Bluetooth retrofit for E?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Bluetooth retrofit for E?
I was in Euromotorcars in Bethesda MD yesterday to drive the E350 4matic and the E350. One factor missing from this otherwise great car is Bluetooth and voice activated functions for the phone and navigation, audio, etc. The salesperson said they had just gotten notice that a retrofit kit to add Bluetooth to the E would be "coming after the first of the year." She said you would have to have the usual handsfree phone option installed to get this to work and claimed that the Motorola phone they used for the E was already Bluetooth enabled. This sounded very suspicious to me and when I asked for more details later she backed away and said they did not have the details and she could not say when this might be coming in. So, my question is whether anyone else has heard of such a kit coming for the E? Also, any rumors of what the changes might be to the E for 07? We're in no hurry to purchase a new car and I've seen some spy photos suggesting a face lift for the E for 07. The lower technology quotient for the E is one major factor holding us back from a purchase now.
Any information greatly appreciated.
John
Any information greatly appreciated.
John
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Can't help on the Bluetooth question, except to note that M-B is not the place to look for the latest in electronic interfaces. If you check out the navigation on the W211, you'll find that it's pretty retro too. There are lots of good reasons to buy a Benz, but cutting-edge electronics isn't one of them.
On the facelift question, various threads on the subject over the past few months more-or-less agree that the W211 will get some kind of a facelift for MY '07. As to what the facelift will consist of ... I haven't seen any credible information or photos yet. The alleged photos of an '07 that have been posted/linked could just as easily be a pictures of an '03-'06 with the Sport/Appearance package. Based on past M-B practice, any facelift will be limited to cheap-to-modify parts like the headlights and taillights, the grille, or the plastic parts below the front and rear bumpers - no sheet metal changes. If anyone gets any better information about the '07 facelift, you'll probably see it here first. Meanwhile, try searching this forum under "facelift" for the earlier speculation.
On the facelift question, various threads on the subject over the past few months more-or-less agree that the W211 will get some kind of a facelift for MY '07. As to what the facelift will consist of ... I haven't seen any credible information or photos yet. The alleged photos of an '07 that have been posted/linked could just as easily be a pictures of an '03-'06 with the Sport/Appearance package. Based on past M-B practice, any facelift will be limited to cheap-to-modify parts like the headlights and taillights, the grille, or the plastic parts below the front and rear bumpers - no sheet metal changes. If anyone gets any better information about the '07 facelift, you'll probably see it here first. Meanwhile, try searching this forum under "facelift" for the earlier speculation.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 0
From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
I could be wrong but with her back peddling on the issue it sounds like she was saying that to get you into the car...Although they did come out with a retrofit for the Ipod.
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: Rockville, MD
I agree that the back peddling is questionable
check with another dealer. (either Tischer or American Service Center) Or go to their Germantown location and ask another sales rep.
There is a Blue tooth product that uses the name Parrott. But that is after market. I have never heard that you have to buy the phone from the manufacturer to get Bluetooth to function. BMW, Acura & Audi have Bluetooth enabled cars and none of these manufacturers requires the purchase of their phone.
I had the same question several months ago about my wifes E320...no Bluetooth.
There is a Blue tooth product that uses the name Parrott. But that is after market. I have never heard that you have to buy the phone from the manufacturer to get Bluetooth to function. BMW, Acura & Audi have Bluetooth enabled cars and none of these manufacturers requires the purchase of their phone.
I had the same question several months ago about my wifes E320...no Bluetooth.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,632
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
In my attempt to have retrofitted the ability to scan preset radio stations from the steering wheel (something current 211 & 219 owners cannot do) I was told by Stuttgart that the ’07 will have addressed a number of electronic functionality concerns relevant to the USA market inclusive of the ability to scan presets, a new instrument cluster, and additional electronic improvements that have been extensively tested. Is what this salesperson saying truth, well lets just say this story has been going around for awhile without much materializing. You’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. Although not exactly what a vehicle of the 211’s stature deserves the current electronics have, for the most part, been proven over a three year span and work. On the other hand, alleged enhanced electronics are due for ’07. The claim is that all has been extensively tested but we’ve all heard that one before. Bottom line, if you’re not in a hurry, technology is your main concern, and you would welcome an interior/exterior facelift – I would suggest holding out for the ’07.
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2014 ML350 BlueTec
I have been looking...
I highly doubt there will be a retrofit bluetooth system for the E, however I have been looking for a solution for my car that I would be happy with. I have tested several after marked systems and found a euro system that works GREAT!
It's made by nokia and works with many bluetooth nokia phones. It automatically connects when you turn on the ignition and takes over the SIM card on the phone giving you access to the phone book, voice command, ect.
Here is the link. Has anyone had experince with this system?
http://www.nokia.co.uk/nokia/0,,68900,00.html
Good luck!
Russ
It's made by nokia and works with many bluetooth nokia phones. It automatically connects when you turn on the ignition and takes over the SIM card on the phone giving you access to the phone book, voice command, ect.
Here is the link. Has anyone had experince with this system?
http://www.nokia.co.uk/nokia/0,,68900,00.html
Good luck!
Russ
