trumpet1

Concerning distronic, bottom line:

I wanted it.... I got it..... I love it!!!

You don't want it.....don't get it.
Simple as that.

If you have it and don't like it, turn it off and never use it. At least the next owner you trade it off to may like it and your trade value just might have a slight advantage.

Some people may feel uncomfortable with the sunshades up. It may make them feel claustrophobic or obstructed from their view. You don't use it if you don't like them either. I don't care for AM radio, I don't really get use of the rear sunroof, I can't drive my car 190 mph on US roads, an animal had to die for me to have terrific leather seats, I hope I never need my airbags, but oh my is it nice to have all of this stuff when you need /want them.

XJ9

The mirror thing is really difficult to do on an S class. but even that isnt an issue anymore: check this link to see whats available:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHHCTIIWQVo

The real reason for going with the K40 system is that the Valentine one is not a remote mount unit which means that you have to figure out a way to weatherproof it and put it in the front of the vehicle.

LowTech

I agree. Moreover, the laser diffuser is a great addition. Disappointed in the K40 radar detection, so I still run a V1 windshield mount.

NJS430

You can pull the stalk to get it moving again. It will resume by itself if it only stops momentarily.

The distance is relative based on speed. The faster you go the greater the distance - its more of a close/far setting rather than a specific distance. I keep mine right in the middle and that's close enough to stop people from cutting in when you're in bumper to bumper.

NJS430

I think all of us who have it can relate to what you are saying. My opinion was the same as yours. I didn't originally order it because I never used cruise control in my other cars. It was actually the service manager of my dealership who convinced me to order it. I changed my order because he assured me I would love it. Turns out he was right. This is the greatest thing. It's not anything like cruise control.

But let's see if there anybody out there who has it and never uses it. Is there an S owner out there who has distronic-plus and doesn't think its worth having?

trumpet1

Just got back home and I have to say , the distronic is oh so nice.

I keep mine in the middle position too.

Question: What affect , if any, does my car's radar beam have on other driver's radar detectors as I drive alongside, in front of, behind them?? Does it send off a signal, block their detectors, or have no effect at all??
What effect does it have on the radar guns of cops??

The reason I ask is that today, a driver was hauling a** from behind me and then instantly when they came up to me (slightly passed me), they slowed down, drove beside me and even fell in behind me. This happened at least a dozen times today as I traveled 300 miles. I'm just wondering if my distronic has something to do with it, or were they just staring at my car (which happens ALL THE TIME). Even my wife keeps saying, "Those guys are having a fit over this car!"

jbondox

To reply to the original question/topic

I hear a lot of people regret it, and i know of 2 people who did not buy a vehicle because of it.

This has nothing to do with driving habits or speeding, or safety, or GPS signals, turning shiet off...

It has to do with a poor design of using the wrong frequency by MB. Hands down.

I have interfaced several now, and I still can't fathom the design.

Oh and those that think you can turn it off via the cluster are wrong

MBZFAN55

As Z356 so aptly points out, Distronic Plus is an incredible option and unless you have actually used it, you really can't appreciate the marvelous technology. If faced with a decision to have Distronic Plus or a radar detector, I would forgo the detector as I have in similarly opting for "ABC" rather than "4matic". I don't utilize Distronic everyday, but when I do use it, I find it very comforting to know it's there and working flawlessly. There is an issue however, that AustinGuy did mention that surprises me. When faced with driving vehicles with less than the plethora of Mercedes active and passive safety equipment, the first few minutes of the "new drive" can be a disconcerting adjustment experience. This is certainly not reason enough to dismiss a revolutionary safety option. Mercedes has spoiled us with many features, both safety and comfort, but I don't see the need to revert to "lesser" vehicles. Afterall, would you never stay at a Four Seasons again just because you may have to stay at a lesser hotel one day ?

jbondox

Or you can have both, radar detector on = distronic off. D+ off = Radar On

I drove D+ may of times, I don't like it, you let up some control over the vehicle with it. Sure you can't turn it on and jump in the back seat and take a nap, but I don't see giving up the edge of paying the hell attention in front of you

Mat

Yes, I very regret getting the distronic plus - can't drive without the radar where I live - there's constant pressure and can't enjoy the drive - got 2 speeding tickets back to back and I am really mad at MB for thier stupidity !!

Mat

Totally agree with jbondox - 100% correct - MB quality and design and reliability is no where close to Lexus - no wonder they have lost the original popularity and prestige - and the resale values indeed

Mat

I wanted it, I got it I love it BUT I hate the fact, that it intereferes with my radar detector and so it doesn't matter that I have it since I don't need it

rob13572468

Which is why our Valentine One and K40 Distronic Plus interfaces are so popular... You can speed all you want... plus cool integrated cluster display!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHHCTIIWQVo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez417R-hWCI

Diesel Benz

Would you please tell which frequency the bumper radars should operate on to avoid interference with radar sensors? Unfortunately MB cannot pick up any frequency they want and the long range radar frequency is not suitable for bumper sensors.

transferred

radar detectors are great for long trips....see the police way before they see you as they hide behind a bridge not helping road safety...buy escort...

RaDaRkInG

http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...z-s-class.html

"These Mercedes set off my 9500s at about 24.220GHz. With spec display, they are quickly identified."

"That explains why I was getting random K falses in the middle of nowhere at 24.2GHz."


http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...ng-k-band.html

"Top end Mercedes have radar guided cruise control systems that emit K band. I have seen this at least 5 times, all of the perpetrators were 5 and 6 series Mercedes. The frequency was always about 24.220 on my SRX."


http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...-mercedes.html

"Thats right, we have in germany many cars with distancecontrol, such as mercedes S-class or Audi Q7, many premium models have this Radar Distance Control System aprox. 24.144 MHz, showed in tec Display bel sti-r"


http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...24-125ghz.html

"Unfortunately they also have distronic plus which constantly emits at 24.125 which throws every damn detector into a tizzy. The signal goes on and off depending on whether there is anything in front to reflect the signal back to the detector."


http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...des-today.html

"All of a sudden I get a 3 strength K band single bogey up ahead that kept going away and coming back, thinking it was IO after the stop light I muted it and changed it back to A mode for the freeway. As I get on the freeway the K band went to 3 again and the arrow stayed to the front.

I notice a Merc S600 V12 ahead of me. I get next to him and the strength jumps up to 5 and the bogeys go from 1-3. I snapped a pic with my phone but its a crappy picture, sorry."

Diesel Benz

I did not figure out the relevance of your quote, was this post supposed to answer my question about another short range radar frequency MB could have chosen? We all know what frequencies are used by MB.

rob13572468

I believe that jbondox was referring to the use of either X or Ku band for the sensors, either of which would have had much less of a parctical effect on detector operation (since X band usage is very low nowadays and Ku has very limited adoption, although for Ku that can change...)

Diesel Benz

But would these work for the low range bumper units, also Distronic Plus is not only for the US, the frequency band has to be available everywhere (if possible at all).

Anyway I doubt MB has taken radar detectors seriously, low priority for a manufacturer who puts emphasis on safety and speeding does not increase safety. Of course if there had been an option, intentionally creating trouble for detectors does not make sense.

zimstyles

just my two cents here. Seeing as Mercedes is developed in Germany a country where the Autobahn is prominent, there is no need for a radar detector the suggested speed limit is 130km/h but is not imposed. I find that when I use Distronic Plus, the drive is so much more relaxed and when you start to "trust" the system you will truly appreciate it. Its tough to explain, but its just one of those things you have to try and use for a week or so to understand.

Mat

I totally agree - this is an absolutely stupid design. What a mistake to get distronic - without the radar detector you will never enjoy this car - so my 2 cents - stay away from Distronic - I am planning to sell mine asap

Mat

Hope you get pulled over one of these days and you'll know the feeling !!! - I got cited for doing 50 on 40 yesterday - wasn't pretty my friend - This is just pure BS ! - would have never opted for Distronic had I known - you can't even enjoy the car without the fear of getting a speeding ticket
Cheers !!
By the way, my lawyer is drafting a letter to MB for a return/refund - car has only 1700 miles in over 10 months now - what a shame !!

Jan AMG

I think it's a matter of a point of view. In Europe, Distronic is a very good option. Not a must have but seriously, a very good one. Can't speak for you US guys.. you might appreciate radar detector more.

NJS430

I believe there are many of us here who wouldn’t agree with you. The addition of the radar capability not only provides the distronic-plus capability, but also blind spot assistance and parking assistance. The three functions are well engineered and represent the cutting edge technology for which we buy these cars. Clearly you are upset that you received a speeding ticket. However, the fact that the distronic-plus and radar sensing technologies conflict is not a fault on the part of Mercedes. Radar detection is not a feature offered, it’s not legal in some states, and it is unreasonable to expect the company to engineer their product around third party radar sensing equipment that is not needed worldwide. But if you truly must have both, I believe Midcity engineering has a solution to your problem that allows you to have your cake and eat it too.

The Distronic-plus package is a great feature that I would highly recommend. I have had my car for 2 years now and I still find myself purposely trying and find a space that will let me make use of the parking assistance feature because I am so very impressed by how well it works.

trumpet1

DISTRONIC


RADAR DETECTOR