Recent content by mddg

I think the single motor version of the ID.4 is pretty similar to the B in terms of power. The AWD version does give a lot more oomph. That 50% extra power makes driving more fun too. While the interior leatherette looks a bit utilitarian, it is very comfortable. The armrests are tiny pieces...

@JeffRay - hope all is well. I finally replaced the long gone B. I couldn't wait for Mercedes to get a "semi-reasonably" priced car in the U.S.. I just got one of the first VW ID.4's with AWD. It's very nice, and I consider it a worthy successor. Similar German suspension, but much more powerful...

@JeffRay, we live in parallel universes; I just returned my B250e lease too. After 6 mostly great years and 65K miles with two B class electrics, it was hard to give up this mostly awesome car. The residual value price for mine was a tempting deal, but, like you, I'm not driving much any more...

I had thought there was an interface like that, but all I can find is the two cable solution on MBs site. There is a USB connector to the media interface, and then connect a USB cable from the device of your choice. In the 2017 model, there are no aux or media interfaces, so everything is done...

A rare and somewhat odd review of the B250e. Concentrating on number of hours and fraction of time car is driven. https://cleantechnica.com/2018/06/03/6-months-with-my-electric-mercedes-b250e/

Well, besides the Mercedes, we've also got exactly 41 solar panels in common. Only 33 are SunPower though, and the 8 remaining are SolarWorld. Six years ago, the panels were making more power than we used, so we got a Leaf to use that power. Six years later, I think it's just about paid for itself.

I find that my Kobra OBD2 bluetooth scanner does *not* work really with the B250e. It will report only a bit of the GPS, like altitude.

I just found this out from MB tech support and the manual. Turn on the Max Defrost button to use the heated windshield. There doesn't seem to be a way to control that feature separately from the blower. The heating layer blocks cell and satellite signals. The area around the rearview mirror is...

This seems pretty extreme, but for extreme cold, it looks appropriate. I just got a pretty simple solution for heating - https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Unisex-Large-Black-20-Volt-or-12-Volt-MAX-Heated-Work-Jacket-Kit-with-20-Volt-Lithium-Ion-MAX-Battery-and-Charger-DCHJ060C1-L/206314126 I...

Be careful with the car seat too high. You don't want to hit your head going over a speed bump. The steering wheel should be adjustable with the lever underneath. I don't like the Mercedes speedometer either because it'sa little too small to read quickly while driving. I usually switch the...

While we don't need a lot of service, you may want to use this for a brake fluid and cabin air filter change. https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/service_special/2017holidaythankyou

I almost never use charging stations that "charge" money. There are some free ones around - Whole Foods and some parking garages. Some will take regular credit cards. I only have the Blink card, but I'm not sure I have ever used it. I think there's also the EVgo and SemaConnect cards too. The...

The amperage you would need on the 240V circuit depends on the charger (EVSE) you get. I have a 40A circuit for my 25A charger. If you get a 40A charger, the charger manufacturer will likely recommend a 50A circuit.

You're right - no sunglass holder on the 2017 B250e (the 2017 CLA and the 2014 B-class has it on the mirror). The 2014 also had the flip-down seat pockets that flipped down at the front of the seat that were supposed to be used for that too. I never used any of them because I would probably...

I think there may be two kinds of navigation available - the MB one that comes with the COMAND system and the Garmin one that comes on the SD card. Based on MB forums, I would be careful with outside vendors for the SD cards. They may not work at all, and it seems they don't update easily. Still...