Motorola StarTac Scam
 

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?http://www.mbworld.org/upload/2002/Benz430rear.jpg

Update
 

Well, after 2 weeks of waiting for my "new" Verizon-enabled StarTac, the dealer parts guy called me and said he had found me a NEW, not remanufactured phone from another dealer. We'll see.

It is just such a shame that I get to use 2-3 year old technology now with this old dual-mode phone instead of a new tri-mode. But, if I want it to integrate with the M-B audio system, that's the choice.

Mercedes is going to have a big problem several years down the line when all the phones go bad and there are none to replace them. They really need to provide either the software or an adapter which will allow us to use the latest phones in our cars.

I certainly can understand your frustration, but at the same time, being a 28 year veteran in the electronics/software field I understand what leads to this situation.

If there is any technology that has changed and evolved faster than mobile phone technology, I can't imagine what it could be. The problem is that the mobile phone technology changes almost daily, but the car into which this is installed PERMANENTLY does not change at all.

I'm not trying to make excuses for MB, but I certainly understand the root of the problem.

Best of luck,

I have a brand new Motorola p8767 tri-mode phone for sale. It is Verizon ready. I am willing to make you a great deal on it.

Let me know.

you know.. there must be some type of adaptor that can be made, I heard there was some way to integrate the new system into w124 benzs... so there must be a way to do something on a 2000 model...

I really love driving my MB.
The point?
I don't need people calling me while I'm driving and I sure as hell don't want to call anybody.

A ringing phone while driving an MB is almost as bad as someone ringing the doorbell while you're having sex. :D :D :D

LOL... but dude... I mean, I don't know how the new ones work, but the cell in my benz is still pretty sweet. you just hit this little D button on the roof controls, and this voice comes out... "Residence, office, emergency..." I mean.... the ladies love it ;-)

I'm with Chowpit. Who in the hell wants to talk on a phone when they're driving a fine automobile.

I don't even much care for the sound system. Just hearing the 103 purr is good enough for me. I must be old.