In a time of need…

I know I am just a car guy in this great big world.  I saw something on the CNN that hit home this morning.  First off , let me say I do not know them, but there is a family not to far from RBM North, that has a great need.    I know times are hard for everyone now, but this is a little different.  They aren’t asking for a hand out. 

Two of their children have illnesses that require regular treatment.  In an effort to help pay for their medical expenses they have listed the majority of their personal belongings on Ebay in one lump auction.  See here.  A donation site has also been set up if anyone is interested.  They have vowed to give a portion of whatever is received to Autism Speaks and Still’s Disease foundations to help others with the same needs. 

In reading through the auction I found their computer, digital camera, and video recorder as part of the listing.  Being a parent of a 1 year old that seemed to strike me the hardest.  For the other parents out there think of all the memories you have captured of your kids over time.  They are priceless!  They are willing to give up those belongings because the well being of their family is more important. 

I know I can’t save them myself, but I wanted to make an effort to help them.  One resource I have, like them, is the power of the internet.  Maybe it is just skipping lunch today and donating $5.00 to them, or maybe something greater?  I don’t know, but I felt I needed to take a few minutes and try to do my part by posting this.   

You can see their website at http://www.everythingweown.org/.  I am sure any help is greatly appreciated. 

Adam Denault

www.mybenzguy.com

UMI photos

Here are some additional photos of the UMI interface in action.  The biggest advantage of the UMI is the ability to control your iPod or iPhone from the COMMAND controller versus your multi-function steering wheel with the regular iPod integration kit.  I have included what the real-time traffic screen looks like.  Navigation controls are easy to use.  You can control your view point from your COMMAND controller… heading up, birds eye view and settings in between by simply pull back or pushing forward on the controller.  The I use the UMI the more I am impressed with it.  I think for current C-Class owners who want navigation this is a no brainer.

Adam Denault

www.mybenzguy.com

Apple charging update

Thanks to someone who happend to read my blog and let it be know.  An adaptor has been made to fix this problem.  It is made by Scosche.  You can purchase it at the Apple store.  Its called the passPORT.  Here is the link for more information or for purchase. 

http://store.apple.com/us/product/TS696LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0MQ&mco=MjE1MDc5OQ

Adam Denault

www.mybenzguy.com

New iPod and iPhone Charging Issues

Mercedes-Benz has received a number of reports stating our clients in model year 2006-2009 vehicles with either the iPod interface or Media interface system are having charging problems with new 3g iPhones, 2nd generation iPod Touch and new 4th generation iPods.  This is not a Mercedes-Benz defect, but a change in the Apple circuit design.  When Apple produced their new products they changed the charging pin or charging circuit.  The Apple products do function correctly but it does not charge the product. 

I will keep you updated with any news from Mercedes-Benz.

Adam Denault

www.mybenzguy.com

Mercedes-Benz CPO vs. Independent Dealers

A very common obstacle I have to over come is “why is your “_____” more expensive than the one I saw at “XYZ Motors” around the corner?”  Let me start with the fact that the average price gap is somewhere between $3000 – $5000.  Not a huge gap to try to overcome, but most buyers are price conscious in today’s economy.

Well here are some differences of the value of CPO… Continue reading

Mercedes-Benz UMI Interface Review

UMI interface

Mercedes-Benz has given us the ability to add Navigation, A2DP, and a full media interface to Mercedes owners who purchased a C-Class or GLK that doesn’t have the multimedia package installed.  I finally got the opportunity to sit down and go through the UMI Interface.  It is great and easy to use.  I wasn’t sure how it would be since the vehicle has the smaller screen.  What I found was no problems at all with the display.

Accessing the various functions is done differently than a vehicle with the Multimedia package…

COMMAND Controller

UMI Navigation Menu

Navigation ScreenFor navigation you press and hold the “CLR” button next to the COMMAND knob.

From the menu you have all the normal functions/features you find on a vehicle factory equipped with the Multimedia Package.

To access the media functions of the device press the “DISC” key.

CD Menu

AUX Menu

Media Interface MenuThis brings up the CD interface.  With your COMMAND knob go down one level and select “CD”, this will bring up AUX Menu.  Select “AUX” and you are then given the option for “DISC, AUX, USB, Audio Streaming, and iPod”.

 

A2DP Streaming Audio

Here is a shot of me streaming audio from my Nokia phone to the vehicle.  For this function to work, your audio device has to have A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile).  You have to pair up your device with the car just like you did with bluetooth phone.   It will create a separate profile called UMI.

The last thing to mention is real time traffic assistance for the lifetime of the vehicle.

MSRP is $1500 plus installation.  I think you should find it to be under $2000 installed.

Let me know if you have any questions on how it works or the interface it’s self.

Adam

www.mybenzguy.com

 

Happy New Year

I hope everyone had great holidays.  Sorry for the lack of posting in December.  It was a very busy month.  I will be back at it in January.  Let’s all hope for a great 2009.

Adam                                                                                                                                                                                                 www.mybenzguy.com