c350e - day to cancel or not

[Driver15]

Yes very nice but will you be allowed this ?
SmartGate Connectivity - ?KODA

lol - dont know and dont care, thats not a requirement as i see to be able the mange the car with it been pure diesel !

 

[wivenhoe]

I am sure that the Connect Me site states that each of the services can be disabled e.g. Geofencing :-

Geofencing.

Defined zone.

Your Mercedes-Benz is made to be driven, but not just anywhere. To make sure you find out if someone is taking your vehicle where they shouldn't, you can define a specific geofencing area. As soon as your vehicle leaves or enters this area, you will be informed.

The highlights at a glance:

Simple marking of the defined area via Mercedes connect me
Notification by e-mail
Enhanced safety if younger family members are out on their own
Deactivation by the driver possible at any time via a call to the Customer Assistance Centre

Can't the lease company arrange with Merc to permanently deactivate any services that they need to in order to comply with their regs ?

 

[Driver15]

I am sure that the Connect Me site states that each of the services can be disabled e.g. Geofencing :-

Geofencing.

Defined zone.

Your Mercedes-Benz is made to be driven, but not just anywhere. To make sure you find out if someone is taking your vehicle where they shouldn't, you can define a specific geofencing area. As soon as your vehicle leaves or enters this area, you will be informed.

The highlights at a glance:

Simple marking of the defined area via Mercedes connect me
Notification by e-mail
Enhanced safety if younger family members are out on their own
Deactivation by the driver possible at any time via a call to the Customer Assistance Centre

Can't the lease company arrange with Merc to permanently deactivate any services that they need to in order to comply with their regs ?

Asked that, been advised no.

Sounds like they go with the blanket approach or it may be a massive admin over head between all the different makes of cars. Problem is the staff dont understand every single product on every car so it becomes impossile to manage.

Its also disabled on the Mitsu Outlander too.

When it starts impacting sales.. thats when things will change.

 

[350e]

My view is that many keepers are or will be seriously p * * * * d off by these regulations that there will be a backlash and the manufacturers and leasing companies will have to find a way round in order to please everyone.

 

[FM123]

Driver15, Just to let you know that even without the connect me services, the timed charging and pre heating can be activated from within the menu on the dash. I found these items in the menu option on the small screen in between the dials under services.

Although I haven't tried using it as I just charge as I don't have a specific night tariff, it does allow timed charging to be scheduled as well as pre heating based on using the Key or pre scheduled time.

The only thing Connect me does is extend these services to be used via an online platform...

Today is the day.. Need to give notice today if I am going to cancel..

At present i can't decide..

If I cancel I will not be able to reorder the car again.

My lease car will have all the merc connect me services disabled. Therefore preventing timed charging, pre heating , charge status etc

Car would be on a 4 year fully maintained lease.

Option to cancel, order something else, i.e., fully loaded skoda superb estate, passat Gt estate, new Audi A4, 3 series tpuring, 5er, or in fact any car playing Bik game.

My c350e car realistically will not arrive before the new year now following delivery etc. ordered in March.

Advantages if changing:-
May get a new car sooner
No hassle of ev charging without the right connect me tools.
Would go for a estate for max space
Could get a good spec other car
Could Order an another car a 2 or 3 year lease now rather than 4 which is appealing

Fact is, if I cancel I won't be in a c350e for a long time if ever...

What would you do???

ps.. when i ordered back in March (in good faith) car was due next week.

 

[Hatchie]

Just had confirmation From Mercedes fleet management , connect me will also be disabled for me and anyone else leasing the car though my provider.

It a decision my the leasing company (not my business) and as they own the assist I have no say.

On the plus side Mercedes are aware of the issue and are looking at a fleet version of the software , but and this is a big but there is no time frame for when this will be available, hopefully it will be a simple update but again unknown.

 

[Driver15]

Driver15, Just to let you know that even without the connect me services, the timed charging and pre heating can be activated from within the menu on the dash. I found these items in the menu option on the small screen in between the dials under services.

Although I haven't tried using it as I just charge as I don't have a specific night tariff, it does allow timed charging to be scheduled as well as pre heating based on using the Key or pre scheduled time.

The only thing Connect me does is extend these services to be used via an online platform...

FM123 - thank you very much for this information. I had confirmation from MB that all these features where not possible and only via the app.

This changes the outlook a little, ok i may not be able to do it remotely, but been able to do it in the car for a set start up time resolves my worries of no option to pre heat.

Thank you.

 

[Driver15]

Just had confirmation From Mercedes fleet management , connect me will also be disabled for me and anyone else leasing the car though my provider.

It a decision my the leasing company (not my business) and as they own the assist I have no say.

On the plus side Mercedes are aware of the issue and are looking at a fleet version of the software , but and this is a big but there is no time frame for when this will be available, hopefully it will be a simple update but again unknown.

Thanks for providing confirmation its not only me affected. -

 

[350e]

FM123 - thank you very much for this information. I had confirmation from MB that all these features where not possible and only via the app.

This changes the outlook a little, ok i may not be able to do it remotely, but been able to do it in the car for a set start up time resolves my worries of no option to pre heat.

Thank you.

When you say "I had confirmation from MB" are you referring to Mercedes-Benz Sales or a sales person with a franchise ?

 

[Driver15]

When you say "I had confirmation from MB" are you referring to Mercedes-Benz Sales or a sales person with a franchise ?

It was a Mercedes Benz Corporate Relation resource who looked into my concerns and provided this feedback advising all of the options which FH123 has said are possible where in fact not possible.

 

[350e]

It was a Mercedes Benz Corporate Relation resource who looked into my concerns and provided this feedback advising all of the options which FH123 has said are possible where in fact not possible.

Well in my experience the PR department of motor manufacturers are not the best people to gain technical support.

However it seems that you can just hang in there for your beautiful 350e safe in the knowledge that your concerns can be overcome

 

[quonker]

Today is the day.. Need to give notice today if I am going to cancel..

At present i can't decide..

If I cancel I will not be able to reorder the car again.

My lease car will have all the merc connect me services disabled. Therefore preventing timed charging, pre heating , charge status etc

Car would be on a 4 year fully maintained lease.

Option to cancel, order something else, i.e., fully loaded skoda superb estate, passat Gt estate, new Audi A4, 3 series tpuring, 5er, or in fact any car playing Bik game.

My c350e car realistically will not arrive before the new year now following delivery etc. ordered in March.

Advantages if changing:-
May get a new car sooner
No hassle of ev charging without the right connect me tools.
Would go for a estate for max space
Could get a good spec other car
Could Order an another car a 2 or 3 year lease now rather than 4 which is appealing

Fact is, if I cancel I won't be in a c350e for a long time if ever...

What would you do???

ps.. when i ordered back in March (in good faith) car was due next week.

Do any of the alternatives you list have Comand type online functionality anyway with remote heating etc?

For me the complete C350e package is unbeatable, if I had to pick another it would only be a 340d which would be a little faster and would be nicer to drive round corners, which could be obviated by points for speeding of course.

The 340d wouldn't have as many whistles and bells and of course would cost much more in BiK

My choice would be to stick with it, you've come this far!

Don't be ordinary

 

[Driver15]

Do any of the alternatives you list have Comand type online functionality anyway with remote heating etc?

No, they dont...

Im feeling a bit more inspired now some of the services can be used in car.

 

[Hatchie]

No, they dont...

Im feeling a bit more inspired now some of the services can be used in car.

Although the lack of connect me was not such a deal breaker (but i was going to use it to pre heat the car to eck out every possible ev mile) i did have second thoughts after hearing your plight and then having it confirmed mine was also effected . Being able to pre program via the car will do (if not the same when showing off to the neighbours) and the fact Mercedes are looking at a fleet friendly version gives me some hope.

 

[quonker]

Perhaps the C350e experience is designed to be a challenge and only the most worthy and dedicated will prove they have the dedication.

We are at the cutting edge of technology and you'll be mobbed in every car park, every colleague will gaze in wonder and jealousy, How much is the Bik???? they will gasp in hushed voices (okay a little over the top but you get the picture).

 

[Hatchie]

Perhaps the C350e experience is designed to be a challenge and only the most worthy and dedicated will prove they have the dedication.

We are at the cutting edge of technology and you'll be mobbed in every car park, every colleague will gaze in wonder and jealousy, How much is the Bik???? they will gasp in hushed voices (okay a little over the top but you get the picture).

Agreed , each car should come with a medal of honour

Although may omit the fact the lavish spec has bumped the BIK up when giving the tours.

 

[350e]

Are we able to draw this thread to a close yet ?
What more do you need to read Driver to understand we would miss you if you didn't go through with the purchase of what I believe will be a game changer in the corporate car market

 

[Driver15]

Are we able to draw this thread to a close yet ?
What more do you need to read Driver to understand we would miss you if you didn't go through with the purchase of what I believe will be a game changer in the corporate car market

having thought about it, more so with been able to configure the timers etc without the app, that was a concern.

Think i would be wise to stick with it.... just hope it does not get pushed back again

 

[Alf Barnet]

Just a thought, would the pre heating not drain the hybrid battery, hence the warmed up car now having a shorter range?

 

[whitenemesis]

Not if its still connected to the mains or charging station?