COMMAND coming.....!?!?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 308
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From: Houston, TX
2003 E500
COMMAND coming.....!?!?
Guys, on Sunday I managed to speak to one of my "patients" (I'm a pharmacist) who works for a Benz dealer on the Northside of town. He and I go WAY back.. he's been a patient for years.. AND he also worked for the BMW dealer when I bought my 5 series in 99 (he did my financing). Anyways, he's working now for Benz.. and here's what I found out.....
First off, he was very positive and didn't seem to have any doubt about this. He mentioned that this was current as of "last week."
Apparently.. the factory installed units will be beginning in April sometime.. and the retrofits (which he said was a HIGH PRIORITY for MB) will be available FIRST to those who PREPAID... then anyone who wanted it would go first come first serve. I had mentioned to him alot of the "speculation" we have going on this board.. and he told me. "It's going to happen" and probably VERY SOON (I believe he actually said "this month")
I know this gentlemen.. and he's not one to "blow smoke" so perhaps MB is close to closing this fiassco.
Just FYI.. I'll call my contact at the other dealership today to ask him what he's heard (he's been generally clueless).
Peter
First off, he was very positive and didn't seem to have any doubt about this. He mentioned that this was current as of "last week."
Apparently.. the factory installed units will be beginning in April sometime.. and the retrofits (which he said was a HIGH PRIORITY for MB) will be available FIRST to those who PREPAID... then anyone who wanted it would go first come first serve. I had mentioned to him alot of the "speculation" we have going on this board.. and he told me. "It's going to happen" and probably VERY SOON (I believe he actually said "this month")
I know this gentlemen.. and he's not one to "blow smoke" so perhaps MB is close to closing this fiassco.
Just FYI.. I'll call my contact at the other dealership today to ask him what he's heard (he's been generally clueless).
Peter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 330
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From: Riyadh, KSA
2004 Range Rover, 02 S 600, 02 Yukon
Just as a side note
in car magazines in the arab world, the following has been written:
"Mercedes Benz Middle East has launched ab in-car GPS road navigation system that covers five Gcc countries. These countries are UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. In CD format, the system is for S, CL, M, CLK and C class.....(the main point now) A DVD version for E class will be available in MAY this year for E class cars with the Comand system"
so it seems this verifies the original post...look for E class comand builds in april for may deliveries......
"Mercedes Benz Middle East has launched ab in-car GPS road navigation system that covers five Gcc countries. These countries are UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. In CD format, the system is for S, CL, M, CLK and C class.....(the main point now) A DVD version for E class will be available in MAY this year for E class cars with the Comand system"
so it seems this verifies the original post...look for E class comand builds in april for may deliveries......
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 468
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From: Houston. TX
2013 S550
That's consistent with what I'm hearing here in Houston from MB of Greenway. I spoke with my salesperson a week ago Saturday (3/15) regarding several posts on this board saying that dealers had confirmed no retrofit possible on COMAND. She said she would check into it and get back with me the following Monday.
Well, it was Friday morning before she called. She said that she had checked with her contact at MB USA and the list that is being prepared is in fact to set the number of navigation units to shipped. The source also said that they had not worked out every retrofit issue as yet, but thought that all issues would be resolved shortly. My salesperson then went to the service manager who also confirmed that all issues with the retrofit had not been resolved, but they do expect to work out all the details soon.
My salesperson said that cars shipped prior to Jan 1 were retrofitable. MB pre-wired them because they did not know what the demand for navigation would be. By the end of last year, demand for navigation had been low enough that the decision was made to cease the pre-wiring and let folks order the navigation if they wanted it.
Now I'm just reporting what I was told. I know others have been told different stories and have reported those stories here. I have no reason not to believe what I've been told by my salesperson. As I mentioned some time ago, I have always suspected in my mind that I would not see navigation until May and while no one has confirmed that specifically, that remains in my eyes a realistic expectation.
Well, it was Friday morning before she called. She said that she had checked with her contact at MB USA and the list that is being prepared is in fact to set the number of navigation units to shipped. The source also said that they had not worked out every retrofit issue as yet, but thought that all issues would be resolved shortly. My salesperson then went to the service manager who also confirmed that all issues with the retrofit had not been resolved, but they do expect to work out all the details soon.
My salesperson said that cars shipped prior to Jan 1 were retrofitable. MB pre-wired them because they did not know what the demand for navigation would be. By the end of last year, demand for navigation had been low enough that the decision was made to cease the pre-wiring and let folks order the navigation if they wanted it.
Now I'm just reporting what I was told. I know others have been told different stories and have reported those stories here. I have no reason not to believe what I've been told by my salesperson. As I mentioned some time ago, I have always suspected in my mind that I would not see navigation until May and while no one has confirmed that specifically, that remains in my eyes a realistic expectation.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,690
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From: Washington State
E-500
It is amazing the range of information we receive. I talked Saturday with the manager of a dealership. He is still advising that he has been told by MBUSA that the 2003 E-Series will not be retro fitted with the Navigation. He said that he was told by his contact that the question was how to handle the prepaid customers.
Hard to believe that we are still getting opposite information at this late date.
Hard to believe that we are still getting opposite information at this late date.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 484
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From: Melbourne, Australia
Well, three out of four positive retrofit posts is good.
This will make it four out of five!!
Spoke to my dealer today to work out about financing this thing and I also asked him the latest on the COMAND saga.
He told me the problem had been fixed,cars will be factory fitted within a week or so and the retrofits are being made and will be distributed soon (maybe still some time off but definatley coming).
Happy to sign a contract with me when I pick the car up stating DVD Nav will be put in otherwise another solution to the problem (of my chosing) will be granted.
Confident it will not be needed.
This will make it four out of five!!
Spoke to my dealer today to work out about financing this thing and I also asked him the latest on the COMAND saga.
He told me the problem had been fixed,cars will be factory fitted within a week or so and the retrofits are being made and will be distributed soon (maybe still some time off but definatley coming).
Happy to sign a contract with me when I pick the car up stating DVD Nav will be put in otherwise another solution to the problem (of my chosing) will be granted.
Confident it will not be needed.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 924
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From: Northern VA
2003 MB E500
Well Callaway if your dealer agreed to that kind of open ended language then they must be certain that getting a Nav will not be a problem. A very good sign at least for those of you down under. Thanks for the info. Hope all is well with you BTW.
Last edited by rayscar; Mar 24, 2003 at 09:22 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 484
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From: Melbourne, Australia
Thanks mate,all is well.
Car is on the ship,between South Africa and Perth,Australia. Should be here within a few weeks.
Wood/leather wheel is on order and to arrive soon. Nav problem looks to have been sorted.
Other than the tragic events going on in the Middle East all else is good.
Will keep you posted on any other developments.
Car is on the ship,between South Africa and Perth,Australia. Should be here within a few weeks.
Wood/leather wheel is on order and to arrive soon. Nav problem looks to have been sorted.
Other than the tragic events going on in the Middle East all else is good.
Will keep you posted on any other developments.
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From: SoCal
MB
i called one of the sales managers at our dealer, he said he will get back to me. then i called mercedes, and talked to a guy. i asked him if there was any new info. for some reason, it seemed like he didnt want to tell me anything, so i asked him again. then he asked what do i know, and i replied saying that dealers sent you lsts of the people who ordered them. then he said, when they gather all the data, they will send out letters, and send a memo to dealer on what is the final word on April 2nd. so hopefully on April 2nd, we will find out if it is yes or no.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,690
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From: Washington State
E-500
Originally posted by Dema
It's good that 2nd, not 1st. We can't trust on 1st .
It's good that 2nd, not 1st. We can't trust on 1st .
The way MB has communicated with us until now makes it hard to believe anything after April Fools day either:p
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 287
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From: Lahore | Manama | Seattle
Originally posted by Dema
It's good that 2nd, not 1st. We can't trust on 1st .
It's good that 2nd, not 1st. We can't trust on 1st .
Call me skeptical, but I really will believe it when I see it.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Waiting for E-Class with Nav
MB Mis-Handling Of COMMAND on 2003 E
The MB auto nav system is no where near as good as that of the LEXUS, but it is decent. But their handling of the matter is incredibly stupid.
Here is my chronolgical experience:
Nov 2002: Dealer A says car can be field upgraded to add COMMAND when available. Expected avail Jan 2003.
Dec 2002: Dealer B says no way. COMMAND only available from factory, not field upgradable. Expected avail March 2003.
Jan 2003: MB Rep at Los Angeles Auto show said she had no clue. And she didn't!!!!
Jan 2003: MBUSA customer service says E-Class cars manufactured before 12/21/2002 can be field upgraded, not those manufactured after.
Feb 2003: Dealer C says he has customers waiting for field upgrades, so he is sure it can be done. I ask him to check. He comes back: no one can give him a firm answer.
March 2003: Dealer D says MBUSA has sent out a message in March that specfically instructed dealers "to make NO PROMISES in regards to COMMAND availability on the 2003 model year E class."
NET NET: Trust NO ONE. If COMMAND cannot be ordered from the factory - walk away.
Here is my chronolgical experience:
Nov 2002: Dealer A says car can be field upgraded to add COMMAND when available. Expected avail Jan 2003.
Dec 2002: Dealer B says no way. COMMAND only available from factory, not field upgradable. Expected avail March 2003.
Jan 2003: MB Rep at Los Angeles Auto show said she had no clue. And she didn't!!!!
Jan 2003: MBUSA customer service says E-Class cars manufactured before 12/21/2002 can be field upgraded, not those manufactured after.
Feb 2003: Dealer C says he has customers waiting for field upgrades, so he is sure it can be done. I ask him to check. He comes back: no one can give him a firm answer.
March 2003: Dealer D says MBUSA has sent out a message in March that specfically instructed dealers "to make NO PROMISES in regards to COMMAND availability on the 2003 model year E class."
NET NET: Trust NO ONE. If COMMAND cannot be ordered from the factory - walk away.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,665
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From: Bahrain
R129 SL55 AMG & W208 CLK55 AMG
Re: Just as a side note
Originally posted by nabzy
in car magazines in the arab world, the following has been written:
"Mercedes Benz Middle East has launched ab in-car GPS road navigation system that covers five Gcc countries. These countries are UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. In CD format, the system is for S, CL, M, CLK and C class.....(the main point now) A DVD version for E class will be available in MAY this year for E class cars with the Comand system"
so it seems this verifies the original post...look for E class comand builds in april for may deliveries......
in car magazines in the arab world, the following has been written:
"Mercedes Benz Middle East has launched ab in-car GPS road navigation system that covers five Gcc countries. These countries are UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. In CD format, the system is for S, CL, M, CLK and C class.....(the main point now) A DVD version for E class will be available in MAY this year for E class cars with the Comand system"
so it seems this verifies the original post...look for E class comand builds in april for may deliveries......
our firm INTERCOM GULF (BAHRAIN) are the sole representatives of Blaupunkt Mobile Audio Systems for the local market and we specialise in aftermarket audio installations on german vehicles. Blaupunkt GMBH are a subsidiary of ROBERT BOSCH group who in cooperation with NAVTECH have successfully released the CD ROM navigation data for UAE, BAHRAIN, OMAN, KUWAIT, SAUDI ARABIA on a single CD.
Representatives from Blaupunkt and DaimlerChrysler bahrain along with myself were present during the testing period in july 2002. Their were glitches that were resolved and the test was completed successfully using a demo 2003 S500.
This DXN system is extrememly acurate and responsive. The features are very user friendly and the overall conclusion was that this system was gonna blow NAVTECH's DX software used on BMW's right out of the sky!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,665
Likes: 208
From: Bahrain
R129 SL55 AMG & W208 CLK55 AMG
Re: Just as a side note
Originally posted by nabzy
in car magazines in the arab world, the following has been written:
"Mercedes Benz Middle East has launched ab in-car GPS road navigation system that covers five Gcc countries. These countries are UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. In CD format, the system is for S, CL, M, CLK and C class.....(the main point now) A DVD version for E class will be available in MAY this year for E class cars with the Comand system"
so it seems this verifies the original post...look for E class comand builds in april for may deliveries......
in car magazines in the arab world, the following has been written:
"Mercedes Benz Middle East has launched ab in-car GPS road navigation system that covers five Gcc countries. These countries are UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. In CD format, the system is for S, CL, M, CLK and C class.....(the main point now) A DVD version for E class will be available in MAY this year for E class cars with the Comand system"
so it seems this verifies the original post...look for E class comand builds in april for may deliveries......
our firm INTERCOM GULF (BAHRAIN) are the sole representatives of Blaupunkt Mobile Audio Systems for the local market and we specialise in aftermarket audio installations on german vehicles. Blaupunkt GMBH are a subsidiary of ROBERT BOSCH group who in cooperation with NAVTECH have successfully released the CD ROM navigation data for UAE, BAHRAIN, OMAN, KUWAIT, SAUDI ARABIA on a single CD.
Representatives from Blaupunkt and DaimlerChrysler bahrain along with myself were present during the testing period in july 2002. Their were glitches that were resolved and the test was completed successfully using a demo 2003 S500.
This DXN system is extrememly acurate and responsive. The features are very user friendly and the overall conclusion was that this system was gonna blow NAVTECH's DX software used on BMW's right out of the sky!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,690
Likes: 2
From: Washington State
E-500
Ahmed....you are responding to a very old thread dated in March of 2003. Check the date under the member's name.
Since that time Navigation has been received in the US by some 2003 E-Series owners that had pre-ordered it.
Most of the posts from Navigation owners (including myself) have been very supportive.
Again, you are responding to an old post. For more current threads seach under "Navigation" and look for dates in August.
Since that time Navigation has been received in the US by some 2003 E-Series owners that had pre-ordered it.
Most of the posts from Navigation owners (including myself) have been very supportive.
Again, you are responding to an old post. For more current threads seach under "Navigation" and look for dates in August.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
NAVIGATION RETROFIT
HEY ALL
SO FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND AFTER READING THIS THREAD, WILL MY CAR, AND THE CARS BUIT ON OR BEFORE 12/31/02 BE ABLE TO GET THE NAVIGATION. SO THE NAVIGATION WILL RETROFIT.
JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE... BECAUSE IT IS GREAT NEWS,BECAUSE I DID NOT PRE PAY.
BEFORE I GO UP TO MY DEALER. I WANT TO MAKE SURE.
THANKS
SO FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND AFTER READING THIS THREAD, WILL MY CAR, AND THE CARS BUIT ON OR BEFORE 12/31/02 BE ABLE TO GET THE NAVIGATION. SO THE NAVIGATION WILL RETROFIT.
JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE... BECAUSE IT IS GREAT NEWS,BECAUSE I DID NOT PRE PAY.
BEFORE I GO UP TO MY DEALER. I WANT TO MAKE SURE.
THANKS
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,690
Likes: 2
From: Washington State
E-500
Check the dates on this thread (all but the last couple)..This is a very old and outdated thread.
NO...you cannot retrofit the Navigation into any "03 E-Series.
The only 03's with Navigation were "replacement" cars that were given to those who prepaid early in the '03 release.
The Navigation in the replacement cars was factory installed.
Navigation is available in the '04.
NO...you cannot retrofit the Navigation into any "03 E-Series.
The only 03's with Navigation were "replacement" cars that were given to those who prepaid early in the '03 release.
The Navigation in the replacement cars was factory installed.
Navigation is available in the '04.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,665
Likes: 208
From: Bahrain
R129 SL55 AMG & W208 CLK55 AMG
sorry guys, but i was just commenting on the 2nd post of this thread that involved GPS for the middle east. I commented cause the commercialization was implemented just recently.
I dont know about the US, but for all our memebers that want info on the middle east, then i've given it!
thanks
I dont know about the US, but for all our memebers that want info on the middle east, then i've given it!
thanks
