Mercedes to one-up bluetooth?

We got an intersting note from one of our readers regarding the future of phones in cars...

Dear 001,

I purchased an E320 last year, and DID take the hands-free phone option. My dealership explained the system accurately (unlike some of the misinformed posts here), that it includes not only an able-bodied Motorola phone, but also other system components like an external antenna, signal booster, battery-charging interface cradle, etc. (which are NOT part of the vehicle without the system).

I have used the system for close to a year and I feel that it represents excellent engineering integration between the phone, the COMAND head-unit, multi-funtion display, and the audio system. Although it cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $2000 (which added only a few dollars to my monthly payment), I feel it is every bit worth the cost, for safety reasons and to keep me productive and in-touch while I am in the car.

I did test a Lexus with a Bluetooth system, but when I read up more about the inadequacies of the current standard (security, etc.), plus the fact that such systems can't charge my phone (!), I figured what's the point of that.

Also, my dealer service rep told me that the new systems from MB (coming this year) will have a cradle that will fit future Motorola phones, so one can upgrade a phone without upgrading the vehicle. Plus, he says that the company will be offering some fancy new phones.

So let's be fair to MB -- it is my opinion that this system is the best out there, superior to Bluetooth solutions, and well worth every penny.

-G. Blanston

swizzle - 7/29/2004 10:59:59 PM

+1 Boost

I picked up the Bluetooth option in my new '04 LS430 and have been a little disappointed, although I still feel it's a better solution than the integrated MB option based on price alone. That said, when I purchased the vehicle in January, there were only three Bluetooth phones that Lexus could get to sync with its system (all GSM) and, even today, there are still only a handful of models available (none for certain carriers, like Verizon). There is no bluetooth PDA/phone combo at all and, with some regular phone models, you have to sync (import) your stored numbers from the phone to the vehicle one number at a time. Moreover, the Lexus system will only let you store one number for each name, so you better decide whether you want to call your buddy at the office or at home. Also, thanks to the lawyers, if the car is moving, you can only dial one of 18 preset numbers. If you want to reach #19 or greater, you have to pull over or, more likely, pull out the handheld and dial it the old fashioned way, which of course, is what the system was supposed to replace. This is hardly the universal, pick-your-own-phone nirvana it was advertised to be.

swizzle - 7/30/2004 1:17:33 AM

+1 Boost

Yes, the Lexus system won't let anyone (driver or passenger) enter an address into the nav if the car is moving. Very annoying. To add insult to injury, EVERY TIME you start the car, before the nav will activate, you must answer "I agree" to a legal polemic stating that "looking at the nav screen while driving is dangereous and may lead to a serious accident." What's the point if you can't use it anyway!

H_Charles - 7/30/2004 5:40:00 AM

+1 Boost

As a Mercedes driver, I certainly didn't opt for this sytem at that price. Mercedes' system may be sharp, but $2000 is outrageous by any standard. Acura offers Bluetooth as standard equipment on the TL! Plus, with Bluetooth you can choose any Bluetooth phone, any provider, anywhere. You don't have to buy a Mercedes Branded version to have your phone work.
A little added security and a phone charger may be nice, but this should be standard equipment on a $50,000 car.

elbig - 7/30/2004 9:15:47 AM

+1 Boost

In the letter praising the Mercedes hand-free vs Bluetooth, the author seemed to be describing a hands-free system that is very similar to those currently available with many higher end cars. The only "new" feature is the compatibiliy with future Motorola phones. I suspect that will be common in the future as well.

For me, the advantages of Bluetooth are many. First of all it gives me the ability to "talk" to other devices besides my car. There are going to be numerous Bluetooth enabled devices hitting the market (PDA's, gaming, home network, etc.). I believe the real power of Bluetooth is that it is an enabling technology. We ain't seen nothing yet.

Another plus is that there is no cradle. I find that I sometimes forget that my cell phone is in the cradle (in the armrest) and I leave my car without it. As for recharging, I never have a problem with my phone and battery life anyway.

Even though I have a Motorola phone and I think it is great, I still believe in competition. I don't want to be stuck with a proprietary system or only one brand of phone.

BigBaldEd - 7/30/2004 11:22:27 AM

+1 Boost