Distronic with Illuminated Star
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Joined: Sep 2021
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From: SoCal
2021 GLE 350, 2020 911 C2S MT, 2023 Polestar 2, '73 Alfa GTV
Distronic with Illuminated Star
Our '21 GLE350 has the illuminated star option and I want to add Distronic. I know that Mercedes do not allow these options together on new builds but the car has radar as the HUD shows the car in front in the lane display, with variable distance. Which makes me think the Distronic should work regardless, has anyone had experience with this?
I've asked Raj at RJ Automotive as well but thought someone here may have first hand experience. Thanks in advance.
I've asked Raj at RJ Automotive as well but thought someone here may have first hand experience. Thanks in advance.
Last edited by Aggie57; Oct 4, 2021 at 04:08 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 208
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From: SoCal
2021 GLE 350, 2020 911 C2S MT, 2023 Polestar 2, '73 Alfa GTV
Hi All
Well, given no feedback or comments I guess no-one has had this situation or it’s not an issue. Kind of weird though that MB doesn’t let you order the illuminated star with Distronic then, although I realize that when you order the Distronic pack the star itself is different.
I didn’t order this car, it was off the lot, and I’d not have added the star myself but the car came with augmented navigation and a few other options that we did want. In between seeing the car and buying it I checked on refitting Distronic and only bought the car having found that it is possible.
Well, given no feedback or comments I guess no-one has had this situation or it’s not an issue. Kind of weird though that MB doesn’t let you order the illuminated star with Distronic then, although I realize that when you order the Distronic pack the star itself is different.
I didn’t order this car, it was off the lot, and I’d not have added the star myself but the car came with augmented navigation and a few other options that we did want. In between seeing the car and buying it I checked on refitting Distronic and only bought the car having found that it is possible.
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Joined: Jan 2020
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From: Fredericksburg, VA
2020 Mercedes GLE350 4Matic; 2023 Tesla Model Y
Hi All
Well, given no feedback or comments I guess no-one has had this situation or it’s not an issue. Kind of weird though that MB doesn’t let you order the illuminated star with Distronic then, although I realize that when you order the Distronic pack the star itself is different.
I didn’t order this car, it was off the lot, and I’d not have added the star myself but the car came with augmented navigation and a few other options that we did want. In between seeing the car and buying it I checked on refitting Distronic and only bought the car having found that it is possible.
Well, given no feedback or comments I guess no-one has had this situation or it’s not an issue. Kind of weird though that MB doesn’t let you order the illuminated star with Distronic then, although I realize that when you order the Distronic pack the star itself is different.
I didn’t order this car, it was off the lot, and I’d not have added the star myself but the car came with augmented navigation and a few other options that we did want. In between seeing the car and buying it I checked on refitting Distronic and only bought the car having found that it is possible.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 208
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From: SoCal
2021 GLE 350, 2020 911 C2S MT, 2023 Polestar 2, '73 Alfa GTV
Thanks. Do you know how it shows cars ahead on the head up display in that situation? Do they have more than one radar system?
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Joined: Jan 2020
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From: Fredericksburg, VA
2020 Mercedes GLE350 4Matic; 2023 Tesla Model Y
I believe you can set the right HUD window to show the distronic setting, but I haven’t confirmed it. There are 3 options for the right HUD window and I use the first option. On the center HUD display, I project the speed and it shows a carrot on the periphery that shows the speed of the vehicle in front once it is sensed…so that’s the setting I use. If the carrot is below the set speed, you are closing.
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Joined: Sep 2021
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From: SoCal
2021 GLE 350, 2020 911 C2S MT, 2023 Polestar 2, '73 Alfa GTV
I believe you can set the right HUD window to show the distronic setting, but I haven’t confirmed it. There are 3 options for the right HUD window and I use the first option. On the center HUD display, I project the speed and it shows a carrot on the periphery that shows the speed of the vehicle in front once it is sensed…so that’s the setting I use. If the carrot is below the set speed, you are closing.
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Yes you are right, your car has some sort of radar just not the full package. If you compare cars prior to 2019 that doesn't have distronic the MB star is 3D and hollow-ish, while the 2019 cars you still get somewhat a 3D star but it still sticks out and not flush. Cars with distronic just like the pre-2019 cars will have it completely flush.
I am assuming the reason why MB don't offer illuminated star for distronic equipped vehicles due to this reason, it is flush, I guess they can illuminate the ring but it can't illuminate the actual star due to the amount of radars and sensors within the emblem.
I believe (not fully sure) it uses that radar and the camera used for augmented reality or the camera right above the star (although that is likely just used for the 360 camera function), cars without distronic can option auto brake (my C43 without distronic has auto brake although distronic brings the full active brake assist). That camera near the top of the windshield also helps with the intelligent light system to automatically turn on and off highbeam when it senses traffic and if you have adaptive high beam assist plus it turns off individual LEDs while keeping the rest of the high beam on.
I am assuming the reason why MB don't offer illuminated star for distronic equipped vehicles due to this reason, it is flush, I guess they can illuminate the ring but it can't illuminate the actual star due to the amount of radars and sensors within the emblem.
I believe (not fully sure) it uses that radar and the camera used for augmented reality or the camera right above the star (although that is likely just used for the 360 camera function), cars without distronic can option auto brake (my C43 without distronic has auto brake although distronic brings the full active brake assist). That camera near the top of the windshield also helps with the intelligent light system to automatically turn on and off highbeam when it senses traffic and if you have adaptive high beam assist plus it turns off individual LEDs while keeping the rest of the high beam on.
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MBWorld God!
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Sorry if things are confusing, hopefully images will help illustrate:
DISTRONIC star
https://www.logolynx.com/images/logo...f8dc62fd4.jpeg
Pre-2019 non-DISTRONIC star
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/EOcAA...~9C/s-l300.jpg
Post-2019 non-DISTRONIC star
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/TZkAA...4Ju/s-l400.jpg
DISTRONIC star
https://www.logolynx.com/images/logo...f8dc62fd4.jpeg
Pre-2019 non-DISTRONIC star
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/EOcAA...~9C/s-l300.jpg
Post-2019 non-DISTRONIC star
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/TZkAA...4Ju/s-l400.jpg
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 208
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From: SoCal
2021 GLE 350, 2020 911 C2S MT, 2023 Polestar 2, '73 Alfa GTV
Yes you are right, your car has some sort of radar just not the full package. If you compare cars prior to 2019 that doesn't have distronic the MB star is 3D and hollow-ish, while the 2019 cars you still get somewhat a 3D star but it still sticks out and not flush. Cars with distronic just like the pre-2019 cars will have it completely flush.
I am assuming the reason why MB don't offer illuminated star for distronic equipped vehicles due to this reason, it is flush, I guess they can illuminate the ring but it can't illuminate the actual star due to the amount of radars and sensors within the emblem.
I believe (not fully sure) it uses that radar and the camera used for augmented reality or the camera right above the star (although that is likely just used for the 360 camera function), cars without distronic can option auto brake (my C43 without distronic has auto brake although distronic brings the full active brake assist). That camera near the top of the windshield also helps with the intelligent light system to automatically turn on and off highbeam when it senses traffic and if you have adaptive high beam assist plus it turns off individual LEDs while keeping the rest of the high beam on.
I am assuming the reason why MB don't offer illuminated star for distronic equipped vehicles due to this reason, it is flush, I guess they can illuminate the ring but it can't illuminate the actual star due to the amount of radars and sensors within the emblem.
I believe (not fully sure) it uses that radar and the camera used for augmented reality or the camera right above the star (although that is likely just used for the 360 camera function), cars without distronic can option auto brake (my C43 without distronic has auto brake although distronic brings the full active brake assist). That camera near the top of the windshield also helps with the intelligent light system to automatically turn on and off highbeam when it senses traffic and if you have adaptive high beam assist plus it turns off individual LEDs while keeping the rest of the high beam on.
Sorry if things are confusing, hopefully images will help illustrate:
DISTRONIC star
https://www.logolynx.com/images/logo...f8dc62fd4.jpeg
Pre-2019 non-DISTRONIC star
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/EOcAA...~9C/s-l300.jpg
Post-2019 non-DISTRONIC star
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/TZkAA...4Ju/s-l400.jpg
DISTRONIC star
https://www.logolynx.com/images/logo...f8dc62fd4.jpeg
Pre-2019 non-DISTRONIC star
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/EOcAA...~9C/s-l300.jpg
Post-2019 non-DISTRONIC star
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/TZkAA...4Ju/s-l400.jpg
MBWorld God!
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Posts: 32,222
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thanks for this information and the pictures, it all helps. What I still don’t understand though is what’s not in a car with the illustrated star but is in a car without it. After all it’s not as if something gets removed or downgraded when you add the star. I’m leaning towards adding Distronic and see what happens.
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
Yes, you have short and long range radars in the car. The basic collision prevention radar that is in all cars, is not the same as distronic. Distronic radar which is mounted behind the star, is much longer range and uses a different beam shape than the CPA radar, which is usually bumper mounted, can be one or 2 units, and is offset to one side.
Thread Starter
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From: SoCal
2021 GLE 350, 2020 911 C2S MT, 2023 Polestar 2, '73 Alfa GTV
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 208
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From: SoCal
2021 GLE 350, 2020 911 C2S MT, 2023 Polestar 2, '73 Alfa GTV
Yes, you have short and long range radars in the car. The basic collision prevention radar that is in all cars, is not the same as distronic. Distronic radar which is mounted behind the star, is much longer range and uses a different beam shape than the CPA radar, which is usually bumper mounted, can be one or 2 units, and is offset to one side.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,037
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
Not sure, if your car doesn't have the radar they would have to add the hardware. You can technically code in any options, but the dealer network and programming doesn't allow it. I have seen people add distronic to cars that don't have it, by fitting all the sensors and coding all the associated modules, but it is not a dealer supported thing and must be done aftermarket. When we requested to add features like that it was almost always shot down by MB engineering. We had to ask them to turn on the options for a trailer hitch if a customer bought one to install on an ML/GLE, there's just nothing a dealer can do on their own.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2021
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From: SoCal
2021 GLE 350, 2020 911 C2S MT, 2023 Polestar 2, '73 Alfa GTV
Not sure, if your car doesn't have the radar they would have to add the hardware. You can technically code in any options, but the dealer network and programming doesn't allow it. I have seen people add distronic to cars that don't have it, by fitting all the sensors and coding all the associated modules, but it is not a dealer supported thing and must be done aftermarket. When we requested to add features like that it was almost always shot down by MB engineering. We had to ask them to turn on the options for a trailer hitch if a customer bought one to install on an ML/GLE, there's just nothing a dealer can do on their own.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Texas
2021 GLE 53 AMG Coupe
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
Yes, you have short and long range radars in the car. The basic collision prevention radar that is in all cars, is not the same as distronic. Distronic radar which is mounted behind the star, is much longer range and uses a different beam shape than the CPA radar, which is usually bumper mounted, can be one or 2 units, and is offset to one side.
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Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 496
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From: Philadelphia, PA
2020 Mercedes GLE 450
In term of the illuminated star with the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC (the one that comes with Driver Assistance Package PLUS), is it possible that the light (which is LED) interferes with the long range radar?
My personal experience with LED bulb on garage door opener is that those does interfere with the garage door opener which decrease the range (even those specifically designed for garage door opener still affects the range, just not as bad as non garage door model), so I wonder if the same thing applies to the LED on the illuminated star which might interfere with the long range radar used with the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC.
My personal experience with LED bulb on garage door opener is that those does interfere with the garage door opener which decrease the range (even those specifically designed for garage door opener still affects the range, just not as bad as non garage door model), so I wonder if the same thing applies to the LED on the illuminated star which might interfere with the long range radar used with the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 208
Likes: 78
From: SoCal
2021 GLE 350, 2020 911 C2S MT, 2023 Polestar 2, '73 Alfa GTV
In term of the illuminated star with the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC (the one that comes with Driver Assistance Package PLUS), is it possible that the light (which is LED) interferes with the long range radar?
My personal experience with LED bulb on garage door opener is that those does interfere with the garage door opener which decrease the range (even those specifically designed for garage door opener still affects the range, just not as bad as non garage door model), so I wonder if the same thing applies to the LED on the illuminated star which might interfere with the long range radar used with the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC.
My personal experience with LED bulb on garage door opener is that those does interfere with the garage door opener which decrease the range (even those specifically designed for garage door opener still affects the range, just not as bad as non garage door model), so I wonder if the same thing applies to the LED on the illuminated star which might interfere with the long range radar used with the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 496
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From: Philadelphia, PA
2020 Mercedes GLE 450
It looks like what you are activating is the distronic PRO, not distronic PLUS. I believe only the PLUS uses the long range radar, so you might now have issue with the PRO one.
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From: SoCal
2021 GLE 350, 2020 911 C2S MT, 2023 Polestar 2, '73 Alfa GTV
Based on this post https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...ml#post8382572
It looks like what you are activating is the distronic PRO, not distronic PLUS. I believe only the PLUS uses the long range radar, so you might now have issue with the PRO one.
It looks like what you are activating is the distronic PRO, not distronic PLUS. I believe only the PLUS uses the long range radar, so you might now have issue with the PRO one.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 526
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From: Texas
2021 GLE 53 AMG Coupe
Hi all im going to clear some things up with distronic.
There are 2 Versions of Distronic in modern cars, Distronic PRO & Distronic Plus.
The main differences are:
- Distronic Plus uses a Long range radar sensor & requires the flat MB heated "distronic" star as everyone calls it.(except in the w213 where distronic pro also uses this star) Distronic plus is always bundled with driver assistance pack. This distronic has extra features such as cross traffic assist & works at a higher speed (100mph+)and longer range. For short range detection the stereo camera is used.
- Distronic Pro uses the already installed CPA radar in all modern Mercedes vehicles (except 205/253/213). This is a mid range radar sensor so it does not require the special "distronic MB star" and can work with the standard 3D star, even if illuminated. Distronic PRO is adaptive cruise control only, however in my opinion works just as good as distronic plus, in traffic even comes to complete stop and takes off again.
In some European markets Distronic PRO is offered as a option when configuring the vehicle, however in the UK for example MB force you into spending more money on driver assistance pack.
To retrofit Distronic Pro in a vehicle with a CPA radar all that needs changing is the steering buttons & then some coding which we can do remotely.
I hope this clears things up
Regards,
Raj
There are 2 Versions of Distronic in modern cars, Distronic PRO & Distronic Plus.
The main differences are:
- Distronic Plus uses a Long range radar sensor & requires the flat MB heated "distronic" star as everyone calls it.(except in the w213 where distronic pro also uses this star) Distronic plus is always bundled with driver assistance pack. This distronic has extra features such as cross traffic assist & works at a higher speed (100mph+)and longer range. For short range detection the stereo camera is used.
- Distronic Pro uses the already installed CPA radar in all modern Mercedes vehicles (except 205/253/213). This is a mid range radar sensor so it does not require the special "distronic MB star" and can work with the standard 3D star, even if illuminated. Distronic PRO is adaptive cruise control only, however in my opinion works just as good as distronic plus, in traffic even comes to complete stop and takes off again.
In some European markets Distronic PRO is offered as a option when configuring the vehicle, however in the UK for example MB force you into spending more money on driver assistance pack.
To retrofit Distronic Pro in a vehicle with a CPA radar all that needs changing is the steering buttons & then some coding which we can do remotely.
I hope this clears things up
Regards,
Raj
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Joined: Nov 2024
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I mean the codes of what you took and then what solution you adopted since I imagine the distronic needs to be moved.
ps. sono italiano anche io!
