The Motorola StarTac handset in my 2000 E430 has a problem. Took it back to dealer for replacement under warranty. They ordered a "remanufactured" unit since they do not make this particular "Dual-mode" model. I was never asked who my service provider was (Verizon). After about a week, they got me another phone which was programmed for Cingular. Had to return it. The waiting list for Verizon phones nationwide is unbelievable. Two different M-B parts guys told me Mercedes phones are a "pain in the ass." It seems they have to wait until they get a batch of bad phones in to rebuild before they can replace them.

Here is the crappy part. Went to a Verizon store to look at new Motorola StarTac "Tri-Mode" which fits into my factory cradle. Could not get it to work in my car. Called MBUSA and asked why they cannot come up with some method to get the new technology phones to work in "older" cars. All I was told is that they are "sorry." Sorry, indeed!

The bottom line is that when your factory phone goes bad, you will get an old-technology model to replace it. Right now, I have a $57K car with no phone. Mercedes-Benz needs to offer an adapter that will enable the newer StarTacs, V60s, TimePorts, etc. to work with "older" cars. The wait continues........ Any ideas out there?

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2000 E430 Sport (European Delivery)
Brilliant Silver/Ash Leather
Brabus Leather/Wood Sport Steering Wheel
PowerChip
Euro Front Bumper Strips, Debadged
E55 "Carbon Fiber" Door Pillar Trim
E55 Tail lights
E55 AMG/Bilstein Shocks
Eibach Springs, #1 Pads
H & R Sway Bars
Speed Yellow Calipers
18" x 8" SSR Integral Wheels
245/40ZR 18 Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Tires

1986 Porsche 944 Turbo
88K miles