It's been a long time since i've been here! haven't had an MB in quite some time but had quite a run of them at one time. Anyway, I'm thinking my 2020 BMW X5 may have to go. before I make any rash decisions I was wondering what the options for music playback are. I do not want to use bluetooth so am hoping there is a HDD that I can download my library to. my X5 has that and works great.

If you all are wondering why the possible quick switch from the BMW it's this: This is by far the most uncomfortable vehicle i've ever owned. I love everything about the car. It's an 40i with Msport, loaded with almost everything, including extended merino leather, and a bunch of extras. The fit and finish is great. Except the seats. God, they're killing me. Literally. I know seat comfort is a very subjective thing but based on a poll over at bimmerforum, it seems i'm not alone. I even have the multi-contour/comfort seat and they're brutal. Not only does the seat itself have some pressure points that make it uncomfortable, but the main culprit (for me anyway) is the gas pedal is aligned at an angle that makes it very uncomfortable. The pedal is also a bit too much towards the door side, if that makes sense.

Fortunately I don't drive near as much as I used to or it would already be gone. Since I don't drive that much anymore have been thinking of just dealing with it. it's fine for shorter drives. Had to go from Long Island to Delaware on Friday and what should take 3 hours took 6. I was in agony.

did a quick look at MBUSA and seems 450 with AMG package is what i'm interested in.

Also wondering about MBTEX vs. leather? it's funny, but my last post on this forum was that exact question - mb tex vs leather? LOL.

will go to local dealer tomorrow to take a look and may be back with some more questions.

 

Guess I should update my sig. The 997TT is gone lol.

 

Go leather…some of the MBTex seats are cracking.

 

Funny, after test driving BMW and Audi (all had their good and bad), the one thing that hit me the second I sat in my GLE was that ahhhh!! this is just a car I could sit in for a long ride or traffic and be happy. It might sound silly and as much as I love performance (450 is pretty good, but a 53 is in my sights now), I think we spend more time in traffic and cruises so that was key. I haven't tried downloading music as I'm hoping that Amazon Music eventually comes to the GLE. Sound quality in the GLE is highly source sensitive. My BT connection from my Iphone provides pleasing sound (not an Uber system) but fairly tight across the frequencies (with the right source). Sat radio is mediocre to bleh but still convenient when needed.

 

Music option: I do enjoy a mix of using both Spotify, Youtube Music (from iphone), & Sirius XM. You can use a USB stick loaded with music or your phone storage/ .

 

Store all your music on a newer and faster USB type C memory stick and you will not need any adapters. The GLE only come with USB-c ports.
See https://www.bestbuy.com/site/shop/usb-c-drives

 

I used to have that SAME 911, same color, well, {Meteor Grey} and everything! Miss the hell out of that car!

 

I use Spotify for music streaming. As far as the seats go, I have the MB-Tex/DINAMICA seats. They are comfortable IMO and they shouldn’t crack like regular MB Tex seats because they are not perforated. When I ordered mine I did not have the chance to sit in the seat itself but the shape of the seat was very similar to the sport leather seats in a 580 or 450.

 

Here's a REAL Porsche. 1964 356SC. Also in new hands.

 

I agree that the source is key.
You WILL NOT get good sound through Bluetooth - there's just not enough bandwidth.
Several people on several treads have complained that M-B doesn't offer "Wireless Carplay." But there is a huge difference between wired and BT.
Android Auto sounds (barely) OK with BT but steps up many notches to "Good" when connected by USB.

See this article about Apple Lossless, which includes a good description of the BT problems and offers solutions for both Apple and Android. https://www.engadget.com/the-best-da...160056147.html