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2003 E Class Comand/Nav Debacle - READ ONLY

39 messages,  Last post on Aug 13, 2003 at 2:20 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audio, Navigation System, Sedan

Messages Page 4 of 4

#30 of 39 E-Class Nightmares by thebackrow

Jul 01, 2003 (7:18 am)

Hey there,
 
I just discovered this board two days ago...I see a lot of others are having pretty much the same problems I am with the new E. When I first got the E500 delivered (without nav at dealers advice) within the first week it sounded like cans were being dragged off the back of the car. Faulty parking brake. The audio also shuts on and off randomly, am/fm doesnt come in clear (tested on other cars in my area and its fine), the speaker just randomly blew out this weekend, air suspension just stopped working this weekend as well, the voice controls for the phone dont work properly, and others Ive tried to block out of my memory. The nav fiasco is angering me as well, I was told it could be retrofitted and now it cant. Mercedes is going to have a lot of 2003 e-class cars because it looks like they are going to have to buy back a lot of these. What geniuses thought of not putting the nav in this car, especially when low end cars can have them. I just called up the regional manager and left message, wondering what the best approach is to dealing with corporate Benz? Does anyone also know the threshold for the number of problems where they just buy it back? Thanks
 
A

#31 of 39 To fowvay RE: Other Brands by pvh3

Jul 01, 2003 (2:49 pm)

You may have a point there. I'm sort of leaning towards the Lexus SC430. It's not that Lexus cars don't have problems but I have heard nothing but good things about their level of customer satisfaction. MB seems to have the attitude that you should be honored that they allowed you to purchase one of their cars.

#32 of 39 To thebackrow Re: EClass Nightmares by pvh3

Jul 01, 2003 (2:54 pm)

There is a very good web site that runs down the lemon laws of each state. (Do a google search on lemon laws.) The only hard part is sifting through the legal mumbo-jumbo.
 
I am so down on MB right now that I will probably just trade my EClass (w/disclosure, of course) to some dealer that has a car that he's desperate to deal on. After all, car sales are slow right about now.
 
In the universe of big problems, having a luxury car that isn't quite right does not qualify as a major problem. But it sure is a disappointment. I will be letting MB know exactly how I feel, as if that would help.

#33 of 39 MB NAV issue by rbwag

Jul 04, 2003 (12:23 pm)

I too have purchased an E500 in December. The dealer (who is terrific) gave me an internal MB memo on the retrofit issue and the discount for waiting 'til spring. As a result I purchased the car with the understanding that it will be installed sometime in the spring.
 
Recently I heard from my sales person that the NAV cannot be retrofitted but not to worry. MB will make it attractive to get a 2004 simply for the price difference and some incentive discount. Cars will be available around November. I received a 2004 configurator and it contains a lot of new and/or bundled features to bring the price up while the base price remains the same.
 
I really like my E500 and do want to have the new NAV system. I just hope the "deal" will not make me feel bad about it all.

#34 of 39 Nav Debacle by mbnotforme

Jul 22, 2003 (4:26 pm)

Today's (7/22) Wall St Journal refers to the Nav debacle problem on pp D1,D4.
 
MB has allegedly decided to buy back the car for those who prepaid, and provide a coupon for $3250 to those who had wanted the retrofit but failed to prepay.
 
I wonder how long it will take my "dealer," David Michael, to alert me to the solution, since their previous "go fish" reponse in June.
 
I only wish the coupon was towards purchase of the Audi A8. There's a car that performs, rather than the 320, which is dead on it's wheels as far as I'm concerned.
 
MB, not for me-only a fool makes the same mistake twice.

#35 of 39 audi by boo20

Jul 22, 2003 (7:40 pm)

Boy if you think that MBs are unreliable just wait till you get your hands on that Audi. You would be better off buying a Kia.

#36 of 39 More info on the 2004 E320 model by davebarry

Jul 29, 2003 (3:16 pm)

Hi, you wrote that you received a 2004 configurator. can you please explain what that is and how I can get more info on the 2004 E320 model and options?

#37 of 39 Nav issue by bgetahun

Aug 04, 2003 (6:05 pm)

Got a call from Dealer confirming options and arrival date, middle of Sept. I had bought the e5oo on March 25, did not prepay but was promised coupon price of $1600 for retro fit. I am just saying what worked for me, i fought with dealer without any luck, would not even return my calls at a certain point. The regional marketing rep was kind enough to listen, said no a couple of times, finanially negociated with dealer and promised me a 2004 E500 with NAV. I am paying for Nav at cost and paying sales tax again. I can live with that if it all goes well, got everything in writing and dealer confirms, so i have my fingers crossed. Do not accept no, ask for higher position person when you hit a wall, and good luck. I will keep all posted!! Also, my friend who is waiting for 2004 BMW 530 with NAV has been delayed from Sept to March delivery. Germans have issues with NAV, they need to look at Lexus's system, voice activation and slick!!!

#38 of 39 42 Volt standard by footie

Aug 10, 2003 (6:01 pm)

The 42 volt standard is there to INCREASE the power available to future cars. European and Domestic big3 car manufacturers want to add power to do stuff like 'instant start engines' ( i.e. what Toyota and Honda are already doing in the Prius and Civic hybrids ).
 
I don't think it's likely that we'll be able to retrofit a future 42 volt system in a buggy 03 Mercedes, nor would it help a flakey electrical system designed for 12 volts get well.

#39 of 39 2004 configurator by rbwag

Aug 13, 2003 (2:20 pm)

A MB dealer can give you a pre-printed typed configurator. Options are a bit differently packaged but except for NAV and automatic trunk closer, everything is more or less in line with the 2003 options. Dealer does not have prices as yet but hears that prices will be about the same.

Messages Page 4 of 4

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