Hi Everyone, Just got back from a great trip to comdex. I found some very cool things, saw some really cool stuff, and had a good time, though I didn't do so well at the tables..

In anycase, I was walking around, and I see a Brand new Silver CLK 55 Sitting in the hall, I rush over, and see a sparkling black CL600 sitting on a raised stand, and whats just over a bit from the CL? a Brand new silver C320.

Now I am thinking why is Mercedes at a computer/technology convention?

I go up to the guy at the booth desk, and start asking him questions. I said, why is mercedes here? He then tells me, we are here to show off all the technological innovations we have added to our cars.

I asked him about all these innovations, then grabbed a pamphlet so I would be able to read about it all in detail.

I'm going to lay out their basics on what everything innovative they have is. I'm going to slightly summarize the exerpts as to not make this huge...

1. Fiber-optic Network - Audio and Communications components are connected. providing virtually noise free operation.

2. Keyless Go - Touch the handle your door unlocks, touch a button on the shifter your engine starts, exit and touch a button on the door handle, your car locks again, all because you are carrying the optional keyless go card.

3. Tele Aid SOS Function - when an airbag or emergency tensioning retractor deploys, the system automatically signals the emergency center, if you dont answer they still send help to you.

4. Active Body Control - Active body suspension generates forces to counteract roll, squat, and dive. While its springs still provide a supple comfortable ride.

5. Distronic Adaptive System - For the S and CL Class only, lets you set a following distance on the cruise control. it can actually vary your speed to adapt to the car on the road ahead.

6. Next Generation Smartkey - Helps the car remember the drivers preset preferences for seat memory, mirror angles, and even the most important climate control settings.

7. onboard monitoring system - Steering wheel controls get a readout on your tire pressures on the instrument panel.

8. Crash compatibility - M class bumpers are designed to more closely line up with those of a car. its structure helps absorb impact forces for both.

9. Parktronic - Visual and audio cues for parking at the bumper level. Similar to the beeping on bmw's but with bisual assistance.

10. Flexible Service system - Monitors oil quality and tells you when it needs to be changed according to how you drive, not just how far. Most mercedes drivers average about 12,500 miles between oil changes. (Of course most of us here who use mercedesshop.com think that the oil should be changed more often.)

11. Up to eight airbags - All have at least 4, some have as manay as eight including head protection curtains. they deploy to help protect you from head injury and broken glass.

12. Brake Assist - Brake assist senses a panic stop from how you hit the brake pedal and can apply all available boost for a potentionally shorter stop.

Thats the overview of their technology. To me some of it sounds cool, some if it seems to be not necessary, but as usual mercedes has doen this first, and the others will be sure to follow, as always. Mercedes has always done things that other people have not. For instance the airbag, Mercedes was the first to have them, and soon after everyone followed.

They have a few new ad copy lines which I thought were great.
"The fun is just beginning"
"Please Remember to Breathe"
"Is it time to order your flying mercedes yet?"
"Its like a candy store for grownups."
"Live. A lot."
"How hot is just right?"
"You'll see it here first"
"behold the power of forward thinking"
"Remember whats it's like to be the center of the universe?"

Well fellas its midnight, I'm tired, and I'm going to bed its been a long but fun day.

Hope you enjoyed that tidbit of info.

Alon

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'92 300CE
Metallic Black (Blue Flaked) on Parchment
Clear Corners
94-95 Tail-Lights
Debadged
Black Grille Insert
78.5k Miles

Future Upgrades:
Sportline Suspension
17" AMG Monoblocks or EVO II's
Euro Headlights
Performance Chip
AMG Exhaust

Click here to Go To My 300CE Page

Hey Alon,

I was at Comdex too. That black CL600 was a beauty. I was suprised that the CLK55 they had there didn't have Comand. Don't all CLK55's come with Comand?

Chuck

chuck,

I'm not sure, but I did enjoy sitting in em.. too bad they didn't leave me the keys, they probably wouldn't have seen the car again. hehe

i would think the command system is not standard equipment, but rather an option based on what people want in the car.

Alon


------------------
'92 300CE
Metallic Black (Blue Flaked) on Parchment
Clear Corners
94-95 Tail-Lights
Debadged
Black Grille Insert
78.5k Miles

Future Upgrades:
Sportline Suspension
17" AMG Monoblocks or EVO II's
Euro Headlights
Performance Chip
AMG Exhaust

Click here to Go To My 300CE Page

i considered it, but to my knowedge, the "maps" are CD, not DVD, so depending what city/state you go to, youll need to change the CD and find one for that area. it is about $2500.
this and the phone/voice comand are the only options on the CLK 55. this car rocks!! havent gone over 3K RPM yet, but can appreciate the HUGE difference in handling already.