’08 E350 - My Likes .. and Dislikes
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
2004 E320
RE; The Nav System. OK, Its clunky... It will get you there. Ther biggest fault with the thing is the map display colors. You have NEVER seen a map in such terrible colors. If land was sand color or yellow, it would make a substantial difference to most people. Its certainly no Honda Nav! But still... nothing drives like a Benz.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Gardens, Fl
‘08 E-350 Sport, C6 Vette & Harley Davidson
That’s “probably” good. But, maybe dangerous as GM insists.
However, it will NOT accept phone numbers for destinations, which is very
simple and fast. GM’s, and others, do this.
I haven’t entered anything yet but, I watched my salesman. It “SEEMED” to
take twice the button pushes as my GM Navs. Push a button to enter a digit
then another to accept it .. or something like that.
Also - I didn’t ask, but I don’t think the MB “OnStar” (forget what it’s called)
will do Turn-By-Turn following, as GM‘s OnStar does.
I was told that GM is selling less Navs now that OnStar gives you “Turn-By-
Turn” following. You just push the OnStar button, tell it your destination and
BINGO! The voice starts telling you where to turn. That is VERY handy!
NO QUESTION: MB cars ride and handle GREAT. But it’s a crying shame that
they refuse to install the latest electronics technology! Maybe a “premium 3
package” .. for us Rednecks .. who “demand the very finest!”
The passenger side gas cap: I figured that the Germans just felt that maybe
it‘s easier for the guy’s wife to slip out and fill the tank .. while he listens to
the radio.
jimm
However, it will NOT accept phone numbers for destinations, which is very
simple and fast. GM’s, and others, do this.
I haven’t entered anything yet but, I watched my salesman. It “SEEMED” to
take twice the button pushes as my GM Navs. Push a button to enter a digit
then another to accept it .. or something like that.
Also - I didn’t ask, but I don’t think the MB “OnStar” (forget what it’s called)
will do Turn-By-Turn following, as GM‘s OnStar does.
I was told that GM is selling less Navs now that OnStar gives you “Turn-By-
Turn” following. You just push the OnStar button, tell it your destination and
BINGO! The voice starts telling you where to turn. That is VERY handy!
NO QUESTION: MB cars ride and handle GREAT. But it’s a crying shame that
they refuse to install the latest electronics technology! Maybe a “premium 3
package” .. for us Rednecks .. who “demand the very finest!”
The passenger side gas cap: I figured that the Germans just felt that maybe
it‘s easier for the guy’s wife to slip out and fill the tank .. while he listens to
the radio.
jimm
Last edited by jimm; Jul 14, 2007 at 07:02 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 3
From: Irvine, CA
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,677
Likes: 3
From: California
i535
Somebody told me it's specific of European cars you can't have touch screen, however you can manage navigation when driving. I consider it's more important. Actually I consider that MB has the best navigation system. If you have ever tried other system in San Francisco, then you probably notice that the systems can't correctly determinate your position and fails in instructions.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,642
Likes: 13
From: Caribbean/Florida/Colorado
E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
Always interesting to here how other owners find their car. I guess the replies cover much of this, the gas cap to me is a personal preference, some like it on one side, others on the other, I know some cars having it on both sides but I assume most would not like that either.
This easy entry is on the W221, I see it also on the US manual. It does exist on my W211 (older), so I would conclude "it is not that MB did not know about electronics", I'm afraid it is the issue that MB decided to disable several features because they got so many calls to their call centre, the average drivers made you suffer when MB decided to adapt to the average. Several posts on this. The fact that you have to hold the memory button is a safety feature, I doubt anything else would be accepted by US lawyers.
The map issue seemed sever to me. Again I would like to defend MB, the map data base is not produced by MB, if it is outdated, MB cannot do a lot. But did you really have the latest disk? Would you be willing to post co-ordinates of that area, I would like to have a look if Navtec/Tele-Atlas really cover that area. Sounds amazing if a populated area of the US would not appear up-to-date on the MB navi. Finally, the touch-screen to me is also a personal view, I would not accept finger prints on my MB. How was it with the voice activation on a W211, does it not allow address input like on a W221, I would consider that a lot better than touch screen.
This easy entry is on the W221, I see it also on the US manual. It does exist on my W211 (older), so I would conclude "it is not that MB did not know about electronics", I'm afraid it is the issue that MB decided to disable several features because they got so many calls to their call centre, the average drivers made you suffer when MB decided to adapt to the average. Several posts on this. The fact that you have to hold the memory button is a safety feature, I doubt anything else would be accepted by US lawyers.
The map issue seemed sever to me. Again I would like to defend MB, the map data base is not produced by MB, if it is outdated, MB cannot do a lot. But did you really have the latest disk? Would you be willing to post co-ordinates of that area, I would like to have a look if Navtec/Tele-Atlas really cover that area. Sounds amazing if a populated area of the US would not appear up-to-date on the MB navi. Finally, the touch-screen to me is also a personal view, I would not accept finger prints on my MB. How was it with the voice activation on a W211, does it not allow address input like on a W221, I would consider that a lot better than touch screen.
You are 100% correct regarding the Nav Americans do not realize that Mercedes sells cars world wide and did in fact get the best possible nav system and data base for a world wide market. NavTec is making great progress in the US data base. Last year I helped them by reporting some missing streets, my 2006.1 update had my streets.
My Suburban has a nav so dumbed down a blond can work it. I don't care for the touch screen always has finger prints, not button accurate, miss the button and everything gets screwed up so it requires your visual attention (dangerous distraction) to push in the right part of the screen, give me a button in one place.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 335
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
There is probably a US Ford and a Euro Ford, a typical small European Ford in the attached photo, with right side gas cap. I did not check for a model that would be widely available on both markets, is there one from Ford?
Last edited by Diesel Benz; Jun 28, 2008 at 09:18 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 335
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I don't think I can enter a phone number for a navi destination but I wouldn't remember phone numbers anyway. But I can browse my Comand phone book and select an entry with address info for my destination.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Gardens, Fl
‘08 E-350 Sport, C6 Vette & Harley Davidson
The advantage of OnStar’s Turn-By-Turn is that you can just push a button,
say the address and instantly it starts directing you. This is very quick and
easy.
Yes, I know that you get Turn-By-Turn with the Nav - after you’ve punched
in the address ... which can sometimes be a hassle with street names, etc.
My only point was that it’s just one more little bit of technology that can be
helpful.
jimm
say the address and instantly it starts directing you. This is very quick and
easy.
Yes, I know that you get Turn-By-Turn with the Nav - after you’ve punched
in the address ... which can sometimes be a hassle with street names, etc.
My only point was that it’s just one more little bit of technology that can be
helpful.
jimm
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
The advantage of OnStar’s Turn-By-Turn is that you can just push a button,
say the address and instantly it starts directing you. This is very quick and
easy.
Yes, I know that you get Turn-By-Turn with the Nav - after you’ve punched
in the address ... which can sometimes be a hassle with street names, etc.
My only point was that it’s just one more little bit of technology that can be
helpful.
jimm
say the address and instantly it starts directing you. This is very quick and
easy.
Yes, I know that you get Turn-By-Turn with the Nav - after you’ve punched
in the address ... which can sometimes be a hassle with street names, etc.
My only point was that it’s just one more little bit of technology that can be
helpful.
jimm
- ABS Brakes
- ESP skid control
- Seat belt tensioner's
- Crumple zones
- Fuel injection
- Implementation of air bags across product line
- Implementation of four valve technology across product line
- Four wheel disk brakes across product line
- Safe gas tanks
- Seats that don't tip back in rear collisions
- Lightweight engines
- Four wheel independent suspension
I could sit here all day with this but it simply boils down to what is important and what isn't. When my wife goes out in the E320, I'm comfortable not because it will be easy for her to find her way home but because if she is in an accident, he chances of survival are about as good as you can get.
The argument that we should be able to have it all is bogus. I don't want Mercedes more concerned about the size of cup holders than the safety of my wife.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Phone numbers change from time to time, whereas zip codes rarely do. MB should add the ability to enter a zip code instead of a town name, as a start to entering an address.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,677
Likes: 3
From: California
i535
My BMW is allowing to enter ZIP instead of town name. Indeed it is a cool feature. However overall I'd choose MB system, because their voice instructions are cleaner for me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 335
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
The advantage of OnStar’s Turn-By-Turn is that you can just push a button,
say the address and instantly it starts directing you. This is very quick and
easy.
Yes, I know that you get Turn-By-Turn with the Nav - after you’ve punched
in the address ... which can sometimes be a hassle with street names, etc.
My only point was that it’s just one more little bit of technology that can be
helpful.
jimm
say the address and instantly it starts directing you. This is very quick and
easy.
Yes, I know that you get Turn-By-Turn with the Nav - after you’ve punched
in the address ... which can sometimes be a hassle with street names, etc.
My only point was that it’s just one more little bit of technology that can be
helpful.
jimm
This is a disadvantage on an MB that older models cannot get features like these at the same pace those are introduced on later models. Navi stuff should not be that much model dependent, the latest one could be offered on all models when enhancements appear.
Last edited by Diesel Benz; Jun 28, 2008 at 09:18 AM.
Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
2007 E350 Sport Obsidian Black & 2005 Cadillac Escalade
Congratulations JIMM on your new ride. It almost sounds to be the twin of my 07 E350 Sport. I too wish I had purchased the wood steering wheel. By the way did you happen to get my private message I sent directly to your email last week? I sent it after I noticed you live in Palm Beach Gardens where I frequently visit friends & family.
Have fun with it. I've had mine since feb 14 & in only 5 months have managed to put on 515 miles. Guess I need to drive a long road trip.
Have fun with it. I've had mine since feb 14 & in only 5 months have managed to put on 515 miles. Guess I need to drive a long road trip.
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: San Carlos (SF Peninsula) CA
'03 ML500, '07 E350 Sport (wife's)
2 quick points:
1. Find it odd that it cannot pinpoint an address, only a range. Not a big deal, just seems less than stellar.
2. Went to visit a friend and the MLs nav has no streets in their area at all. They've been in their house for more than 10 years. Sacramento area. El Dorado Hills. Haven't tried the new E for that destination. Maybe they've got it now.
1. Find it odd that it cannot pinpoint an address, only a range. Not a big deal, just seems less than stellar.
2. Went to visit a friend and the MLs nav has no streets in their area at all. They've been in their house for more than 10 years. Sacramento area. El Dorado Hills. Haven't tried the new E for that destination. Maybe they've got it now.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
I notified Navteq that my 3 Block long Street Name was misspelled way back in 2004. (When you enter it as a destination its listed correctly, but not on the map or DIC).
Their response? Your street is known by both spellings. Oh yeah? How come none of the intersecting street streetsigns show it by any alternate spelling?
Their response? Your street is known by both spellings. Oh yeah? How come none of the intersecting street streetsigns show it by any alternate spelling?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,642
Likes: 13
From: Caribbean/Florida/Colorado
E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
I notified Navteq that my 3 Block long Street Name was misspelled way back in 2004. (When you enter it as a destination its listed correctly, but not on the map or DIC).
Their response? Your street is known by both spellings. Oh yeah? How come none of the intersecting street streetsigns show it by any alternate spelling?
Their response? Your street is known by both spellings. Oh yeah? How come none of the intersecting street streetsigns show it by any alternate spelling?
Try this "Essex Connecticut" you will never find it.
Lets see it has been settled since the 1700's.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Gardens, Fl
‘08 E-350 Sport, C6 Vette & Harley Davidson
I tried to enter a VERY well known, and popular, road in Palm Beach this
morning called “North County Road.” (It is NOT County Road N.) It couldn’t
find it. That was my third try at entering an address and, all 3, it couldn’t
find. The other two were in West Palm Beach. (Not out in the Everglades.)
If I can figure where to mount it (that won’t totally degrade the interior)
I’ll buy a Garmin for 800 and be done with it. (Someone here reported that
their 10 year old Garmin did more then their MB.) A 58,000 car. Could
anything be more disgusting?
I totally LOVE my E-350! But, I can’t believe that MB would think that people
who can afford a MB would be happy with a piece-of-crap Nav like this!
jimm
Last edited by jimm; Jul 16, 2007 at 06:22 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Can someone tell me if the Navigation DVD is still at version 2006.2 on the 08's? My car has gone through Customs but hasn't been released to the dealer yet so my salesman can't tell me.
