SL/R230: Opinions on Parktronic on SL's
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
Opinions on Parktronic on SL's
Curious to get feedback from Owners who have parktronic installed on their SL's. What do you think about this option?
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Agree! Just for example, the nose is so low it's easy to scrape it on curbs. Parktronic will alert you all but the lowest curb and will easily pay for itself if it keeps you from tearing up the nose.
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
parktronic
Does it work automatically when he are parking?
If you pull into a parking spot in a parking lot, does it automatically alert you when you are getting close to the curb?
If you pull into a parking spot in a parking lot, does it automatically alert you when you are getting close to the curb?
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yes and yes although it does not work on identifying curbs. It would identify an item maybe 6 inches or so above the curb but not the curb itslef. Obviously it identifies walls and large bushes etc.
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This is of course depending on the height of the curb but I find that if the curb is high enough to damage the bumper, it usually detects it.
Either way, a very useful option given the common bumper damage on SL's. I wish the rear indicator wouldn't be in such a rediculus place, making it virtually impossible to see (with windscreen). Either a rearview camera or the BMW-like onscreen parktronic display would have been a better option.
Wolfman
Either way, a very useful option given the common bumper damage on SL's. I wish the rear indicator wouldn't be in such a rediculus place, making it virtually impossible to see (with windscreen). Either a rearview camera or the BMW-like onscreen parktronic display would have been a better option.
Wolfman
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From: MA
ML63
Becomes a must-have. I like the beeps and gradual bars display system on MB much better than some of the newer backup-camera systems, such as Lexus' and Infiniti's. I find their camera image to be rather distorting, plus it doesn't feel natural to be looking at the display screen in the center console when backing up. I've only used their systems 6 or 7 times (friends' cars) so maybe it takes getting used to. They told me they usually don't bother with the camera functionality for the same distorting / unnatural reasons, though, except when backing up in a true straight line, when distortion does not really come into play.
Also, for curbs I'm approaching in front of me, I raise the suspension all the way and that extra inch or so can make a big difference (for places I go to regularly and know that the extra inch is the difference between making it over or scraping). If in doubt about a curb, just stay away; the SL isn't a very long car. Can always move forward some more by getting in/out of the car and seeing with one's own eyes, if the space is so tight that getting very close to the curb or above it is necessary.
Bottom line is Parktronic makes parking faster, easier, and more confidence-inspiring. Would imagine it has paid for itself many times over for lots of people, too.
- A-Train
Also, for curbs I'm approaching in front of me, I raise the suspension all the way and that extra inch or so can make a big difference (for places I go to regularly and know that the extra inch is the difference between making it over or scraping). If in doubt about a curb, just stay away; the SL isn't a very long car. Can always move forward some more by getting in/out of the car and seeing with one's own eyes, if the space is so tight that getting very close to the curb or above it is necessary.
Bottom line is Parktronic makes parking faster, easier, and more confidence-inspiring. Would imagine it has paid for itself many times over for lots of people, too.
- A-Train
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
Parktronic in Traffic
When you are in bumper to bumper traffic at a traffic light, does parktronic detect the cars in front and or behind you? Sorry for all the questions, but I am not familiar with this feature at all.
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Originally Posted by StephenK
When you are in bumper to bumper traffic at a traffic light, does parktronic detect the cars in front and or behind you? Sorry for all the questions, but I am not familiar with this feature at all.
Parktronic does, however, turn on automatically when you're going slowly, so it is possible for the sensor to go off. When people walk close to the front when I'm at a stoplight, for example, I get a warning.
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The rear indicator is on the rear wall of the passenger compartment; it's a logical place to put it, making the rash assumption that you turn round to look where you are going when backing up. Those too unfit to do so probably shouldn't be driving.
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2004 SL500, 2007 R350 Sport
My wife reverses using the mirrors despite me telling her to turn round and use the sensor. aarrgghh! I have to look away.
I use it all the time. Downside is I miss it when I drive the Jeep.
I use it all the time. Downside is I miss it when I drive the Jeep.
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Originally Posted by blueSL
The cost of respraying the bumper will be much more than the cost of the Parktronic. For me, it's an absolute must have option.
Also, the snap on pieces of the bumper that hold the Parktonic sensors are color coded and come already painted. I know that was the case for 2003/2004. I am not sure if they deleted that parts feature. I do know that the sensor used to be color coded but they now come generic white and you have to paint if you need to replace one.
Stephen, does your car not have Parktronic and were you thinking about adding it?
Last edited by LovinMercedes; Nov 26, 2004 at 06:59 PM.
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
parktronic
My car doesn't have it and I am not thinking of adding it to the car, I was just curious about it. I passed on the option since I didn't think parking this car would be much of a problem considering its size. I am looking at buying another Mercedes and would consider it this time. I would like to see where this is on the back of the car and what it looks like, I assume the one in the front is on the dash where I have a clock now.
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Originally Posted by StephenK
My car doesn't have it and I am not thinking of adding it to the car, I was just curious about it. I passed on the option since I didn't think parking this car would be much of a problem considering its size. I am looking at buying another Mercedes and would consider it this time. I would like to see where this is on the back of the car and what it looks like, I assume the one in the front is on the dash where I have a clock now.
It is a very useful option.
Last edited by LovinMercedes; Nov 26, 2004 at 08:03 PM.
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
Tire Pressure Monitor System
Originally Posted by tiggerfink
I wished I purchased parktronic and TPMS. My dealer talked me out of it.
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I've had the Parktronic and the Tire Pressure Monitoring system on both my 2003 SL500 and my 2004 SL55. I have them both ordered on my 2005 SL600 which now has a VIN number. YEAH!
The ONLY problems with the TPMS is when you chrome your wheels. Sometimes that does affect how the readings are. I did CHROME my standard 2003 SL500 wheels and I did not have any problems although I know that some problems did exist.
There are little antennas in the wheels and the chrome SOMETIMES affects the wave lengths of the signals and therefore the readings.
Other than that, I think the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is great. You never have to check your pressure. If you want to know what a wheel's pressure is you just look for it in the dash instrument cluster.
For the small amount of money they charge for these options I would suggest both the Parktronic and Tire Pressure Monitoring system to everyone.
The ONLY problems with the TPMS is when you chrome your wheels. Sometimes that does affect how the readings are. I did CHROME my standard 2003 SL500 wheels and I did not have any problems although I know that some problems did exist.
There are little antennas in the wheels and the chrome SOMETIMES affects the wave lengths of the signals and therefore the readings.
Other than that, I think the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is great. You never have to check your pressure. If you want to know what a wheel's pressure is you just look for it in the dash instrument cluster.
For the small amount of money they charge for these options I would suggest both the Parktronic and Tire Pressure Monitoring system to everyone.
