SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: GOOD-Del Confirmed Jan 10. BAD-Missing COMAND 2 (COMAND2 Details in Post)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: London, England
Jan. '03 SL55
GOOD-Del Confirmed Jan 10. BAD-Missing COMAND 2 (COMAND2 Details in Post)
Just picked up a cancelled order - as I understand it, almost unheard of in the UK. Only placed my order in October!
Originally told to expect car end of 2003. I'm going to still keep the original order as I don't think the January car is coming with COMAND 2.
Here's the details of COMAND 2 as per Autospies web site in relation to the new E Class...
A new COMAND system celebrates its world premiere in the E 55 AMG
The latest generation of COMAND is marking its world premiere in the E 55 AMG. The pioneering radio, navigation and communications system is available as an option and stands out with its extensive range of comfort and safety-enhancing features. The new COMAND comes as standard with an RDS car radio with double tuner for FM, long, medium and short-wave reception, an amplifier with 4x 25-watt output, video DVD and audio CD player, and DVD navigation with dynamic route guidance based on RDS-TMC. Faster data transfer allows the new and highly efficient MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) bus system to considerably increase the processing speed of the system. The 22.5-megabit band width is a four-fold increase on the previous system, which used a D2B databus system.
DVD navigation increases the speed and precision of the route guidance system
The enlarged 6.5-inch colour screen in 16:9 format improves clarity in the navigation, audio and TV modes (optional). The navigation system is based on leadingedge DVD technology, with a series of factors making the latest incarnation faster and more precise that the previous CD-ROM-based system. The navigation computer has a more powerful processor, and the system also uses a separate asynchronous channel for the route guidance function which cannot be occupied by other channels. The detailed data underpinning the DVD system makes it even more powerful and precise. A DVD for the whole for Europe avoids the need to change from one CD-ROM to the next, making the whole system more user-friendly.
Route guidance also possible in 3-D
The route guidance system can run with either the familiar map and arrow presentation or using a new three-dimensional bird’s-eye perspective. The driver can also select an extremely informative split-screen option, which shows the road map on the left-hand side of the 50:50 screen and the symbols and advice on when to turn off on the right-hand side. The enlarged 6.5-inch colour display in 16:9 format improves clarity in navigation and TV mode. The navigation system can also be extended to include a dynamic route guidance function as an option. There is a separate slot for video DVDs and audio CDs, and a connection point for an MP3 player. The new COMAND system has 30 audio channels, with sound quality showing a considerably improvement on the previous version with six channels. The optionally-available surround-sound system offers the additional pleasure of a concert-hall ambiance.
A second monitor for the rear can be ordered as an option. This allows the rear passengers to watch the television whilst a different function is in use (for example, the navigation system or radio) on the COMAND module in the front of the car, or when the TV pictures are faded out in the front for safety reasons when the car reaches 6 km/h. The rear display offers plug-in facilities for two sets of headphones, as well as auxiliary equipment such as a video camera, digital camera with video output and games console.
“Bluetooth” telephone with state-of-the-art radio technology now available
Also available as an optional extra is a “Bluetooth” telephone. The cordless hand-set works with cutting-edge radio technology and can be used in combination with the fixed-installation car telephone. A mobile phone is also available as an alternative. Both telephones are fitted with a hands-free facility and can be operated using voice commands (LINGUATRONIC), or via buttons on the COMAND screen or multifunction steering wheel.
The mobile office with Internet access and voice control for all functions
As an option, the new COMAND system can be adapted to function as a mobile office, giving the driver and passengers the benefit of WAP Internet access, enabling them to send and receive SMS messages and e-mails, and providing a personal address book function for good measure. Access to the MB Portal will be possible in the near future, as will voice control during a journey, allowing all COMAND functions to be controlled by the driver or front passenger’s voice . The LINGUATRONIC system already available for the telephone and radio will be extended for use with the navigation, TV, Internet, e-mail, SMS and address-book functions in the new COMAND system. There is even a voice recorder on board, allowing short messages to be recorded quickly in much the same way as with a dictating machine.
With this extensive range of new technology and functions, Mercedes-Benz is making an important contribution to road safety, as the driver no longer has to take his hands off the steering wheel or his eyes off the road in order to operate the COMAND system.
The new-generation COMAND system is now available for the E 55 AMG and all other Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloons.
Originally told to expect car end of 2003. I'm going to still keep the original order as I don't think the January car is coming with COMAND 2.
Here's the details of COMAND 2 as per Autospies web site in relation to the new E Class...
A new COMAND system celebrates its world premiere in the E 55 AMG
The latest generation of COMAND is marking its world premiere in the E 55 AMG. The pioneering radio, navigation and communications system is available as an option and stands out with its extensive range of comfort and safety-enhancing features. The new COMAND comes as standard with an RDS car radio with double tuner for FM, long, medium and short-wave reception, an amplifier with 4x 25-watt output, video DVD and audio CD player, and DVD navigation with dynamic route guidance based on RDS-TMC. Faster data transfer allows the new and highly efficient MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) bus system to considerably increase the processing speed of the system. The 22.5-megabit band width is a four-fold increase on the previous system, which used a D2B databus system.
DVD navigation increases the speed and precision of the route guidance system
The enlarged 6.5-inch colour screen in 16:9 format improves clarity in the navigation, audio and TV modes (optional). The navigation system is based on leadingedge DVD technology, with a series of factors making the latest incarnation faster and more precise that the previous CD-ROM-based system. The navigation computer has a more powerful processor, and the system also uses a separate asynchronous channel for the route guidance function which cannot be occupied by other channels. The detailed data underpinning the DVD system makes it even more powerful and precise. A DVD for the whole for Europe avoids the need to change from one CD-ROM to the next, making the whole system more user-friendly.
Route guidance also possible in 3-D
The route guidance system can run with either the familiar map and arrow presentation or using a new three-dimensional bird’s-eye perspective. The driver can also select an extremely informative split-screen option, which shows the road map on the left-hand side of the 50:50 screen and the symbols and advice on when to turn off on the right-hand side. The enlarged 6.5-inch colour display in 16:9 format improves clarity in navigation and TV mode. The navigation system can also be extended to include a dynamic route guidance function as an option. There is a separate slot for video DVDs and audio CDs, and a connection point for an MP3 player. The new COMAND system has 30 audio channels, with sound quality showing a considerably improvement on the previous version with six channels. The optionally-available surround-sound system offers the additional pleasure of a concert-hall ambiance.
A second monitor for the rear can be ordered as an option. This allows the rear passengers to watch the television whilst a different function is in use (for example, the navigation system or radio) on the COMAND module in the front of the car, or when the TV pictures are faded out in the front for safety reasons when the car reaches 6 km/h. The rear display offers plug-in facilities for two sets of headphones, as well as auxiliary equipment such as a video camera, digital camera with video output and games console.
“Bluetooth” telephone with state-of-the-art radio technology now available
Also available as an optional extra is a “Bluetooth” telephone. The cordless hand-set works with cutting-edge radio technology and can be used in combination with the fixed-installation car telephone. A mobile phone is also available as an alternative. Both telephones are fitted with a hands-free facility and can be operated using voice commands (LINGUATRONIC), or via buttons on the COMAND screen or multifunction steering wheel.
The mobile office with Internet access and voice control for all functions
As an option, the new COMAND system can be adapted to function as a mobile office, giving the driver and passengers the benefit of WAP Internet access, enabling them to send and receive SMS messages and e-mails, and providing a personal address book function for good measure. Access to the MB Portal will be possible in the near future, as will voice control during a journey, allowing all COMAND functions to be controlled by the driver or front passenger’s voice . The LINGUATRONIC system already available for the telephone and radio will be extended for use with the navigation, TV, Internet, e-mail, SMS and address-book functions in the new COMAND system. There is even a voice recorder on board, allowing short messages to be recorded quickly in much the same way as with a dictating machine.
With this extensive range of new technology and functions, Mercedes-Benz is making an important contribution to road safety, as the driver no longer has to take his hands off the steering wheel or his eyes off the road in order to operate the COMAND system.
The new-generation COMAND system is now available for the E 55 AMG and all other Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloons.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
Their production lines may be more flexible than I give them credit for, but this is hardly the sort of production change to make overnight on the SL line. There's a lot of underlying differences here, as Richard has previously pointed out and I do not think it's just a case of "Here Hans, stick one of these new ones in in place of the old ones".
I don't think I have ever seen anything official about COMMAND 2 in the SL. It will be interesting to see what the SL600 has in it when first shown to the public early next year. If it's still got COMMAND 1, there's a while to wait yet in the SL. The SL is an old car now, work started on it more than 6 years ago. The E class is a newer design, started later and completed in a much shorter timeframe and has, for example, second generation SBC.
I may well be proved wrong, but I would have expected such a large change to wait for the facelifted model, or at least a model year change in August. Personally, I don't think the rumour of COMMAND 2 is any reason to delay having the car. Just think how much fun you'll be missing out on.
I don't think I have ever seen anything official about COMMAND 2 in the SL. It will be interesting to see what the SL600 has in it when first shown to the public early next year. If it's still got COMMAND 1, there's a while to wait yet in the SL. The SL is an old car now, work started on it more than 6 years ago. The E class is a newer design, started later and completed in a much shorter timeframe and has, for example, second generation SBC.
I may well be proved wrong, but I would have expected such a large change to wait for the facelifted model, or at least a model year change in August. Personally, I don't think the rumour of COMMAND 2 is any reason to delay having the car. Just think how much fun you'll be missing out on.
Last edited by blueSL; Dec 26, 2002 at 03:44 PM.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Paarl, South Africa
S-500 Lorinser, 540 Alpina, 512BBI, C-270 CDI Lorinser, Disco 2.5TDI, 2003 SL-500
Let me repeat what I have heard confirmed from MB Germany:
"Becker Command II will be integrated into the SL500/55 in year 2004, which will then include the Harmon/Kardon sound system integration".
They have indicated "mid 2004", but this is not cast in stone.
Based on this, it would be unwise wishful thinking to delay delivery for a few months. Rather grab now, and reserve a "face-lift" for future delivery, say late 2004.
(And don't think the updated front will look anything like that of the SLR!)
Between now and then, they will no doubt incorporate the larger screen CDR-based system into R230 as an interim measure.
When Command II eventually reaches this car, there will very definitely be something else on the technological horizon....something else to wait for. Just enjoy the car as it is, and hope that everything you get works properly.
If you want hassles with the latest electronic wizardry, get a BMW 7 with I-Drive.
Regards,
"Becker Command II will be integrated into the SL500/55 in year 2004, which will then include the Harmon/Kardon sound system integration".
They have indicated "mid 2004", but this is not cast in stone.
Based on this, it would be unwise wishful thinking to delay delivery for a few months. Rather grab now, and reserve a "face-lift" for future delivery, say late 2004.
(And don't think the updated front will look anything like that of the SLR!)
Between now and then, they will no doubt incorporate the larger screen CDR-based system into R230 as an interim measure.
When Command II eventually reaches this car, there will very definitely be something else on the technological horizon....something else to wait for. Just enjoy the car as it is, and hope that everything you get works properly.
If you want hassles with the latest electronic wizardry, get a BMW 7 with I-Drive.
Regards,
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
zshly - Agree with you 100%. You can sit on the fence forever waiting for the next technological marvel but, as the sudden and untimely death of one of my customers last Friday proved, time waits for no man.
