MB Electronics
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Gardens, Fl
‘08 E-350 Sport, C6 Vette & Harley Davidson
MB Electronics
I doubt that MB will be moved by my thoughts.
But, why do people buy new cars? For a LOT of reasons. Here’s a BIG one.
Appealing electronics HAS to be one of the major reasons even tho it’s not
often admitted. Most say they liked the body style, the handling, etc.
BUT, I suggest that MANY - like me - are highly influenced by “dazzeling
electronics!” That just doesn’t seem to be the macho thing to admit.
Drudge reports today that Toyota is now ahead of GM this past quarter.
ONE thing that almost everyone admits - Toyota has GREAT ELECTRONICS!
So, it appears the “silent majority” is finding interesting electronics highly
appealing. Even tho some electronics are somewhat gadgets. (I once
bought a Pontiac because I liked the way the speedometer lit up!) That
was the absolute persuading factor! (1955 I think.)
Back to my humble suggestion to MB: Electronics changes HAVE to easier
than sheet metal changes. Therefore, slipping new, updated electronics
into a space that’s already cut out has to be reasonably easy and practical.
Of course they’ve made deals with suppliers. But, deals can be changed.
Someone reported that their ’99 Nav was better than MB's ‘07 Nav. No
excuse for that! Electronics leadership has long eluded MB.
Bottom line: I believe that - even considering all the genius at MB - they
are (and have long been) refusing to see the market potential of clever,
current electronics!
I’ve said it and I’m glad!
jimm
But, why do people buy new cars? For a LOT of reasons. Here’s a BIG one.
Appealing electronics HAS to be one of the major reasons even tho it’s not
often admitted. Most say they liked the body style, the handling, etc.
BUT, I suggest that MANY - like me - are highly influenced by “dazzeling
electronics!” That just doesn’t seem to be the macho thing to admit.
Drudge reports today that Toyota is now ahead of GM this past quarter.
ONE thing that almost everyone admits - Toyota has GREAT ELECTRONICS!
So, it appears the “silent majority” is finding interesting electronics highly
appealing. Even tho some electronics are somewhat gadgets. (I once
bought a Pontiac because I liked the way the speedometer lit up!) That
was the absolute persuading factor! (1955 I think.)
Back to my humble suggestion to MB: Electronics changes HAVE to easier
than sheet metal changes. Therefore, slipping new, updated electronics
into a space that’s already cut out has to be reasonably easy and practical.
Of course they’ve made deals with suppliers. But, deals can be changed.
Someone reported that their ’99 Nav was better than MB's ‘07 Nav. No
excuse for that! Electronics leadership has long eluded MB.
Bottom line: I believe that - even considering all the genius at MB - they
are (and have long been) refusing to see the market potential of clever,
current electronics!
I’ve said it and I’m glad!
jimm
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Its true, MB's electronics are clunky and not implemented brilliantly. But if you drive one, you'll know why the cars continue to sell well with this fault. It will take MB 10 years to catch up electronically speaking... why? Its inexplicable, but as long as the rest of the car exceeds what the others are putting out overall, and the electronics work somewhat dependably they'll get away with this fault.
Its probably an arrogance/pride thing. Much like a child saying "I'll DO it!" While everyone waits for the child who interminably fumbles through, then finally completes a simple 2 second task for 5 minutes, while everyone waits and fumes impatiently. (Because Mommy says its good for the Child's self esteem not to be told he is holding everyone up while he learns a task that should be learned elsewhere, and then he be allowed to do it in public, with people waiting for him to finish.)
So far, the overall driving experience of my '07 has been an extremely good one, even though the electronics in my Son's '06 Honda Accord, are much better thought out. The 2 cars simply don't compare when you are behind the wheel. (or being admired).
Its probably an arrogance/pride thing. Much like a child saying "I'll DO it!" While everyone waits for the child who interminably fumbles through, then finally completes a simple 2 second task for 5 minutes, while everyone waits and fumes impatiently. (Because Mommy says its good for the Child's self esteem not to be told he is holding everyone up while he learns a task that should be learned elsewhere, and then he be allowed to do it in public, with people waiting for him to finish.)
So far, the overall driving experience of my '07 has been an extremely good one, even though the electronics in my Son's '06 Honda Accord, are much better thought out. The 2 cars simply don't compare when you are behind the wheel. (or being admired).
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Gardens, Fl
‘08 E-350 Sport, C6 Vette & Harley Davidson
over the years and, looking back - I loved driving them and looking
out over that star on the hood. Now, at 76, I’m going back again. It
may be my last new car.
I guess my rant above came from the frustration of hearing that the
Nav in my new 350 won’t pin-point the destination like my current
GM Navs - which I use a lot to take me right to a particular property.
My eyes aren’t so great anymore. Pin-point is a big help. But, I guess
I can work around it.
MB's years of success speaks for itself. They’ll long continue to thrive
without great thinkers like me advising them.
jimm
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
LOL... and you'll find that the MB Nav WILL get you there. If its a restaurant you're going to, or a Hotel, it'll be too big to miss. If its someone's home on a block with many homes... we'll then, it'll get you to the middle of the address range you selected, not the beginning or end.
...and you never know if this Benz will be your last one!
...and you never know if this Benz will be your last one!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 880
Likes: 1
From: Encino, CA
a toy
Speaking about the Nav in the E350, yesterday I hit a destination in the system and it gave me the wrong directions. The stupid house number range was wrong, and it took me to the wrong end of a dead end. Of course it took me 10 seconds to figure it out for myself, but things like this aren't exactly expected in this car. Our 06 C230 has a better Nav system, and even allows destination entry by NAME (ex. 6 Flags Magic Mountain).
Then again, the C230 has led me into parking lots and dead end streets as well.
Then again, the C230 has led me into parking lots and dead end streets as well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 241
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
They're nuts.
Our 2006 is way better than the 2001, mostly because it's DVD-based and the old one requires a CD and when that CD is inserted, a music CD can't be and of course no one heard of Mp3 in 2001 and of course in '99 E-class came with casette player radios and CD only in the trunk. I really don't think NAV was available in E-class in '99.
Our 2006 is way better than the 2001, mostly because it's DVD-based and the old one requires a CD and when that CD is inserted, a music CD can't be and of course no one heard of Mp3 in 2001 and of course in '99 E-class came with casette player radios and CD only in the trunk. I really don't think NAV was available in E-class in '99.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 241
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Speaking about the Nav in the E350, yesterday I hit a destination in the system and it gave me the wrong directions. The stupid house number range was wrong, and it took me to the wrong end of a dead end. Of course it took me 10 seconds to figure it out for myself, but things like this aren't exactly expected in this car.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Gardens, Fl
‘08 E-350 Sport, C6 Vette & Harley Davidson
They're nuts.
Our 2006 is way better than the 2001, mostly because it's DVD-based and the
old one requires a CD and when that CD is inserted, a music CD can't be and
of course no one heard of Mp3 in 2001 and of course in '99 E-class came with
casette player radios and CD only in the trunk. I really don't think NAV was
available in E-class in '99.
Our 2006 is way better than the 2001, mostly because it's DVD-based and the
old one requires a CD and when that CD is inserted, a music CD can't be and
of course no one heard of Mp3 in 2001 and of course in '99 E-class came with
casette player radios and CD only in the trunk. I really don't think NAV was
available in E-class in '99.
Maybe he’ll see this and respond. The ’99 wasn’t a MB Nav it was a Garmin, or
something.
jimm
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
W164 ML350, S211 E500 4MATIC T, Specialized FSR
I somewhat agree with Berry45RPM.
But I think that MB plays it a bit more conservative when it comes to the latest technology gadgets. I mean our cars do have a lot of electronics in them and are like a driving computer but the W211 is getting older and not up to the latest. Compared to Japanese cars MB [or German cars] do not change the model designs as frequently, MB is at approx 7 years before it changes to a new model.
MB is focusing more on safety technology related updates. iPod integration etc is very cool but perhaps it is also a trend that sometimes is not easy to predict and who knows how long it will last.
Still I think there are updates that are an absolute must for MB, such as Bluetooth and upgrading the Nav. much faster than they do...
Cheers
But I think that MB plays it a bit more conservative when it comes to the latest technology gadgets. I mean our cars do have a lot of electronics in them and are like a driving computer but the W211 is getting older and not up to the latest. Compared to Japanese cars MB [or German cars] do not change the model designs as frequently, MB is at approx 7 years before it changes to a new model.
MB is focusing more on safety technology related updates. iPod integration etc is very cool but perhaps it is also a trend that sometimes is not easy to predict and who knows how long it will last.
Still I think there are updates that are an absolute must for MB, such as Bluetooth and upgrading the Nav. much faster than they do...
Cheers
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 880
Likes: 1
From: Encino, CA
a toy
No, the only choices when entering a specific home address is a range. Well, the edge of the range fell on the side of the street it led me to, whereas the address I wanted was on the other side of the dead end. There's no other way to enter the SPECIFIC address, other than selecting the range of numbers.
Please read it carefully before throwing an assumption out there.
Please read it carefully before throwing an assumption out there.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 9
From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
Reasons for buying ?
I doubt that MB will be moved by my thoughts.
But, why do people buy new cars? For a LOT of reasons. Here’s a BIG one.
Appealing electronics HAS to be one of the major reasons even tho it’s not
often admitted. Most say they liked the body style, the handling, etc.
BUT, I suggest that MANY - like me - are highly influenced by “dazzeling electronics!”
Drudge reports today that Toyota is now ahead of GM this past quarter.
ONE thing that almost everyone admits - Toyota has GREAT ELECTRONICS! jimm
But, why do people buy new cars? For a LOT of reasons. Here’s a BIG one.
Appealing electronics HAS to be one of the major reasons even tho it’s not
often admitted. Most say they liked the body style, the handling, etc.
BUT, I suggest that MANY - like me - are highly influenced by “dazzeling electronics!”
Drudge reports today that Toyota is now ahead of GM this past quarter.
ONE thing that almost everyone admits - Toyota has GREAT ELECTRONICS! jimm
For a high end product like MB, there are more factors at play in determining sales success. Driving dynamics, performance, styling, safety, fuel economy and comfort all play a role in the decision process for each buyer of a luxury car. If "dazzeling electronics" were a major determining factor, then you yourself and many others would shun MB and the other German luxury brands in favour of the Japanese competition. The German brands concentrate on superior engineering, whereas the Japanese ones seem to emphasize electronic gadgetry, especially Lexus.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Yes, Toyota may have "great electronics", but the three major reasons that it is outselling GM are reliablity, value for the dollar and fuel economy.
For a high end product like MB, there are more factors at play in determining sales success. Driving dynamics, performance, styling, safety, fuel economy and comfort all play a role in the decision process for each buyer of a luxury car. If "dazzeling electronics" were a major determining factor, then you yourself and many others would shun MB and the other German luxury brands in favour of the Japanese competition. The German brands concentrate on superior engineering, whereas the Japanese ones seem to emphasize electronic gadgetry, especially Lexus.
For a high end product like MB, there are more factors at play in determining sales success. Driving dynamics, performance, styling, safety, fuel economy and comfort all play a role in the decision process for each buyer of a luxury car. If "dazzeling electronics" were a major determining factor, then you yourself and many others would shun MB and the other German luxury brands in favour of the Japanese competition. The German brands concentrate on superior engineering, whereas the Japanese ones seem to emphasize electronic gadgetry, especially Lexus.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
I doubt that MB will be moved by my thoughts.
But, why do people buy new cars? For a LOT of reasons. Here’s a BIG one.
Appealing electronics HAS to be one of the major reasons even tho it’s not
often admitted. Most say they liked the body style, the handling, etc.
BUT, I suggest that MANY - like me - are highly influenced by “dazzeling
electronics!” That just doesn’t seem to be the macho thing to admit.
Drudge reports today that Toyota is now ahead of GM this past quarter.
ONE thing that almost everyone admits - Toyota has GREAT ELECTRONICS!
So, it appears the “silent majority” is finding interesting electronics highly
appealing. Even tho some electronics are somewhat gadgets. (I once
bought a Pontiac because I liked the way the speedometer lit up!) That
was the absolute persuading factor! (1955 I think.)
Back to my humble suggestion to MB: Electronics changes HAVE to easier
than sheet metal changes. Therefore, slipping new, updated electronics
into a space that’s already cut out has to be reasonably easy and practical.
Of course they’ve made deals with suppliers. But, deals can be changed.
Someone reported that their ’99 Nav was better than MB's ‘07 Nav. No
excuse for that! Electronics leadership has long eluded MB.
Bottom line: I believe that - even considering all the genius at MB - they
are (and have long been) refusing to see the market potential of clever,
current electronics!
I’ve said it and I’m glad!
jimm
But, why do people buy new cars? For a LOT of reasons. Here’s a BIG one.
Appealing electronics HAS to be one of the major reasons even tho it’s not
often admitted. Most say they liked the body style, the handling, etc.
BUT, I suggest that MANY - like me - are highly influenced by “dazzeling
electronics!” That just doesn’t seem to be the macho thing to admit.
Drudge reports today that Toyota is now ahead of GM this past quarter.
ONE thing that almost everyone admits - Toyota has GREAT ELECTRONICS!
So, it appears the “silent majority” is finding interesting electronics highly
appealing. Even tho some electronics are somewhat gadgets. (I once
bought a Pontiac because I liked the way the speedometer lit up!) That
was the absolute persuading factor! (1955 I think.)
Back to my humble suggestion to MB: Electronics changes HAVE to easier
than sheet metal changes. Therefore, slipping new, updated electronics
into a space that’s already cut out has to be reasonably easy and practical.
Of course they’ve made deals with suppliers. But, deals can be changed.
Someone reported that their ’99 Nav was better than MB's ‘07 Nav. No
excuse for that! Electronics leadership has long eluded MB.
Bottom line: I believe that - even considering all the genius at MB - they
are (and have long been) refusing to see the market potential of clever,
current electronics!
I’ve said it and I’m glad!
jimm
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
Yes, Toyota may have "great electronics", but the three major reasons that it is outselling GM are reliablity, value for the dollar and fuel economy.
For a high end product like MB, there are more factors at play in determining sales success. Driving dynamics, performance, styling, safety, fuel economy and comfort all play a role in the decision process for each buyer of a luxury car. If "dazzeling electronics" were a major determining factor, then you yourself and many others would shun MB and the other German luxury brands in favour of the Japanese competition. The German brands concentrate on superior engineering, whereas the Japanese ones seem to emphasize electronic gadgetry, especially Lexus.
For a high end product like MB, there are more factors at play in determining sales success. Driving dynamics, performance, styling, safety, fuel economy and comfort all play a role in the decision process for each buyer of a luxury car. If "dazzeling electronics" were a major determining factor, then you yourself and many others would shun MB and the other German luxury brands in favour of the Japanese competition. The German brands concentrate on superior engineering, whereas the Japanese ones seem to emphasize electronic gadgetry, especially Lexus.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
My 2007 E 550 has been rock solid & flawless in all aspects. I think MB was pummelled into submission & when they woke up from the smelling salts, did their homework & finally fixed these cars.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 41
Tesla Model S P100D
I somewhat agree with Berry45RPM.
But I think that MB plays it a bit more conservative when it comes to the latest technology gadgets. I mean our cars do have a lot of electronics in them and are like a driving computer but the W211 is getting older and not up to the latest. Compared to Japanese cars MB [or German cars] do not change the model designs as frequently, MB is at approx 7 years before it changes to a new model.
MB is focusing more on safety technology related updates. iPod integration etc is very cool but perhaps it is also a trend that sometimes is not easy to predict and who knows how long it will last.
Still I think there are updates that are an absolute must for MB, such as Bluetooth and upgrading the Nav. much faster than they do...
Cheers
But I think that MB plays it a bit more conservative when it comes to the latest technology gadgets. I mean our cars do have a lot of electronics in them and are like a driving computer but the W211 is getting older and not up to the latest. Compared to Japanese cars MB [or German cars] do not change the model designs as frequently, MB is at approx 7 years before it changes to a new model.
MB is focusing more on safety technology related updates. iPod integration etc is very cool but perhaps it is also a trend that sometimes is not easy to predict and who knows how long it will last.
Still I think there are updates that are an absolute must for MB, such as Bluetooth and upgrading the Nav. much faster than they do...
Cheers
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 41
Tesla Model S P100D
No, the only choices when entering a specific home address is a range. Well, the edge of the range fell on the side of the street it led me to, whereas the address I wanted was on the other side of the dead end. There's no other way to enter the SPECIFIC address, other than selecting the range of numbers.
Please read it carefully before throwing an assumption out there.
Please read it carefully before throwing an assumption out there.
Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
2007 E350 Sport Obsidian Black & 2005 Cadillac Escalade
I only wish the MB Navigation system was touch screen in order to speed up address entry. As I'm still trying to learn how the system works I was in a hurry today so I grabbed my old portable Magellan & used it. My friend was amazed at how quickly the Magellan could be programmed not to mention the accuracy in it's directions. Guess I need to spend more time with the MB system. It was somewhat embarassing to be using the portable device when the car is equipped w/ its own.
Last edited by tlbeedy; May 6, 2007 at 03:37 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
I've always resisted getting the Nav system on my Mercedes. It seemed to have little use to me except on long vacations and my argument was always that I could buy an Apple iMac for the price of the Nav system.
Now that I've ordered an '08 E350, I decided to get the P2 option just because this might be my last new car for quite a while. I ordered Voice Control assuming I could use it to enter designations. It turns out there is no Voice support for the Nav System so I've deleted the Voice Control option. Now I hear that the antiquated Nav System won't even get you to a specific address.
Since I have a great program on my Thinkpad called Streets & Trips, I don't need the Nav system to plan and map my vacations. There is one possible use left for it and that is tracking my progress to a destination. The question is whether or not the GPS system is accurate enough to give me a good indication of where I'm at and how I am progressing when crossing long, boring stretches of the west.
If it turns out that even GPS tracking isn't accurate, I'm just wasting my money on a gadget that's useless to me.
Now that I've ordered an '08 E350, I decided to get the P2 option just because this might be my last new car for quite a while. I ordered Voice Control assuming I could use it to enter designations. It turns out there is no Voice support for the Nav System so I've deleted the Voice Control option. Now I hear that the antiquated Nav System won't even get you to a specific address.
Since I have a great program on my Thinkpad called Streets & Trips, I don't need the Nav system to plan and map my vacations. There is one possible use left for it and that is tracking my progress to a destination. The question is whether or not the GPS system is accurate enough to give me a good indication of where I'm at and how I am progressing when crossing long, boring stretches of the west.
If it turns out that even GPS tracking isn't accurate, I'm just wasting my money on a gadget that's useless to me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
I only wish the MB Navigation system was touch screen in order to speed up address entry. As I'm still trying to learn how the system works I was in a hurry today so I grabbed my old portable Magellan & used it. My friend was amazed at how quickly the Magellan could be programmed not to mention the accuracy in it's directions. Guess I need to spend more time with the MB system. It was somewhat embarassing to be using the portable device when the car is equipped w/ its own.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
I've always resisted getting the Nav system on my Mercedes. It seemed to have little use to me except on long vacations and my argument was always that I could buy an Apple iMac for the price of the Nav system.
Now that I've ordered an '08 E350, I decided to get the P2 option just because this might be my last new car for quite a while. I ordered Voice Control assuming I could use it to enter designations. It turns out there is no Voice support for the Nav System so I've deleted the Voice Control option. Now I hear that the antiquated Nav System won't even get you to a specific address.
Since I have a great program on my Thinkpad called Streets & Trips, I don't need the Nav system to plan and map my vacations. There is one possible use left for it and that is tracking my progress to a destination. The question is whether or not the GPS system is accurate enough to give me a good indication of where I'm at and how I am progressing when crossing long, boring stretches of the west.
If it turns out that even GPS tracking isn't accurate, I'm just wasting my money on a gadget that's useless to me.
Now that I've ordered an '08 E350, I decided to get the P2 option just because this might be my last new car for quite a while. I ordered Voice Control assuming I could use it to enter designations. It turns out there is no Voice support for the Nav System so I've deleted the Voice Control option. Now I hear that the antiquated Nav System won't even get you to a specific address.
Since I have a great program on my Thinkpad called Streets & Trips, I don't need the Nav system to plan and map my vacations. There is one possible use left for it and that is tracking my progress to a destination. The question is whether or not the GPS system is accurate enough to give me a good indication of where I'm at and how I am progressing when crossing long, boring stretches of the west.
If it turns out that even GPS tracking isn't accurate, I'm just wasting my money on a gadget that's useless to me.
Its very accurate to within a car length or two! As far as it not getting you to an exact street address, it will get you close enough to be able to locate the exact house on a block in 2 seconds. (You can find it now without nav when youre real close! If you're going to a party, there'll be other cars there. If its a restaurant, there'll be a sign, If its a 1st visit, they will have told you its the 3rd house on the left after the big Oak Tree... you're not flying a plane blind!) More often than not, you will be looking for a commercial establishment, which will be visible from half a block away. You do not need the unit unless you are in a strange place, or going to a strange place. Plus, with it, you can never get lost. Is it essential? No. But if you're not going to get a new car for a long time, get it. You don't have to hide it when you get to your destination from potential thieves. You don't have to remember to take it with you, and you dont have to take your eyes off the road when following step by step directions it is calling out to you due to its dual displays. When it says "Turn Right Now" you will be right at the turn, not near it, and youre working with live help, not a list of directions.
Since we got road maps no one really needs a Nav unit. And no one uses them in day to day driving. They're for getting somewhere new, or getting home from there. But they are better than a map, or any other form of directions. If its a matter of your perception of how good its is designed, and NOT the money. Get it. When you DO use it you will think its good.
Mercedes is not the best car on the road, either, so clearely "being the best" out there is not the criteria.
Last edited by Barry45RPM; May 6, 2007 at 10:15 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 822
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Harley-Davidson
Originally Posted by BudC
. . .The question is whether or not the GPS system is accurate enough to give me a good indication of where I'm at and how I am progressing when crossing long, boring stretches of the west. If it turns out that even GPS tracking isn't accurate, I'm just wasting my money on a gadget that's useless to me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Its very accurate to within a car length or two! As far as it not getting you to an exact street address, it will get you close enough to be able to locate the exact house on a block in 2 seconds. (You can find it now without nav when youre real close! If you're going to a party, there'll be other cars there. If its a restaurant, there'll be a sign, If its a 1st visit, they will have told you its the 3rd house on the left after the big Oak Tree... you're not flying a plane blind!) More often than not, you will be looking for a commercial establishment, which will be visible from half a block away. You do not need the unit unless you are in a strange place, or going to a strange place. Plus, with it, you can never get lost. Is it essential? No. But if you're not going to get a new car for a long time, get it. You don't have to hide it when you get to your destination from potential thieves. You don't have to remember to take it with you, and you dont have to take your eyes off the road when following step by step directions it is calling out to you due to its dual displays. When it says "Turn Right Now" you will be right at the turn, not near it, and youre working with live help, not a list of directions.
Since we got road maps no one really needs a Nav unit. But they are better than a map, or any other form of directions. If its a matter of your perception of how good its is designed, and NOT the money. Get it. When you DO use it you will think its good.
Mercedes is not the best car on the road, either, so clearely "being the best" out there is not the criteria.
Since we got road maps no one really needs a Nav unit. But they are better than a map, or any other form of directions. If its a matter of your perception of how good its is designed, and NOT the money. Get it. When you DO use it you will think its good.
Mercedes is not the best car on the road, either, so clearely "being the best" out there is not the criteria.
It's not a question of money it's just a question of priorities. I do waste money on some things (computers) but not other things and I suppose I'm being too critical. I was really looking forward to having the Voice Control option but since it won't support satellite radio or the Nav System, I'm looking to spend that money on something more useful to me.
No car is perfect but after years of Mercedes ownership, I know what to expect. I've tried every way I can to justify buying a 5-Series BMW this time around but even ignoring style and interior design, there is the concern about an aluminum chassis or having to get a car with a turbo or the lack of little things like a rear fog light. So I'm back to Mercedes again.
This time around I'll have more gadgets to try than I usually do. I just hope there aren't so many my wife will drive me nuts with questions
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Bud, the GPS tracking is extremely accurate, so that's not the problem. The E-Class nav just is a really old design, and is way beyond needing replacing. The navigation system in the W221 is better in every way. We can only hope we will get the hard-drive based S-Class system in the next generation E-Class. In the meantime, if you want to experience what automobile navigation can be at its best, go take a test drive in a new Acura RL. (Flame suit on and ready)
