Electronics - how much is too much? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mbtjc · #16 04-01-2003, 10:37 PM

I agree with what you said. I am sure that MB has made some things simpler and better...like the switch and wiring you describe. The features you describe, the ABS, the ESP and the ASR, I agree with you on that. Those are safety features. However, I think most of us could survive just fine without Distronic, Keyless Go, ABC, Command and electro-hydraulic brakes just to name a few. And we might even appreciate the benefit of less hassle when the stuff breaks..."when" not "if", since that is more or less inevitable. So for every wire that MB has reduced, like the power door switch, they have added 1000 more somewhere else on the junk named above for example.

#17 04-01-2003, 11:19 PM

To bash new technology seems to be a nearsighted argument. At this point i would think that both sides agree that ABS, ASR and the like are excellent innovations. However, there still seems to be a debate over more convienece oriented items, such as distronic, keyless go, as well features such as BAS and ABC.

These systems are simply further developments of technology that was already in place. Cruise control - you could argue that we are too lazy to push the gas pedal, right? But I like CC, and properly and safely used these systems can be both effective and safe. The also enhance the safety characteristics of the cars, as they relieve the driver from a certain amount of fatigue over long distances. This has been a long-standing MBZ design criteria. BAS is an excellent idea, and I wish my car had it, as well ASR, ESP, and all the other good stuff.

If MB did not produce any new techology, including convienence items, we would all complain that the company was stagnant, and the cars would be lacking in what is their best attribute: innovation.

I do not, however, need a cupholder!

Mike

manny · #18 04-02-2003, 08:01 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ILUVMILS
Hey Manny, "proper braking" to avoid lock-up is to pump the pedal as opposed to standing on it. ABS can pump the pedal much faster than any human. Traction control can intervene when you're least expecting it. Ever heard of "black ice"? ESP works by applying brake pressure only to the wheels that need it, when they need it.

It has been proven, in every automotive test ever done, on dry roads " theshold " braking will result in shorter stopping distances than ABS.

On the subject of "black ice " , I like to "test" traction whenever I feel it may be suspect, unlike most morons with their SUV's, that think 4 wheel drive makes them invincible. They are always the first ones in the ditch around here.

ESP is for people with very little or no car control. What did we ever do without it ?

In short, I am 100% in favour of technology, but please don't ram it down my throat.
If given the option, I probably could have saved a few thousand dollars on my last purchase, by deleting things I don't want or need.

mbtjc · #19 04-02-2003, 09:18 AM

Mike, at least you're not one of those cupholder guys :p I think the ultimate question here is where to draw the line. Is there a line? Are we going to see MB with a urination system in the next 10 years so it's more "convenient" and you don't have to pull over? Personally, I like my cruise control. However, it seems to me that Distronic, like others, is an unnecessary complication of a good system. Also, if the traffic is heavy enough to where you have to speed up/slow down....I think that the guy ought'a have his own foot on the gas and brake! Pay attention to the road. Just one more reason not to. I think the main point is that these complicated systems, whatever they may be, break. Pure and simple. And then they are $$$$ to fix. And as one made the point earlier....then where's the convenience when it's in the shop?

Manny makes the best point in my opinion. If you want the technology, you want to pay for it, and you want to fix it, you should have that choice.....but if you don't want it, you shouldn't have to have it either!