It's a Monday, and as everyone knows, nobody likes Monday.  That's why I thought it would  be the perfect time to voice a complaint I have with Mercedes.

A little while back, I received an email from a reader asking how to install an XM Satellite Radio in his new SL. "That shouldn't be too difficult," I thought to myself, "after all, it is just a radio, how difficult can it be?" After doing some research, it turns out with the help of an auxiliary port in the glove compartment, it is possible to install the XM radio.  But there's a problem - after the 2004 model year, Mercedes decided to remove the auxiliary port.  "No problem," I thought to myself, "I'll just call Mercedes and find out what the solution is."  After speaking with Mercedes, it turns out that there is no solution.  Mercedes offers no support of the XM radio, which means that if you are interested in adding one, your only option is to find an aftermarket installer to add it for you.  The reason for this is that Mercedes, along with many other auto makers, has signed an exclusive contract with Sirius Satellite Radio, making it impossible to purchase XM through Mercedes dealerships.

In addition, removing the auxiliary port has made it virtually impossible to add iPod integration to your new SL.  Check Mercedes' iPod page - you won't see the SL on the list, or the new S-Class, or the CL...

In other words, Mercedes has decided that some Mercedes should have iPod integration, and some shouldn't.  They've also decided that you should listen to Sirius Satellite Radio, but not XM.  Mercedes, you know we love you, but what are you thinking?  Take a step back for a moment, and think about your customers.  I don't have scientific research to back me up on this, but I would assume most people that drive Mercedes are rather intelligent.  I would even go as far as saying they know what they want; they are, after all, choosing to purchase the greatest automobile ever made.  Why then are you trying to make choices for the obviously intelligent customers that have already chosen to support you?

OK Mercedes, if that didn't get you, think about this.  With each new model, it seems you're focusing more and more on comfort.  You've even released a study indicating the new S-Class reduces driver's fatigue and stress.  I whole-heartedly support the new features you've implemented to help reduce driver's stress; the new S-Class looks like it will be amazing to drive.  But when you think about it, isn't listening to music one of the most fundamental means of relaxation and stress reduction?

Now, I'm not saying it's impossible to install an XM radio or iPod in your car.  But what I am saying is that I would like to see Mercedes' offer both forms of entertainment made available directly from the Mercedes' dealership. Why? One reason, and one reason alone - Mercedes customers, being the resourceful, intelligent creatures that they are, deserve to make up their own minds; and once they've made up their own minds, they deserve to have that decision made available to them directly from Mercedes, not SLIM JG's Car Audio and Security. It's that simple.


[Thanks for the email Scott S.]