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Ordered on 3/4, Got the call from dealer today for pickup. Unfortunately, I'm out of town until the end of next week. What a bummer...
Will post the photo once I get it.
With audio, as with many other things in life, once you get into the higher priced items you reach a point of diminishing returns. So just because it is six times more expensive you can't expect it to be six times better. However, I am interested in something you said:
So you think to get to the level of the 3D system it is cheaper paying for the 3D system than installing aftermarket parts to the base Burmester?
It sounds like you have been around audio enough to know that it, perhaps more than most things, is extremely subjective. Whereas I may not think, or should expect that, it's six times better just because that is the cost delta, someone else may think it is ten times better, and is worth fifteen times the cost. And in audio, it doesn't necessarily need to be higher priced, or so-called higher end components, to prove the point of diminishing returns. Also, whose to say what is "better"? Again, extremely subjective. Indeed, I've paid ten times more for a component that did not, in my opinion, sound as good good as the one it replaced. So, yeah, your point is valid, I was just giving an overt example to make a simplistic point. And as I said in my post after I was asked my opinion: it is just that, my opinion only, and to take it with a grain of salt.
On my statement of adding aftermarket parts to base burmester, with newer vehicles, integration is the boogeyman. Especially with a new system like MBUX. If one adds just new speakers, no, I don't think it will get you there. So let's add an amp. Now, integration rears its head. Will all channels be amplified, and if so, at what power? If so, connectivity to the MBUX system while keeping complete operational functionality? I am aware of the manufacturers like Audison with Prima integration systems. With my 2009 E63, it had fiber optic, so I just hooked up a bit10, bit dmi, chunked in a few amps (admittedly after much consideration), front stage, subs, and voila, nice system, extremely expensive and not without integration issues on a fairly simple vehicle system. Systems now are not as simple, and with the new MBUX, there is still probably steep learning curves, not only from installers, but from aftermarket equipment designers as well. If you can do all that yourself, you'll save some coin. If not, a shop that won't ruin the car and kill the warranty on your new $80k+ MB will not be cheap. I know that on the GLC section (and maybe other sections) of the forum there is a guy that upgraded the system on his GLC. I think he said he spent around $3,500 to do it, or something like that. I have not heard that system, but looking at the equipment list and power, I can't make a judgement on whether it is better than the 3D system. And even if I did hear it and made a judgement, I would give it with the caveat that it is just my opinion and other's opinions would likely be different. With the integration, skill from a knowledgeable good shop, amps, speakers, installation, it is still my opinion that you would be hard pressed to do that cheaper and more reliable than just upgrading to the 3D. Again, it all depends on the importance of audio to you and your wallet, and this is just my opinion.
It sounds like you have been around audio enough to know that it, perhaps more than most things, is extremely subjective. Whereas I may not think, or should expect that, it's six times better just because that is the cost delta, someone else may think it is ten times better, and is worth fifteen times the cost. And in audio, it doesn't necessarily need to be higher priced, or so-called higher end components, to prove the point of diminishing returns. Also, whose to say what is "better"? Again, extremely subjective. Indeed, I've paid ten times more for a component that did not, in my opinion, sound as good good as the one it replaced. So, yeah, your point is valid, I was just giving an overt example to make a simplistic point. And as I said in my post after I was asked my opinion: it is just that, my opinion only, and to take it with a grain of salt.
On my statement of adding aftermarket parts to base burmester, with newer vehicles, integration is the boogeyman. Especially with a new system like MBUX. If one adds just new speakers, no, I don't think it will get you there. So let's add an amp. Now, integration rears its head. Will all channels be amplified, and if so, at what power? If so, connectivity to the MBUX system while keeping complete operational functionality? I am aware of the manufacturers like Audison with Prima integration systems. With my 2009 E63, it had fiber optic, so I just hooked up a bit10, bit dmi, chunked in a few amps (admittedly after much consideration), front stage, subs, and voila, nice system, extremely expensive and not without integration issues on a fairly simple vehicle system. Systems now are not as simple, and with the new MBUX, there is still probably steep learning curves, not only from installers, but from aftermarket equipment designers as well. If you can do all that yourself, you'll save some coin. If not, a shop that won't ruin the car and kill the warranty on your new $80k+ MB will not be cheap. I know that on the GLC section (and maybe other sections) of the forum there is a guy that upgraded the system on his GLC. I think he said he spent around $3,500 to do it, or something like that. I have not heard that system, but looking at the equipment list and power, I can't make a judgement on whether it is better than the 3D system. And even if I did hear it and made a judgement, I would give it with the caveat that it is just my opinion and other's opinions would likely be different. With the integration, skill from a knowledgeable good shop, amps, speakers, installation, it is still my opinion that you would be hard pressed to do that cheaper and more reliable than just upgrading to the 3D. Again, it all depends on the importance of audio to you and your wallet, and this is just my opinion.
I see your point. I have been a bit around audio, but not at all with car audio. So, did not take account integration with MBUX, which, as you say, people are barely getting their fingers into as we speak.
Ordered my Car on Mar 18 and car arrived on June 15th. The car has everything except the E-ABC. Will post pictures soon...!!!
Looks good! It seems cars ordered March and on are moving pretty well through production, while presumably some earlier builds are waiting for "fixes."
Looks good! It seems cars ordered March and on are moving pretty well through production, while presumably some earlier builds are waiting for "fixes."
Selfishly, I hope you're right since I ordered mine in March. But it certainly sucks for those who ordered earlier to get theirs later than people who ordered after them.
Looks good! It seems cars ordered March and on are moving pretty well through production, while presumably some earlier builds are waiting for "fixes."
I ordered in March (deposit ~March 12, allocation early April) and my production decade is not until mid-August ;( Will be about 6 months from deposit to delivery.
Fully loaded including e-ABC and the dreaded roof spoiler and the kitchen sink, just no running boards (and opted for AMG Exterior instead of 3D sound, and massage seats (energizing comfort package) instead of AMG interior).
Local dealer has been without even the 350s for a week or so(the 2020s they got were sold very quickly), but looks like they've logged in 2 450s (no pictures yet). Maybe they will start coming in regularly now. My husband wants to test drive one again.....
I'm reposting this link by bkushner on 4/1 with the owner's manual. Not the highest res, but newer than the one delivered with my car. V167 GLE Owner's Manual 09-27-2018.
hello, did any one get the gle with the acoustic package. If so are the back windows tinted?
I ordered it but it came up missing at build. I believe the 2nd row and hatch windows are tinted on all models. My front windows without Acoustic appear darker than most other vehicles with factory tint. The description would indicate that all side windows have the extra protection...
Increased Cabin Insulation,-Windshield with Infrared-Reflecting film-Side Windows with Acoustic Infrared Absorbing Film
hello, did any one get the gle with the acoustic package. If so are the back windows tinted?
I have it and they are factory tinted, some (dealers) refer to it as dyed. However, I don't believe it is just with the acoustic package. I think they are all factory tinted in that manner.
I have it and they are factory tinted, some (dealers) refer to it as dyed. However, I don't believe it is just with the acoustic package. I think they are all factory tinted in that manner.
The good thing about the laminated side glass in the acoustic package is it is much harder for someone to break in. However, if you are in an accident it is also harder for rescuers to get in.
“'After a challenging first half of the year, Mercedes-Benz continues to be at the top of the premium segment. We are particularly pleased with the great popularity of the new compact models. In the third quarter, we anticipate sales momentum from the new SUVs with the star,' stated Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales.
... In the NAFTA region, 30,808 vehicles were delivered last month (-4.1%). In the region’s core market, the United States, the prior-year level was reached with sales of 26,196 cars. Unit sales by Mercedes-Benz in the USA in the first half of the year totalled 147,396 vehicles (-7.2%). ... Sales of SUVs in the first six months of this year were below the high prior-year level due to model changes, with approximately 367,000 units of the GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS and G-Class sold (-13.3%). Despite ongoing model changes, one third of all Mercedes-Benz cars sold worldwide in the first half of the year were SUVs. The G-Class set a new sales record in the first six months of its 40th anniversary year; deliveries actually more than doubled in June."