New B-Class

[Mr T]

B150 is slow, but most of the cars in our country are (or their drivers are) so it's perfectly adequate for our crowded roads.

The 2009 facelifted B with cd-changer/Audio50/Comand is fitted with the 'Media Interface'. Although I've not seen a car with one fitted, from what I can ascertain from the brochure/web/dealership, it's a box of tricks that replaces the CD storage tray in the glovebox and has a socket into which you can connect a triple-headed cable that allows you to connect an iPod, a USB memory drive or any audio device with a 3.5mm jack. According to the price list, the UK price for the media interface cables is £45 - I read on the web that in Germany it's EUR39! Which works out around £30? ISTR that the USD price is equivalent.

In the UK, for the facelift model the B is available as an 'SE' or a 'Sport'. The SE comes with the fixed glass roof and cheap 16" wheels, the Sport comes with 17" alloys (10 spokes), lowered sports suspension, half-Artico upholstery, and chrome accents on the front fog lamps. Decided I'd rather have the glass roof.

[kdbcom]

Ah that must be like the kit they sent information about in a brochure to me. When I enquired about having one fitted they said it would not work with my radio . Why do they bother to send leaflets out if the kit won't work with the car you've got . It is not as if they don't know what you've got because it's all on their computer .

[Bill F]

Keith

They just want to tickle your fancy and get you into the showroom to look at the 09's.

Bill

[Mr T]

The new Audio20 is different to the old one, has a multicolour LCD display and bluetooth handsfree kit built in.

Shame the car doesn't have the central controller knob like the C-class.

[wblynch]

Originally Posted by kdbcom

PS make sure you have all the legal requirements (especially reflective yellow safety vests) as the French Police are getting very hot on these things (along with speeding ) with us Brits

Please pardon the intrusion but what is the meaning of the "reflective yellow safety vests" and how are they used?

Are drivers required to wear these at all times?

I just never heard of such a thing...

Thanks, Bill (different Bill )

[CC Ryder]

See this: French Road Safety: Yellow Vest, It's Ugly | KIWIPULSE // ROCK YOUR WORLD

An excerpt:The vest and a reflective triangle will become mandatory for all drivers and cyclists effective July 1, 2008. After a three-month grace period, violators will be fined 135 euros. Let’s see how Karl Lagerfeld can change the French’s habits by wearing an un-chic or in another word ugly yellow safety vest.

[Mr T]

Yes, I think I will be travelling back via Luxembourg and/or Belgium - bonus: no road tolls either!

[kdbcom]

But you will probably find that the ferry over to France is far cheaper than to Belgium.

It appears that all EU countries will be going for the reflective vests as well as the rest of the mandatory safety equipment. It only needs to be worn when you get out of the car in a breakdown situation. It is required for passengers as well and must be on hand within the car (ie not in boot) They are cheap enough round about £5 or less.

Don't forget that you can change the UK lights to dip to the other sides via a lever in the standard headlights. Info on this is posted in a previous thread. (could never mange to find how to to this on the Bi xenons though)

[Mr T]

Thanks, hopefully they will set the headlamps to LHD at the factory and the dealer will set back to RHD when I arrive back (this would make the most sense anyway...!).

The eurotunnel ticket from France to UK is included in the factory collection. Lucky as it's my preferred way to cross the Channel.

[Mike Tee]

I was always partial to HoverSpeed! More fun!