I would have to say numero uno is the one-up/one-down windows! Unfortunately, you gotta either buy a Civic, or a $40K+ car to get those!

------------------
2002 TL Type S
White Diamond Pearl
Parchment

 

is it for all the windows or just the driver?

 

Definitely, hands-down, no contest:
NAVIGATION SYSTEM!!!

I will not buy another car without one.

------------------

 

Does the NAVI give voice commands in the TL? Just wondering.

My 2000 Mercedes Benz S500 has NAVI with voice commands, one touch up/down windows for all, a button that automatically raises the car so that you dont scrape anywhere, a button that lowers the car and makes the springs firm, navi directions and displays in the dash, and a bunch of other stuff I cant remember off the top of my head.

I used to have an Mazda MX-6 ('89) that had oscillating vents. Very cool. Everybody was amazed when they saw it, and now I see that the new Lexus LS430 has them and are advertising them like they are the newest, biggest luxury item ever!

 

Well, my last car was a 95 accord, so all the new features in my TLS are all cool to me. Heated seats, memory seats and the learning device for opening your garage doors. COOL!!!


------------------
2002 Black on Black TL TypeS

 

My 1995 626 had this feature also. It, too got a lot of praise/interest from people who saw it. I just thought the button was cool -- it was labeled SWING.



------------------
2000 WDP 3.2TL non-NAV
AEM CAI

 

I think the auto-dimming mirror is pretty cool too -- I've heard of the oscillating air vents -- sounds cheesy at first, but then you think about it, and it makes TOTAL sense.

Yeah -- the S500 is a pretty nice machine -- totally overpriced and definitely not worth the money in my book. We have a '99 E320 4-matic and I think that's the ultimate rip-off. It's too easy to get sucked into the MB cultish following.

 

Memory seats.....
That's all I wanted.
I got it.
I'm happy.

 

If we can get Nav in Canada, I would definitely say "Nav"... but since we do not get Nav here... I would say, Xenon, Homelink, and SS....

Andy Kuo

------------------
'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

 

It's the new key remote.

 

The S500 is indeed a very nice machine, but only from 2000 on. The Benzes before that were overpriced in a major way.

The new S-classes, though, are not necessarily overpriced. The S430 is 69K, which is thousands less than the previous S320! And the new S classes are 100% different than the old S. Interior, exterior, everything is much better. I agree, though, MB's are overrated and overpriced. But I would argue that point for everything except the S. The new C is nice, but there are a lot better cars in that range (the TL being #1.)

I plan on buying a TL-S very soon (slight chance of a CL-S; I prefer TL, wife prefers CL) and its A LOT better than a C, an IS, and even a 3series. The Benz is actually my fathers, but I drive it regulary. Truly an amazing car and it is light years away from the competition -- including the new LS430. The 7-series is just as much $ and is not very impressive at all. The new Infiniti is pretty sweet, though. 340HP and a nice package. Not much room in back. For that much money, there should be NO flaw. Just my $.02.

You have an E-class, right? I heard the new E's are supposed to be unbelievable. Same improvement margin as the new S to the old S.

 

JATLIFE,

New S-Class has alot of technical improvements, BUT workmanship is FAR worse than previous S-Class, the interior material quality is no compare to W140 S-Class, and far more paint flaw than before.

Don't get me wrong, W220 S-Class is a good car, but the workmanship just ain't there...

Go check Mercedes Shop if you have any questions and problems with the Mercedes.

Andy Kuo

------------------
'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

 

Really? I guess thats just a matter of opinion. We have a few close friends who have the old S class and there is no comparison inside or out, in my opinion. Even the old S drivers agree. But I guess thats just a matter of opinion regarding the materials. I just think the new S is better in every single way, except its stability in high winds on the freeway (due to it weighing less.)

The reliability issue, though, I would have wholeheartedly disagree. I have heard nothing but good things about the new S. Car and Driver did a 30K long term test and found it was a lot better than the old S. I have the review of the last long term S class test (on the old one) and they complained about a ton of different things. In the new test, they said the new S was leagues ahead of the old S in terms of style, refinement, and overall package.

In fact, the ONLY thing that I have EVER heard that is better about the old S is the highway tracking I previously mentioned, the inch or so more head room and the 1/2" more legroom. That's it. The old S was a tank. The old S had some pretty ugly things on the interior and exterior. Cheap door handles outside, cheap looking wood on the inside, cheap armrest, cheap buttons. Nothing major, but a bit worse than the new one. For that much money, they BETTER make a lot of improvements! I just think in the luxury car segment the S class has no peer. Would I buy one? Not unless I had a lot of money and I could afford one. If i could, I wouldnt hesitate. Nothing can come close if you want a perfect luxury car.

But I respect your opinion. You bring up some interesting points.

What do you think of the TL's materials and how do they hold up long term?

 

JATLIFE,

Fit finish and material quality varies in old S-Class, if quality is the only concern, I would say 1992 - 1994 has the best quality material used(but also have the most mechanical defects, or what some ppl called New-Car Bugs).

Actually, I feel that New S-Class is just as stable as old one, if not better in terms of ride comfort. Airmatic works great, IMO, and new ABC should be much better!!

As for TL/TLS, I don't want to upset any TL/TLS owners here, but be honest, it seems Toyota does a better job when comes to TQM. There are bound to be flaw on ANY cars, yet TL/TLS seem to have a tick more(mostly fit/finish flaws, as far as I can see)than, say Camry or ES300.

But for the price, there is NO comparasion!!! TL/TLS wins, hands-down!!!

My verdicts, mechanical wise, TL/TLS should be very good down the road.....but if Honad can tighten up their TQM, TL/TLS would have NO competitions(assume Honda keeps the prices steady).

Andy Kuo

------------------
'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

 

I agree, Toyota has no peer in terms of quality. I have had numerous Honda's, Nissan's, and every other Japanese car (in addition to german and american) and Toyota is in a class by itself in terms of quality. They make some boring cars, but damn do they last.

I am hoping the quality will be very good for my wife's TLS. I'll probably buy it in August w/o navi (dont have much of a need for it on the Benz, just for show; I can get around town so its not worth the $2 G's for me, since money isnt growing on trees for me). I'll probably get the blue, with a slight possibility of black or silver. But the blue with a bodykit and black leather is choice #1.

But I do like the wood of the TL; I'm not a big fan of the black wood or whatever they call it.

 

You got it right about Toyota making boring cars.. Though Supra TT is pretty fun to drive. I owned mostly European car, 1 American(Jeep GC Limited, which I traded in for TLS), and TLS is my very first FWD car I ever owned since new(had a couple beaters before....'93 240SX SE hatchback, HICAS...'89 ISUZU I-Mark RS, '89 Suzuki Forsa Turbo, all used).

TLS is a very good value, and I am sure you will enjoy the car as much as us TLS owners do. Aegean Blue/Ebony is a very nice color... WDP/Parch looke classic and elegance, also....

Silver/Ebony is common, but may also be easier to sell if you decided to trade-in and/or sell it...

Andy Kuo

------------------
'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

 

Isn't it amazing how quickly these posts can get OT?

 

LOL

------------------
'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

 

There's no winning in the car industry.. you buy a machine.. and then two years later a better one for slightly less money is available. Or the very next year, the same model trim comes with new features that were very important to you a year ago...

I hear the new E-class will be pretty phenomenal, but hey, ya can't win. For what I paid for our '99, I'm planning on keeping that for the long haul.

As far as unique luxury features in a car, I would have to say that heated mirrors are a cool bonus -- they're very practical in winter, and they're in many many affordable cars.

 

Living in South Florida "Automatic Climate Control" rates #1 with me.

 

I checked out the new C-class at the local car show and I was surprise how plastic the dash looks. I believe the previous C looks a lot more up class than this one.

I know the C is the entry level but why would I want to pay for a $40K car with a $15K car material.

 

you know guys u could get one touch everything and voice control of anything you want through the units i make
check out www.controlgenie.com


------------------
-Fiddler
Creator - Voice Recognition Unit
1998 Accord EX V6 Coupe (HomePage)

 

from a previous owner of a honda civic to acura tl-s, almost everything is a "cool luxury" features, namely:
1. auto climate control
2. auto dimming rearview mirror
3. sport shift transmission
4. homelink
6. engine immobilizer (w/o the proper key)
7. a compliment from co-workers who use to tease me when i still had my little civic: "Damn, I told you to get a NEW car but I didn't say Go Get A Limousine".

 

almost forgot the radio antenna built-in the rear window.

 

A cool feature I wish we had - a speed sensitive audio system.

I remember years ago reading about a car - I think it was a Porshe, not sure which model - that adjusted the radio volume based on the speed of the car, to account for wind noise.

I have wished for this feature many times when I have had the stereo turned up on the highway, only to find that it is blaring when I exit the freeway and stop at a light. It's even worse with the sunroof open.

 

Mike,

That is a pretty cool feature, although it doesn't work as well as i thought it would on our E320. Most Benz, and maybe BMW's should have that (5-series and up)...

I like the auto-rain sensing wipers on the S-class -- they have this water sensor that'll automatically sense the rain.

The TL-S has a speed-sensitive wiper, which I found to be AWESOME. You know how when it's barely drizzling and you have your wipers on the lowest setting (intermittent)? Then you come to a stop and the wipers make all this noise cuz they're wiping an essentially dry windshield??? Well, the TL-S has solved this problem for me! Now when i come to a stop, the wipers just stop for three times longer than the lowest intermittent speed.. kinda cool if ya ask me.

Plus I like the adjustable arm rest.

 

For "wow" factor (not necessarily the most practical)

• NAVI System
• Side Mirror "tilts down" on reverse
• One Touch "up" drivers window
• Memory Seats on unlock from remote
• Heated Seats
• Speed sensitive Wipers

:-jon

------------------
-------------------------------------------
2002 TL-S NAV Black/Black
w/Spoiler, Body Kit, Bowling Ball Wheel,
Bowling Ball Gauge & Vent Trim Kit
Comptech Springs
Comptech Exhaust
Pictures at:
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=1626677&f=0

" TARGET=_blank>http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=1626677&f=0

</A>


<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by oblio98 on April 19, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

I once owned a Nissan 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition. It had speakers in the bucket seats. You could feel the music...for an even better experience turn the bass up...when I wrecked it people were showing up at the wrecking yard asking if they could buy just the seats.

 

My dad's 98 chevy malibu has it


------------------
-Fiddler
Creator - Voice Recognition Unit
1998 Accord EX V6 Coupe (HomePage)

 

PeterUbers: Our car has an adjustable arm rest?? How so? I didn't notice this option.

My favorite luxuries (petty, but cool) is the memory seats linked to remote entry. I also like to show off the mirror that turns down when you go into reverse. Oh, 6-disk in-dash changer is cool too

the whole car is cool for the price!

 

You can pull the armrest 2 click forward so your whole lower arm can rest on it...

Andy Kuo

------------------
'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

 

I forgot one that I thought was cool in my old, previously owned Maxima's.

You could lower the windows from the keyless entry, thus letting the hot air out of the car before you got there.

Very Cool....

:-jon

 

The coolest feature (not available in 90% of the cars sold in the US) : Navigation.

If you buy it, you will use it. And if you use it, it is worth every penny.

And as somebody asked earlier, the Acura Navigation (which is rated as the best available in the market), has voice commands. When your audio system is blaring, and when the voice from the NAV comes on, the music dims so that you can hear the voice from the NAV clearly.

just my 2c



------------------
2000 Naples Gold 3.2TL/Navi - Factory Stock but with up-graded tires