something relevant to say. My Alpine used to harangue me every 4 miles on the highway to "continue straight."
- data entry is fairly easy, given the joystick
- there are multiple zoom levels, though I wish more had street names
- The voice isn't quite as abrasive as the dominatrix in my old Alpine
- Screen is nicely readable in a variety of lighting conditions

Cons:
- You can only enter house number ranges most of the time, not specific addresses
- the method for viewing the actual route in text form is byzantine
- you'll have to get used to what it means by "bear left/right" or "prepare to turn left/right". I have come to realize that certain terms map to certain distances, for example. I suppose this is true of all of them, but it's more subtle than my Alpine.
- Sometimes it will say "take a left" when what it really means is to stay on the main road and ignore the right exit coming up.
- If you use the "auto" headlight setting, the nav screen can flip from day to night mode, which is a little distracting
- (whine alert) The European system's voice control is WAY more sophisticated than the U.S. one. Europeans get to dictate place names to theirs.

 

I would definitely go for the bi-xenons, they are a generation ahead of any other lights I have driven with. It is not just the brightness, it's the spread.

I would also suggest the electronic trunk closer. I really wish I had one, it would be so handy.

 

I'd go with everything you mentioned, but would'nt pay extra for the "heated" headlamp washer (mine were free and see no diff)....I have all these options in my ride and love them all, especially the "active" bi-Xenon lights.... Hope you have better luck with this one.

 

I would definately go for the Bi-Xenons, as stated above they are brilliant and are by far the best light output/spread I've ever had in a car. Command is cheaper here in the UK than it was so I would probably get it but not sure how it's priced in the US.

 

Ordering options is all part and parcel of buying a new car and it is something you need to get right. Having any option installed after purchase will be very costly.

I have yet to read of anyone that has a bad word to say about bi-xeons. Headlamp washers are part of the package, so one will come with the other.

Seats.
If you like the ultimate seating comfort that the 211 has to offer, go for it.

Navigation.
We very rarely use our system, but it is comforting to know that you should never get lost, and there is no longer any need to either ask for directions or buy a road atlas. If you can afford it go for it.

There are countless other options that will quickly eat into your bank balance but the three you have highlighted are three that I have and would order on any new vehicle.

Good luck with the new car,

John

Now a nice sunny morning in Torquay

 

Sooo... what was the problem? Did MB help you or are you going it alone with the 06?

 

Don't you simply love when you ask a question and you don't get an answer?

WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM with your 2005 CDI?

 

Have you considered adding the Panorama roof? Expect it to be heavilly promoted with the upcoming 2007 S Class so this is one way of bridging the gap between the E and S. Too bad the solar powered cooling panels are no longer available with it, but having the Panorama roof is definitely worth considering.

 

Quick-searched your posts and only discovered a dye-transfer to ash leather problem.

Was this the problem it suffered?

KB

 

I'm kinda curious too as I also have the 05 CDI. Anything we fellow CDI'rs need to be aware of?
Thanks
Jay

 

If you have an 06 registered car, could you ask it what the winning lottery numbers were for the 3rd week of June 05 and let me know via pm please.

Regards,
John

PS I accept you have a 'funny' system of dating your vehicles

 

Get everything you have mentioned plus the the electronic truck closer, keyless go, and the wood steering wheel.

 

Ok, I'll be the 3rd guy to ask..

WHAT WAS WRONG WITH YOUR '05???

Also, where can you get an '06, there were non when I got mine 4 days ago.