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Pulling the trigger on a new E550, Questions first.....
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Pulling the trigger on a new E550, Questions first.....
I've got it narrowed down to either a 2008 E550 P2 package or 2008 BMW 550i/sport package.
Both are similar, with the Beamer handling a bit better, and the Benz torquier and faster, IMHO.
It comes down to navigation and bluetooth. I've read some threads about reduced functionality of the COMAND after updating some older models, and couldn't get deep enough on my test drive to check it out. So, anyone who might know, reference the '08 E550:
Can you enter destinations while driving?
Can you enter destinations via voice with the voice control option?
What is exactly blacked out or locked out while you're in motion?
And about bluetooth:
Can you dial phone numbers on the keypad while in motion?
Can you store a phone book, and diar the number by voice tag with voice control?
Thanks for all your replies.
Both are similar, with the Beamer handling a bit better, and the Benz torquier and faster, IMHO.
It comes down to navigation and bluetooth. I've read some threads about reduced functionality of the COMAND after updating some older models, and couldn't get deep enough on my test drive to check it out. So, anyone who might know, reference the '08 E550:
Can you enter destinations while driving?
Can you enter destinations via voice with the voice control option?
What is exactly blacked out or locked out while you're in motion?
And about bluetooth:
Can you dial phone numbers on the keypad while in motion?
Can you store a phone book, and diar the number by voice tag with voice control?
Thanks for all your replies.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 18
From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
Can you enter destinations while driving? YES
Can you enter destinations via voice with the voice control option? NO
What is exactly blacked out or locked out while you're in motion? Nothing
And about bluetooth: Works great
Can you dial phone numbers on the keypad while in motion? YES
Can you store a phone book dial the number by voice tag with voice control? YES
Can you enter destinations via voice with the voice control option? NO
What is exactly blacked out or locked out while you're in motion? Nothing
And about bluetooth: Works great
Can you dial phone numbers on the keypad while in motion? YES
Can you store a phone book dial the number by voice tag with voice control? YES
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 3
From: Irvine, CA
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
I agree w/ Pinebaron's replies.
I love my 08 E550.
Btw, if you're an "air activist" shouldn't you be buying a Prius or a bicycle?
I love my 08 E550.
Btw, if you're an "air activist" shouldn't you be buying a Prius or a bicycle?
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 796
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh NC
2007 E63, 2006 C55
RE: 550i
As much as I love the way BMWs corner, until I-Drive and the Bangle Bungle disappear, I will not buy one. The 550i is also pretty small in the back seat.
Our Nav technology is a bit dated, but it works o.k. when one gets used to it. There are adapters available that will make cell phone connections much better for a couple hundred $.
I may be biased, but IMHO the E550 is better styled in and out, and it is definitely quicker.
Good luck with your choice.
Our Nav technology is a bit dated, but it works o.k. when one gets used to it. There are adapters available that will make cell phone connections much better for a couple hundred $.
I may be biased, but IMHO the E550 is better styled in and out, and it is definitely quicker.
Good luck with your choice.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Jackson, MI
2008 E350 4matic
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 314
Likes: 1
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
1972 280SE 4.5
Hi Airactivist,
I came from a BMW (non-iDrive), but tested the 5 series with iDrive for a while. Here's what I learned...
Can you enter destinations while driving?
- BMW, I don't know
- MB, Yes, by "typing" it into Command
Can you enter destinations via voice with the voice control option?
- BMW, Yes, nav is voice activated
- MB, NO! nav is not voice activated. Voice control does not operate the nav and there is no workaround this one!
What is exactly blacked out or locked out while you're in motion?
- Not sure what you mean by this....
And about bluetooth:
Can you dial phone numbers on the keypad while in motion?
- BMW, there is no keypad. You have to do it through the iDrive and it is a ROYAL PAIN IN THE A**. The only BMW with a keypad is the 7 series.
- MB, yes! simply press "Tel" and enter the number you want to dial on the keypad.
Can you store a phone book, and diar the number by voice tag with voice control?
- BMW and MB, yes to both. But, keep in mind that phonebook download is also dependent on your phone's ability to download the phonebook into your car. The MB voice control is much better than BMW. BMW has too many steps (BMW: dial name, please say the name, john, would you like to dial john, yes, dialing. MB: call john, calling john) Also, having used both (in my prior BMW and now my new MB), MB's is much clearer and quiet. Now, keep in mind that BMW bluetooth is included with the car, MB has "phone preparation" and you still have to buy the $420 bluetooth adapter after you buy the car.
Nav and Bluetooth were both very important to me so I researched them both. Unfortunately I didn't ask as many questions as you and assumed too much. It was a bummer to find out after the fact that the navigation on the E-Class is not voice controled!!
Jose
I came from a BMW (non-iDrive), but tested the 5 series with iDrive for a while. Here's what I learned...
Can you enter destinations while driving?
- BMW, I don't know
- MB, Yes, by "typing" it into Command
Can you enter destinations via voice with the voice control option?
- BMW, Yes, nav is voice activated
- MB, NO! nav is not voice activated. Voice control does not operate the nav and there is no workaround this one!
What is exactly blacked out or locked out while you're in motion?
- Not sure what you mean by this....
And about bluetooth:
Can you dial phone numbers on the keypad while in motion?
- BMW, there is no keypad. You have to do it through the iDrive and it is a ROYAL PAIN IN THE A**. The only BMW with a keypad is the 7 series.
- MB, yes! simply press "Tel" and enter the number you want to dial on the keypad.
Can you store a phone book, and diar the number by voice tag with voice control?
- BMW and MB, yes to both. But, keep in mind that phonebook download is also dependent on your phone's ability to download the phonebook into your car. The MB voice control is much better than BMW. BMW has too many steps (BMW: dial name, please say the name, john, would you like to dial john, yes, dialing. MB: call john, calling john) Also, having used both (in my prior BMW and now my new MB), MB's is much clearer and quiet. Now, keep in mind that BMW bluetooth is included with the car, MB has "phone preparation" and you still have to buy the $420 bluetooth adapter after you buy the car.
Nav and Bluetooth were both very important to me so I researched them both. Unfortunately I didn't ask as many questions as you and assumed too much. It was a bummer to find out after the fact that the navigation on the E-Class is not voice controled!!
Jose
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