Production on Hold
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 917
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Production on Hold
Okay, here's the deal...after reading about the Navi pre-wiring stuff on the forum, I sent an email last week to the dealer telling him to make sure that our car is pre-wired for Navi.
He calls back today and tells me that the production is on hold because they currently can not pre-wire the Navi. All pre-Jan'03 builds are pre-wired and right now if you want to pre-wire your car for Navi, production is on hold...
Has anyone else been told this same thing? Also, he said if we don't want to pre-wire for Navi, he can get the production going, but he did not know if that means we can never add Navi later on...like to hear more from anyone that has heard this same thing from the dealers.
I'm calling MBUSA again on Monday...
He calls back today and tells me that the production is on hold because they currently can not pre-wire the Navi. All pre-Jan'03 builds are pre-wired and right now if you want to pre-wire your car for Navi, production is on hold...
Has anyone else been told this same thing? Also, he said if we don't want to pre-wire for Navi, he can get the production going, but he did not know if that means we can never add Navi later on...like to hear more from anyone that has heard this same thing from the dealers.
I'm calling MBUSA again on Monday...
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 136
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From: New Jersey
Pre-wired Navi
Abhansali, sorry to hear this - just when you thought you had heard everything there was too hear about MB delays for options - I don't know who is reponsible for this in Germany but seems to me some people should be losing there jobs...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 280
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From: Fort Myers, FL
'23 EQE 350 4MATIC
Confirm that production is on hold for pre-wiring of Navi. Here's an email from my dealer:
"The latest news from Mercedes-Benz places Navigation around springtime for installation. We have had conflicting reports from Mercedes-Benz, all vehicles being produced from Jan1 on will not have Navigation prewiring. I believe there must be a supplier issue, so the time frame has moved from Jan 1 to May/June."
MB is probably changing to a different config of the Nav system. Could bluetooth possibly be in the works? ... just my guess.
"The latest news from Mercedes-Benz places Navigation around springtime for installation. We have had conflicting reports from Mercedes-Benz, all vehicles being produced from Jan1 on will not have Navigation prewiring. I believe there must be a supplier issue, so the time frame has moved from Jan 1 to May/June."
MB is probably changing to a different config of the Nav system. Could bluetooth possibly be in the works? ... just my guess.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
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Saintvir,
My dealer said that if I go ahead without Navi pre-wiring, then I can get the car built on normal schedule. However, he did not know if that means you can never install Navi later on. Have you heard anything about that? I mean, if I can still have Navi installed later (they may have to run some more wiring or something), then I can go ahead and have them build it on the normal schedule.
My dealer said that if I go ahead without Navi pre-wiring, then I can get the car built on normal schedule. However, he did not know if that means you can never install Navi later on. Have you heard anything about that? I mean, if I can still have Navi installed later (they may have to run some more wiring or something), then I can go ahead and have them build it on the normal schedule.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 280
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From: Fort Myers, FL
'23 EQE 350 4MATIC
Originally posted by abhansali
Saintvir,
My dealer said that if I go ahead without Navi pre-wiring, then I can get the car built on normal schedule. However, he did not know if that means you can never install Navi later on. Have you heard anything about that? I mean, if I can still have Navi installed later (they may have to run some more wiring or something), then I can go ahead and have them build it on the normal schedule.
Saintvir,
My dealer said that if I go ahead without Navi pre-wiring, then I can get the car built on normal schedule. However, he did not know if that means you can never install Navi later on. Have you heard anything about that? I mean, if I can still have Navi installed later (they may have to run some more wiring or something), then I can go ahead and have them build it on the normal schedule.
I do think that a new nav system is being developed for MB; otherwise, why not simply take what is currently available and make that available for MB customers. Aren't there other DVD-based systems working in other cars? It just doesn't make sense that MB can find themselves behind the eight ball on this widely-available option while customers wait without knowing when it will be available.
IF I am right and IF bluetooth is in the works, pre-wiring 'may' not be required; the devices can simply talk to each other. The only wiring that may be required is for the power source.
If I am wrong about this, MB will take a big blow if they can't install a Nav system later on. So, I would guess (again!) that it can be done later. They may have to run some wires but I will give them the benefit of the doubt that it can be done cleanly. After all, aftermarket installers and DIYers know how to do it right; why not MB?
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Super Member
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New Navi is definitely in the works and based on DVD instead of current CD. Bluetooth has been talked about in articles, but in talking with MBUSA technical people, they indicated they don't think it will be in there, but they are not sure either.
I think the wiring is more than just power, they would have to run wires to the GPS antennas, as well as speakers and other things (since the Navi replaces the stereo unit). Question is can they run that wire afterwards? If the wiring can not be done afterwards and if May/June is correct, then that means if I want Navi, I have to wait until May/June now, I can't even get a car that I can use until then. I was expecting this car in early Mar...
I have a call into MBUSA to sort this out..
I think the wiring is more than just power, they would have to run wires to the GPS antennas, as well as speakers and other things (since the Navi replaces the stereo unit). Question is can they run that wire afterwards? If the wiring can not be done afterwards and if May/June is correct, then that means if I want Navi, I have to wait until May/June now, I can't even get a car that I can use until then. I was expecting this car in early Mar...
I have a call into MBUSA to sort this out..
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Chicago suburbs
2003 E500
FWIW, after reading this thread this morning, I forwarded it to my dealer and asked him to verify. He sent me a message stating that he had talked to MBUSA this morning, and that the DVD-based Nav system will be available this spring, as planned. He also said that MB knows nothing about the pre-wiring issue/rumor, and that my order, scheduled for production late January, will not be affected.
I hope he's right
I hope he's right
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 926
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From: VA
03 E320, sport package, moon roof, sound upgrade, brilliant silver, charcoal leather, heated seats..
I received the note below a couple weeks ago. February/March is not Spring time. Does anyone have a reason to doubt this source?
Currently we estimate Feb/Mar production for the COMAND/Navigation system on
the E-Class.
Regards,
Joseph Burka
Customer Relations
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
201.476.6249
Currently we estimate Feb/Mar production for the COMAND/Navigation system on
the E-Class.
Regards,
Joseph Burka
Customer Relations
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
201.476.6249
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 280
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From: Fort Myers, FL
'23 EQE 350 4MATIC
Originally posted by abhansali
New Navi is definitely in the works and based on DVD instead of current CD. Bluetooth has been talked about in articles, but in talking with MBUSA technical people, they indicated they don't think it will be in there, but they are not sure either.
I think the wiring is more than just power, they would have to run wires to the GPS antennas, as well as speakers and other things (since the Navi replaces the stereo unit). Question is can they run that wire afterwards? If the wiring can not be done afterwards and if May/June is correct, then that means if I want Navi, I have to wait until May/June now, I can't even get a car that I can use until then. I was expecting this car in early Mar...
I have a call into MBUSA to sort this out..
New Navi is definitely in the works and based on DVD instead of current CD. Bluetooth has been talked about in articles, but in talking with MBUSA technical people, they indicated they don't think it will be in there, but they are not sure either.
I think the wiring is more than just power, they would have to run wires to the GPS antennas, as well as speakers and other things (since the Navi replaces the stereo unit). Question is can they run that wire afterwards? If the wiring can not be done afterwards and if May/June is correct, then that means if I want Navi, I have to wait until May/June now, I can't even get a car that I can use until then. I was expecting this car in early Mar...
I have a call into MBUSA to sort this out..
Now that I said that: isn't a power source already wired to the sound system? Since the Nav system will replace the stereo unit/screen, all the wires are already there!!! Aren't they?
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sl and M-class E320 4Matic SLK350
Feb/March production translates to spring delivery
A two month lag from production to delivery in the USA is about normal so Feb/Mar production means April/May delivery. The pre-wiring issue might have to do with supply and availability of the retrofit units. This became a major headache for Mercedes with the ML class when they offered retrofit 3rd row seats. You could get them once they were available on the production models, but the retrofit units themselves took up to two years for availablity. It just may be that so many people have taken advantage of the Navi upgrade option that there aren't going to be enough units for some time to meet the demand and of course the unsold units coming off the line with production equipped Navi units will have first priority and likely use up the initial supply anyway.
Last edited by northbenz; Jan 14, 2003 at 02:02 AM.
Senior Member
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From: Melbourne, Australia
I just can't see the problem.
All the pictures I have seen of the new E Class Wagen has the new DVD based COMMAND system fitted in the car, and I am assuming it is a working version.
Again, I don't see what the problem is.
It exists so they should just start installing them??
All the pictures I have seen of the new E Class Wagen has the new DVD based COMMAND system fitted in the car, and I am assuming it is a working version.
Again, I don't see what the problem is.
It exists so they should just start installing them??
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Houston,TX-moving to The Woodlands,TX SOON!!!
Toyota Tacoma & Lexus IS250
guys I can tell you that MB dealers will NEVER retrofit the DVD Nav system in your cars...I have an 01 C320 that they told me "cannot be retrofitted...there is no documentation to support doing so..."
Guess what - I bought a COMAND unit (CD)...It took a guy very experieced with MB parts all of about 1 hour to retrofit my car with a European COMAND unit with no problems whatsoever.
Point is if you are expecting to do this - you had better get it in writing from your dealer !!
good luck !
Guess what - I bought a COMAND unit (CD)...It took a guy very experieced with MB parts all of about 1 hour to retrofit my car with a European COMAND unit with no problems whatsoever.
Point is if you are expecting to do this - you had better get it in writing from your dealer !!
good luck !
Thread Starter
Super Member
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I think most people on the forum that have ordered Navi have it in writing. I think this is a special case for the W211. There are even letters on autospies from MBUSA to the dealers explaining that Navi can be retrofitted and even a $500 discount to buy the car now and have Navi retrofitted later.
However, until now they apparantly have been pre-wiring the cars so that the units can be retrofitted, it is very unclear what they are doing right now. Our car is on a production hold as a result of this, it was scheduled to be built 2/10.
I talked to MBUSA, they are still holding on Navi available in spring, Mar/April delivery or so. But on the question of whether I can have my car built on 2/10 and retrofit later, the answer was, it is better to wait to have the Navi factory installed...unclear what that means.
However, until now they apparantly have been pre-wiring the cars so that the units can be retrofitted, it is very unclear what they are doing right now. Our car is on a production hold as a result of this, it was scheduled to be built 2/10.
I talked to MBUSA, they are still holding on Navi available in spring, Mar/April delivery or so. But on the question of whether I can have my car built on 2/10 and retrofit later, the answer was, it is better to wait to have the Navi factory installed...unclear what that means.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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2001 BMW 330CIC, 2000 4Runner
ok here's my experience.. i stepped in the dealer last week deciding to get jaguar or mercedes... i then decided to get the e320...
yesterday i walked in dealer to confirm everything and saw the white e500... and fell in love with it... so i took it...
well here's the deal wit navi... the sales guy double check this with a couple people... all the cars that mercedes have in the dealer now can have navi put in them.. however they cant do it till around may...
my price for my e500 wit e2, e4, navi, cd changer came out to 62g give or take...
he gave me a 2600 discount... is it a good price?
im me at "justphong" if you want :P
yesterday i walked in dealer to confirm everything and saw the white e500... and fell in love with it... so i took it...
well here's the deal wit navi... the sales guy double check this with a couple people... all the cars that mercedes have in the dealer now can have navi put in them.. however they cant do it till around may...
my price for my e500 wit e2, e4, navi, cd changer came out to 62g give or take...
he gave me a 2600 discount... is it a good price?
im me at "justphong" if you want :P
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Chicago suburbs
2003 E500
I just talked with MBUSA about the COMAND issue, and here's what "Neil" said:
1. MB had problems with the COMAND system that delayed availability; as compensation, MB offered the $500 discount to those who chose to order the car with COMAND and contend with the inconvenience of delayed installation. MB also made the decision to prewire all E Class sedans for COMAND.
2. MB has now resolved the problems. All cars that were ordered with COMAND and scheduled for production after January 1, 2003 will be shipped with COMAND installed. Cars not specifically ordered with COMAND will not be prewired.
He seemed to be well informed on the situation and did not hesitate to share his knowledge.
FWIW.
1. MB had problems with the COMAND system that delayed availability; as compensation, MB offered the $500 discount to those who chose to order the car with COMAND and contend with the inconvenience of delayed installation. MB also made the decision to prewire all E Class sedans for COMAND.
2. MB has now resolved the problems. All cars that were ordered with COMAND and scheduled for production after January 1, 2003 will be shipped with COMAND installed. Cars not specifically ordered with COMAND will not be prewired.
He seemed to be well informed on the situation and did not hesitate to share his knowledge.
FWIW.
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From: VA
03 E320, sport package, moon roof, sound upgrade, brilliant silver, charcoal leather, heated seats..
Can you ask Neil when those who paid for the command in 02 expecting delivery in feb/mar 03 will see their units? With command now shipping we should be a priority...having already paid.
Almost a Member!
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From: Chicago suburbs
2003 E500
Originally posted by drb
Can you ask Neil when those who paid for the command in 02 expecting delivery in feb/mar 03 will see their units? With command now shipping we should be a priority...having already paid.
Can you ask Neil when those who paid for the command in 02 expecting delivery in feb/mar 03 will see their units? With command now shipping we should be a priority...having already paid.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: VA
03 E320, sport package, moon roof, sound upgrade, brilliant silver, charcoal leather, heated seats..
I spoke with Joe at MBUSA today about command. As rtrider was told by neil, the units will be included if ordered with new cars. Neil works closely with the engineers, and is in position to know. Joe noted there is still some testing and paper filing to be accomplished, but February release for those who paid for command in 02 looks promising. He says M B is not going to release a unit with problems.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 524
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From: So. FL
2003 SL Launch Edition, 2003 E500 Pewter/Stone
Can any of you who seem to have pretty good contacts at MB find out when they will release the V60 voice activated phones for those who paid for them but don't have them yet?
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 65
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From: Melbourne, Australia
Australian-spec cars
My E320 Avantgarde is also due to be produced in the 3rd decade of January 2003 - I hope that the COMAND system will be in it when I get my car in March!!
I wonder whether the Australian-spec cars is in the same situation as US?
I wonder whether the Australian-spec cars is in the same situation as US?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 484
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From: Melbourne, Australia
Yes,you will have the COMMAND DVD based system in your car.
My car is scheduled for mid February build and so will also have it fitted as well.
All 320 and 500 E Class already delivered will have the COMMAND system retrofitted by the dealer at no cost.
My car is scheduled for mid February build and so will also have it fitted as well.
All 320 and 500 E Class already delivered will have the COMMAND system retrofitted by the dealer at no cost.
Last edited by Callaway; Jan 17, 2003 at 08:40 PM.
