StephenK

Curious to get feedback from Owners who have parktronic installed on their SL's. What do you think about this option?

LovinMercedes

I love the option. I feel in tight spaces when parking it really helps to know when to stop.

monty

never had it b4 in my old car, now with my sl , cannot do without it .useful once you get used to it

bollar

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.

StephenK

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?

LovinMercedes

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.

StephenK

With the low nose on the car it would have been good if it did detect the curbs.

bollar

I find that if I'm heading straight in to a curb, I do get some sort of warning.

Ormond2004

I wish I had it on mine. I had it on my Lexus, and I miss that option.

Wolfman

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

A-Train

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

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.

speed

Its great! Have it on my SL. Wouldn't be without it!

bollar

If it does, you're very close to the other car. I haven't actually measured it, but the sensor doesn't go off unless you're within a couple of feet.

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.

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.

StephenK

Where is the rear indicator for the parktronic system?

blueSL

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.

Scotsman

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.

LovinMercedes

I am not sure if you are talking about adding Parktronic but I have been told by the dealer that you can not add this feature.

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?

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.

LovinMercedes

Yes, it is on both sides of the clock and then there is a similar one on the back panel at the top where the grill is. You can see it when you turn around or you can also see it in the rear view mirror if you raise your head up a little. The rear does not go on unless you are in REVERSE and the front only goes on when you brake and get the car to low speeds, say around 5 mph or less. It also works when you are stopped so long as you are in forward gear.

It is a very useful option.

tiggerfink

I wished I purchased parktronic and TPMS. My dealer talked me out of it.

StephenK

Dealer told me the Tire Pressure Monitor System has problems and didn't recommend it, they weren't specific about any issues. Does anyone have any feedback on the system?

LovinMercedes

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.

jasab

Parktronic is a must especially manoeuvring in low light, gives more confidence and stops you listening out for a bang.