E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

CD or not?

Old Apr 24, 2002 | 02:51 AM
  #1  
tla20392's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
CD or not?

Does anyone know if CD is going to be standard for the E500 in U.S.? According to the order guide in a previous post the CD changer was an option, so I was wondering if it at least is going to have a single in-dash. It seems as if the "dinosaurs" who head-up mercedes are extremely facinated with cassette decks which are completely obsolete.
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2002 | 11:24 AM
  #2  
jamesp's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C.
'97 C 280, '06 ML350
here is some info that i gathered...

from an international mercedes site. as far as i know it is an option on all models.


An optional CD changer for 6 CDs is conveniently located behind the motor-powered, pivoting upper control panel in the centre dome. The CDs are both inserted and ejected individually. The CD changer is operated using the controls on the radio unit or COMAND system and all its active functions are shown on the display.
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2002 | 05:34 PM
  #3  
Silver_Lana's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 0
From: NY/NJ
Irksome

This is something that has really bothered me... it seems the men in charge of MB seem to regard CDs as New technology which is only made available at a premium as an optional addition.

This from a company who has keyless entry, radar guided cruise control, Adaptive suspension, probably the most advanced remote/key fob in the industry and other advances of which i am sure examples are not hard to come by.

Very irritating...
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2002 | 08:35 PM
  #4  
JamE55's Avatar
Out Of Control!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 21,014
Likes: 2
From: CA, NV, CO
A hidden disc player cool!
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2002 | 09:09 PM
  #5  
Silver_Lana's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 0
From: NY/NJ
Originally posted by JamE55
A hidden disc player cool!
Cool and yet not cool... we should have had this a very long time ago.... and included in the MSRP not as an option.
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2002 | 10:05 PM
  #6  
MarcusBenz's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 1
From: House of Imports, MBZ (So. Cali.)
'06 ML500 w/Apperance pkg & '07 SL550 w/AMG pkg
CD or no CD

I hate to bust the bubble of the CD being standard, but the info. I have gotten from MBZ is that the integrated 6-dics CD Changer will only be available with the K2b & K2c V60 phone packages. If these options are not order, you will still have to opt. for the dealer installed changer. The ordering guide is not exactly clear, but the is the way that I have understood the info. from our Rep. who orders our cars. Also, the changer maybe installed in the glovebox as in the new W209.


MarcusBenz
House of Imports, MBZ
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2002 | 10:30 PM
  #7  
tla20392's Avatar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
MarcusBenz
Will an in-dash single CD be standard or will it still be a cassette?
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2002 | 10:35 PM
  #8  
Beltfed's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 633
Likes: 0
From: NY
14 'E550
Re: CD or no CD

Originally posted by MarcusBenz
I hate to bust the bubble of the CD being standard, but the info. I have gotten from MBZ is that the integrated 6-dics CD Changer will only be available with the K2b & K2c V60 phone packages. If these options are not order, you will still have to opt. for the dealer installed changer. The ordering guide is not exactly clear, but the is the way that I have understood the info. from our Rep. who orders our cars. Also, the changer maybe installed in the glovebox as in the new W209.
That is the first thing I noticed when I saw the options a little over a week ago at the dealer......thats extremely weak if you can only get the changer from the factory by ordering a $2000+ cellular phone system.

What does a CD player and phone have in common?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 24, 2002 | 11:17 PM
  #9  
Sean's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera
I believe that the dealers have packages that contain the cell phone and the cd changer...however you can order the components separately...thats what we were able to do with the W210s.

Sean
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2002 | 10:28 AM
  #10  
JamE55's Avatar
Out Of Control!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 21,014
Likes: 2
From: CA, NV, CO
Originally posted by Silver_Lana


Cool and yet not cool... we should have had this a very long time ago.... and included in the MSRP not as an option.
If they made this not an option how do you expect for MB to make money?
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2002 | 12:50 PM
  #11  
Silver_Lana's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 0
From: NY/NJ
Re: Re: CD or no CD

Originally posted by Beltfed


That is the first thing I noticed when I saw the options a little over a week ago at the dealer......thats extremely weak if you can only get the changer from the factory by ordering a $2000+ cellular phone system.

What does a CD player and phone have in common?
prewiring for voice control i guess ?
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2002 | 04:58 PM
  #12  
sorlo's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,842
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA and Hong Kong
E350, S320, Mini Cooper S
I went to test drive an IS300 one day and it has a 6 disc CD changer as standard and I was quite impressed by that. I really hope that in the near future, MB buyers get standard CD player (at least a single CD player!!!)

Mini Cooper has that as Standard also!!! MB should have it since we are paying soooo much more.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2002 | 08:27 PM
  #13  
JamE55's Avatar
Out Of Control!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 21,014
Likes: 2
From: CA, NV, CO
Originally posted by sorlo

Mini Cooper has that as Standard also!!! MB should have it since we are paying soooo much more.
Mini Cooper has that as standard?? Geeez what's wrong with MB??
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2002 | 11:10 PM
  #14  
amg55's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
Will the CD changer be standard on the E55?
Anyone want to speculate?

MB lags most every high end car maker in the world regarding standard in-dash CD players. I have to believe it's all about the $$ (options/mark up). As a tech-indulgent manufacturer, there's no other reason they should be behind the curve on this one.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2002 | 12:32 AM
  #15  
karl k's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
Originally posted by JamE55


Mini Cooper has that as standard?? Geeez what's wrong with MB??
MB lost its lead on CDs years ago. Perhaps MB is waiting for the MP3s to rule...

The Mini Cooper uses CDs as tires.

JamE55:

How many miles a day does your solitary jogger run? You mentioned that she has a sister. Is this her twin?
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2002 | 04:33 PM
  #16  
MarcusBenz's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 1
From: House of Imports, MBZ (So. Cali.)
'06 ML500 w/Apperance pkg & '07 SL550 w/AMG pkg
I do agree that MB should have the in dash CD standard, but if you look at it from another point of view it might put you priorities in the right order. I agree that a lot of other cars have the CD standard, but do not hold a candle to MB in the safety department. So, I guess what I am trying to say it that, what is more important; walking away from an accident with no injuries that you may not even survive if you were in another make of automobile OR having to pay a little bit more at purchase time to listen to your favorite CD's?????????? I don't want to sound overly dramatic, but have you seen some of the competition WITH the CD standard after it has been in a collision? The next time you have your car in for service take a look around the bodyshop area where they are repairing the cars and see how much damage is cause and how secure that driver compartment looks, it might suprise you!


MarcusBenz
House of Imports, MBZ
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2002 | 07:27 PM
  #17  
amg55's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
Interesting theory, Marcus, but your line of reasoning assumes that MB has sacrificed audio technology for safety technology, that is, that with a limited amount of money to spend when developing new models, they can't attempt to be industry leaders in all areas at once.
The flaws in this line of reasoning are that 1) the R&D costs for CD technology and in dash units were paid nearly a decade ago, so no significant extra $$ required to tack this on at present;
2) numerous other safety conscious manufacturers are able to add new safety technology AND remain competitive in the audio arena.
MB may CHOOSE to ignore audio as being of secondary importance, but they could easily ramp up yo industry standard in this regard if they wanted to IMO.
In the meantime, while they continue to irk a certain percentage of their customers with their laissez-fare attitude about audio, they can pocket some extra $$ by keeping CD audio optional.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2002 | 10:37 PM
  #18  
MarcusBenz's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 1
From: House of Imports, MBZ (So. Cali.)
'06 ML500 w/Apperance pkg & '07 SL550 w/AMG pkg
Point very well taken! But, the point I was trying to get across is that maybe their priorities are not in the same order as a percentage of US consumers.


MarcusBenz
House of Imports, MBZ
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2002 | 12:33 PM
  #19  
Silver_Lana's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 0
From: NY/NJ
Originally posted by MarcusBenz
...... I don't want to sound overly dramatic, but have you seen some of the competition WITH the CD standard after it has been in a collision? ......

Yes i have and i have seen people walk away from those too. And guess what? CD changer came as standard equipment. :p
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2002 | 01:34 PM
  #20  
hmrdwn's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: Center of Universe
CLK55, Mini S
No CD player as standard equipment....It think the Germans feel like they are already giving us (USA buyers) so much more standard equipment than the european models that they pucker their asses at the thought of putting in a standard CD. Cheap *******s.
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2002 | 02:02 PM
  #21  
Silver_Lana's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 0
From: NY/NJ
Originally posted by hmrdwn
No CD player as standard equipment....It think the Germans feel like they are already giving us (USA buyers) so much more standard equipment than the european models that they pucker their asses at the thought of putting in a standard CD. Cheap *******s.
Hear hear!
I still cant belive you can buy a 40k+ car and still not get a CD player as part of the MSRP ??!!!
I was hoping the new E class was going to be the turning point where DC realizes they have some serious competition in the US market and adjust accordingly but apparently i was misdirected in my optimism.
Oh well ...
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2002 | 08:58 AM
  #22  
holtmorrison's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Southeastern US
2002 E320S4
According to Automobile magazine, and from what I can deduce from pictures, the single disk slot above the screen is going to be standard. The changer in the dash comes as part of the HKardon package. So, at least we're getting technology the one, although if you can buy an Acura TL or an Avalon (great cars, please no one take offense) with those as standard, MB's policy sucks.

Also, no replies from anyone regarding availability of the 270 here in the US? Any knowledge?
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:37 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE