Cool/Useful features that I didn't know about
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
E350
Here is one for the Nav newbies. It took me some time to figure it out...
Select the Navi option (center of the speedometer). This option will tell you how many miles to the final destination and to the next turn. The Navi on the main screen doesn't tell you the miles to the next turn - it pops up just before needed. I like knowing when the next turn is coming up.
Select the Navi option (center of the speedometer). This option will tell you how many miles to the final destination and to the next turn. The Navi on the main screen doesn't tell you the miles to the next turn - it pops up just before needed. I like knowing when the next turn is coming up.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
W163 ML430, W212 E550, R129 SL320
Here is one for the Nav newbies. It took me some time to figure it out...
Select the Navi option (center of the speedometer). This option will tell you how many miles to the final destination and to the next turn. The Navi on the main screen doesn't tell you the miles to the next turn - it pops up just before needed. I like knowing when the next turn is coming up.
Select the Navi option (center of the speedometer). This option will tell you how many miles to the final destination and to the next turn. The Navi on the main screen doesn't tell you the miles to the next turn - it pops up just before needed. I like knowing when the next turn is coming up.
A hollow arrow appears and it fills in as the distance decreases! Similar to the parking guidance instructions. Hella cool.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
W163 ML430, W212 E550, R129 SL320
I just realized the rear wheel wells are made from like a stiff felt/cloth like material! Which makes it really easy to clean. Yes... I hand washed my car in sub-zero temperature. LOL
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Yes... I hand washed my car in sub-zero temperature. LOL
Guy Fawkes
lol man, I have been wanting to wash mine too but the weather isn't really
making it easy....I wish I knew someone with garage space to let me detail it...
even though it will get dirty again it's nice to know I made that effort....
and it's clean for a day..........
man, I need a garage
Guy Fawkes
lol man, I have been wanting to wash mine too but the weather isn't really
making it easy....I wish I knew someone with garage space to let me detail it...
even though it will get dirty again it's nice to know I made that effort....
and it's clean for a day..........
man, I need a garage
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
From: Sydney Australia
MB E250 Coupe CDI
Song Name
If you are listening to an iPod or memory card, but have the nav screen on the display, pushing the hash # key will overlay the song name.
Also if showing your song names on memory card and song name is not shown in full, the same key will display full name
Also if showing your song names on memory card and song name is not shown in full, the same key will display full name
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 160
From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Warm water
Yes... I hand washed my car in sub-zero temperature. LOL
Guy Fawkes
lol man, I have been wanting to wash mine too but the weather isn't really
making it easy....I wish I knew someone with garage space to let me detail it...
even though it will get dirty again it's nice to know I made that effort....
and it's clean for a day..........
man, I need a garage
Guy Fawkes
lol man, I have been wanting to wash mine too but the weather isn't really
making it easy....I wish I knew someone with garage space to let me detail it...
even though it will get dirty again it's nice to know I made that effort....
and it's clean for a day..........
man, I need a garage
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 160
From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 7
From: Orlando, FL
2026 AMG GT63 Pro
I thought the little air conditioner vent in the glove box was pretty neat for keeping your plugged in electronics cool and it's output is adjustable. Another thing I didn't know about till recently was the headlight squirters, though I'll never understand that feature. Also the headrests can be adjusted to cradle your head, and man those things are plush!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Who the hell needs AMG?
I have been babying my E350 as I wanted to break it in very easily. Now I have around 1600 miles on it and have done full throttle start a couple of times. The first time I did it in S-mode the car literally scared me how fast it took off. Well, maybe not for the first 20 feet but as the engine revved up it really went...and I had the ESC ON.
BTW, does others have it displayed as ESC in the instrument cluster? Manual speaks about ESP but my car has it named as ESC (Electronic Stability Control instead of Electronic Stability Program).
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Who the hell needs AMG?
I have been babying my E350 as I wanted to break it in very easily. Now I have around 1600 miles on it and have done full throttle start a couple of times. The first time I did it in S-mode the car literally scared me how fast it took off. Well, maybe not for the first 20 feet but as the engine revved up it really went...and I had the ESC ON.
BTW, does others have it displayed as ESC in the instrument cluster? Manual speaks about ESP but my car has it named as ESC (Electronic Stability Control instead of Electronic Stability Program).
I have been babying my E350 as I wanted to break it in very easily. Now I have around 1600 miles on it and have done full throttle start a couple of times. The first time I did it in S-mode the car literally scared me how fast it took off. Well, maybe not for the first 20 feet but as the engine revved up it really went...and I had the ESC ON.
BTW, does others have it displayed as ESC in the instrument cluster? Manual speaks about ESP but my car has it named as ESC (Electronic Stability Control instead of Electronic Stability Program).
that reminds me.....I usually change modes while sitting still......that's the best way (for the car) right??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
hehe, lol, I know what you mean about the S mode.....very quick.....much more fun than E.....I usually flip it to S while waiting at a light to get on the highway.....it's REALLY fun to dust EVERYONE at the on ramps, lol....
that reminds me.....I usually change modes while sitting
still......that's the best way (for the car) right??
that reminds me.....I usually change modes while sitting
still......that's the best way (for the car) right??
It doesn't matter when you change the mode. The system is built to change gears accordingly. I change mine any time I feel so but interestingly, especially when there is a BMW or a Lexus next to me at lights, my finger somehow finds it's way to press that S- mode ON...
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
It wouldn't matter in any event. If the Bimmer was a 535 all you would see is the rear of the car. It will be next Fall before MB has a car that can keep up with the 535.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
LOL @ people racing E350 and 535i sleds. 
Sure, 535i is faster, but we're talking mid-high 14's VS low-mid 14's. Neither is a race car, and either are quick enough to give someone not used to extravagant power, a feeling of satisfaction.
I test drove my car back to back with 550's, and the difference wasn't paramount, 'cause I never got around to even using a fraction of the power either motor delivers.
Sure, 535i is faster, but we're talking mid-high 14's VS low-mid 14's. Neither is a race car, and either are quick enough to give someone not used to extravagant power, a feeling of satisfaction.
I test drove my car back to back with 550's, and the difference wasn't paramount, 'cause I never got around to even using a fraction of the power either motor delivers.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Among some of the less well-known features on our W212's, I found these to be interesting:
The "HOLD" function. Where if you push down on the brake a second time, it holds the brakes.
Parking Guidance instructions. I suppose most people have figures this one out by now by asking what the little "P" under the coffee cup and lane assist icon mean, but after seeing it on the forum I went to try it out and it works!
Downloading music onto the harddrive.
Zagat Survey for restaurants. In the Navigation portion of command, if you look up POI's like restaurants, some of them actually have Restaurant Reviews if it has been included in the Zagat books. And the neat part is that even being in Canada, they list out even overseas restaurants in NYC etc.
I like that you can enter the numeric frequency of radio stations instead of using the error of the command knob. Or maybe I'm just a "knob" for finding this cool. lol
I would love to hear from others to see if they know of any other 'secret features'.
The "HOLD" function. Where if you push down on the brake a second time, it holds the brakes.
Parking Guidance instructions. I suppose most people have figures this one out by now by asking what the little "P" under the coffee cup and lane assist icon mean, but after seeing it on the forum I went to try it out and it works!
Downloading music onto the harddrive.
Zagat Survey for restaurants. In the Navigation portion of command, if you look up POI's like restaurants, some of them actually have Restaurant Reviews if it has been included in the Zagat books. And the neat part is that even being in Canada, they list out even overseas restaurants in NYC etc.
I like that you can enter the numeric frequency of radio stations instead of using the error of the command knob. Or maybe I'm just a "knob" for finding this cool. lol
I would love to hear from others to see if they know of any other 'secret features'.
About the hold feature in my car it does not work from the second step on the brake, it works from the first one if you press the brake pedal fast enough and also deep enough but you don't need excessive force just need to be faster than normal braking speed on the pedal. If you just slow down to behind someone in the lights and just without lifting your foot give it a light but fast tap and the hold comes ON.
Discovered this function by chance, of course, as like so many others I don't want to read manuals too much.
The hold function is probably the same as the brake assist. With braking assist I mean a feature that helps to stop the car in panic situations. I heard or read somewhere that recearch has shown that people don't press brake pedal strong enough when they should be giving full braking force. By my understanding these cars have brake assist system which enables full braking force if you press brake pedal very fast and hard enough. This would be when you are about to hit someone in the rear, for example.
I now think hold function is just the same brake assist and if you keep your foot on the pedal until wheels stop spinning the system locks the brakes ON and puts the HOLD text on the dash.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: Singapore
W123,W124,W211,W212,W213
In Navi when goin into a long tunnel and satellite signals are lost - Navigation continues by the On Board Computer (OBC) calculating the speed of the wheels.
This is possible only when you don't have Video In Motion (VIM) or have the VIM turned off.
This is possible only when you don't have Video In Motion (VIM) or have the VIM turned off.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
From: Sydney Australia
MB E250 Coupe CDI
I have a VIM unit (mods4cars) and still find in tunnels the nav works. I was surprised about this, The command unit must be getting another separate signal. I believe it uses speed from both back wheels so it cal calculate a turn.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: Singapore
W123,W124,W211,W212,W213
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
In tunnels car position is calculated based on tire diameter. The map in NAVI knows where the tunnel starts and how long it is including the shape of the road. If you make a U-turn in a tunnel the system does not know it but continues to show you are advancing on the road in the tunnel as your routing was when you entered the tunnel. This will correct itself when you exit the tunnel.
This "follow the pre-programmed road" function can also be seen in normal driving in open. If you take a parallel road that is close to the navi routing currently in the display the NAVI still shows you driving on the road that is your route in NAVI screen. It will correct when these roads get far enough apart.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,133
Likes: 265
From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
In tunnels car position is calculated based on tire diameter. The map in NAVI knows where the tunnel starts and how long it is including the shape of the road. If you make a U-turn in a tunnel the system does not know it but continues to show you are advancing on the road in the tunnel as your routing was when you entered the tunnel. This will correct itself when you exit the tunnel.
I have not tried it in our cars, but if that is true then that is a VERY POOR implementation of the NAV. I have had in car NAVs in every car I have had since the 90's when they first appeared on the market. I used to install them myself.
They way they work when they lose the GPS signal is to use the speedometer and compass. That's it... Nothing special... So if you make a U-turn without a GPS signal... it knows.
I am positive that this is how the ones in our cars operate because that's pretty much how every aftermarket and factory built-in Nav works without a GPS signal.
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 92
Likes: 4
E63 AMG
Who the hell needs AMG?
I have been babying my E350 as I wanted to break it in very easily. Now I have around 1600 miles on it and have done full throttle start a couple of times. The first time I did it in S-mode the car literally scared me how fast it took off. Well, maybe not for the first 20 feet but as the engine revved up it really went...and I had the ESC ON.
BTW, does others have it displayed as ESC in the instrument cluster? Manual speaks about ESP but my car has it named as ESC (Electronic Stability Control instead of Electronic Stability Program).
I have been babying my E350 as I wanted to break it in very easily. Now I have around 1600 miles on it and have done full throttle start a couple of times. The first time I did it in S-mode the car literally scared me how fast it took off. Well, maybe not for the first 20 feet but as the engine revved up it really went...and I had the ESC ON.
BTW, does others have it displayed as ESC in the instrument cluster? Manual speaks about ESP but my car has it named as ESC (Electronic Stability Control instead of Electronic Stability Program).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
I have not tried it in our cars, but if that is true then that is a VERY POOR implementation of the NAV. I have had in car NAVs in every car I have had since the 90's when they first appeared on the market. I used to install them myself.
They way they work when they lose the GPS signal is to use the speedometer and compass. That's it... Nothing special... So if you make a U-turn without a GPS signal... it knows.
I am positive that this is how the ones in our cars operate because that's pretty much how every aftermarket and factory built-in Nav works without a GPS signal.
Lets hope I'm wrong and you are right.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
E350
It was my day for freebies. I visited the Nespressso store on Newbury Street this afternoon and received a free $50 gift certiciate. I love espresso. Also received free validated parking - very helpful in Boston's back bay.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 640
Likes: 6
2015 GL450
I received my $25 Saks gift card yesterday. Admittedly it is difficult to find gifts for this price at Saks - but you can. I ordered Clinique moisterizor for men at Saks.com. You can use the coupon code "HOLIDAYS" for free shipping.
It was my day for freebies. I visited the Nespressso store on Newbury Street this afternoon and received a free $50 gift certiciate. I love espresso. Also received free validated parking - very helpful in Boston's back bay.
It was my day for freebies. I visited the Nespressso store on Newbury Street this afternoon and received a free $50 gift certiciate. I love espresso. Also received free validated parking - very helpful in Boston's back bay.
And I certainly miss Boston, especially this time of the year. Back Bay and Beacon Hill are the best this time of year.
