Was just sent fax by my dealer the 2004 S series ordering guide. Only thing I can't make out is transmission: it says 7 speed standard on 430 and 500....but not on 4-Matic, makes no mention of what tranny is on 55 and 600???

No 7G for the 55's or 600's or CLK500's

Does anyone know if the sound system remains the same?

Karma

Still Bose. Two more speakers on back deck and adding Dolby 5.1.

Was that in response to an American car company (can't remember who) adding THX certification to their cars?

Thanks, MercManiac. I thought the new sound system was supposed to be better than the E-class'. Bose just cannot compete with Harman Kardon's Logic 7 system.

Oh well, I hope the 5.1 upgrade actually makes a difference.

Karma

One last thing, MercManiac, do you know when the 04's are hitting the dealers?

Karma

Late September.

I actually prefer the sound of the Bose system over the Harmon Kardon.....a friend has the new E500 and the stereo IMO just doesn't have the mid range like the Bose.

Also, S has Sirius sattelite option now. The NAV is DVD based. Tire pressure monitoring is now standard on all S models. Keyless Go is now integrated into Smartkey.

I heard the Harman Kardon Logic 7 system in a BMW 745i and it was the best system I've ever heard in my life. I guess the ergonomics of the E-Class degrade the sound quality.

As far as Bose with its 5.1 decoding, do you know if it'll have the option to convert regular stereo CD's to 5 channels? I read on the Bose website that they have this feature that makes any input 5.1. I'm just wondering if it'll be on US spec'ed cars.

Karma

What the capabilites of the new BOSE upgrade in the S will do..... I have no idea. MB is famous for not giving the details

I don't think it's specifically Mercedes' fault at this situation. BOSE never gave details either on their home entertainment equipment.

MercManiac,

Are you taking delivery of your 04 S600 in late September? Any performance tuning planned?

I was supposed to take delivery of my S55 at the end of this month but my dealer just told me it will be here in October. I'm thinking about cancelling the order and going for an 04 S600 (thanks to Treynor's inspirational performance posts). Have you placed your order yet?

Karma