This is a more recent thread, so I decided to post a reply on this one.

Contrary to popular belief, newer is not always better. I have a 96 E with an integrated phone. It took me forever until I found Verizon who activated it.

I'm an engineer and can tell you that the analog phone has a higher wattage which means higher signal strength outside cities and less dropped calls. These phones are around 3W as compared to digital with 0.5 to 0.8 W. This is why if you are out in the country, the digital phone will often go into Roam mode or, even worse, have zip signal strength (ever wonder why in those suspense/horror films, the character tries to call for help on a digital cell and gets no signal? If they had an car installed analog, no problemo; a portable analog looks sort of like a carrying case....some long haul truckers carry them--you can get models of up to 6 W).

My analog plan is about 25 bucks for 90 mins of calls in my area code per month. Best deal I have ever had for any phone.

I love the system I have and would never think of placing a digital phone in as a replacement. I already have a cell phone that I carry with me and having compared performance during trips, the Benz analog beats out the digital any day of the week.

- Jon

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- Jon E320 210.055

90 Wrangler
77 Mustang 307,000 mi
63 T-Bird [fully restored]