What feature did you find on your car after you thought you knew everything?

"Just4GP" (Just_4_GP)
08/22/2013 at 16:37 • Filed to: None

I’ve been the very proud owner of a 2003 CL55 AMG for about a year and a half now. I love everything about this car. The looks, the performance and the gadgets! I can’t get enough of the gadgets. Needless to say I nearly lost it when I realized that the car has so much more to offer.

The first feature I found/learned about was the auto windows up and down. Not the controls on the doors, but the control on the heating/AC system. Reading through the manual (doesn’t everybody?) I found out that if I press and HOLD the recirculation button, all of the windows go up and the sunroof closes. All with one little button. Press and hold it again, everything goes back to the previous position. I actually use this feature every day. It’s perfect when I have to hop on the freeway. One touch when I get off and everything is back to normal. Living in SoCal, I prefer the windows down most of the time anyway. Plus it helps me hear the exhaust (mental note: add a sound clip)

The next feature I found was staring me in the face every time I opened the trunk. I just didn’t know what it was. There are these two nylon straps covered in Velcro, attached to the trunk liner hiding the battery. There they sat, just stuck to each other. Reading through a forum, I came across a topic where someone had asked “Where do you keep your owner’s manual?” If you’ve ever seen the owner’s documents for a Mercedes, you know there are a lot of them. They’re all kept neatly in a leather binder that takes up the entire glove compartment. That’s when someone mentioned the straps in the trunk. They are a fucking holding place for the owner’s manual. The shelf is the perfect depth and the straps are just long enough to keep everything in place. Simple, neat and tidy. Dare I say perfect?

The latest find for me happened just the other day. I’ve been under the hood quite a bit since I got the car. Sometimes just looking around, others to change out the air filters or add some windshield washer fluid. Not once did I pay much attention to the hood hinges. The hood has the standard shocks to hold it open, so there wasn’t much to really look at. This is exactly why I was so surprised when I did look closer. What I found was a small button/latch on both hinges. Me being me, I saw a button so I pressed it. Come to find out, by pressing these latches, I can open the hood a full 90 degrees and lock it in place. Much better than the default 60-70 degrees you normally get. Hood shock go bad? Not a problem here.

It all just makes me wonder what else I’m missing with this car…

DISCUSSION (68)

feather-throttle-not-hair > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 16:44

Holding unlock on the key fob rolls down all the windows.

I didn't find out about this for several years. It's very helpful in the summer time.

Matt Urban > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 16:46

On 95.5 thru 2004 Toyota Tacoma's you can get defrost to work without the a/c kicking on. If you pull off the dial for selection you can turn it one more notch past defrost. That is just windshield vent without the compressor kicking on. If you shave off the stop on the controls cover you can enable that feature for use with the dial. Also on the Radio's you can hold a sequence of buttons to enable the mid audio adjustment which is defaulted off so you end up with bass/mid/treb adjustments.

nataku83 > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 16:46

I was surprised to find out some of the OBC functions on my E24 - particularly the chime above a pre-set speed and the ignition lockout code. Not too bad for a 25 year old car.

Just4GP > feather-throttle-not-hair
08/22/2013 at 16:47

That was another good one. It doesn't always work for me though so I kinda gave up on it.

Just4GP > nataku83
08/22/2013 at 16:48

25 year old, hell, that't not bad for a 10 year old. Good find.

moarpowerr > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 16:49

How is the maintenance on your car? I imagine it being not so cheap

jmgadget > feather-throttle-not-hair
08/22/2013 at 16:50

This used to be on the 2011+ 300/Chargers until they took it out in mid 2012 for some reason. One option I really wish I had.

$kaycog > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 16:50

Kinja'd!!!

I found a secret compartment under the floor mat on the right rear passenger side. Shh.........don't tell anyone.

Just4GP > Matt Urban
08/22/2013 at 16:52

Were these things you discovered by accident?

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > feather-throttle-not-hair
08/22/2013 at 16:52

Great one

Casper > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 16:52

The one I found by accident on the wife's BRZ was the trunk pop delete button. It's a small button INSIDE the trunk that when pressed, will not allow you to open the trunk from either the key fob or from the dash button.

I found this thanks to a bag in the trunk sliding over and pressing it... thus preventing me from unloading things from my trunk for about 5 minutes while I tried to figure out what was going on. Fortunately I guessed the problem was some kind of electrical issue and simply popped the physical key out and opened the trunk, at which point I looked it over and saw the button.

Why it exists I have no idea. Maybe it is to allow hostages in your trunk to fight back if they choose not to escape by pulling the emergency opener and baffle their captors for a few minutes...

Xander, Proud of BOXER > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 16:53

Just set the gear indicator on my manual BRZ. Found out about it about a month ago.

Kinja'd!!!

Just4GP > $kaycog
08/22/2013 at 16:54

Nice!

Beretta 92f?

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 16:57

On my 7 series, there's a hot air circulation button that when pressed when the car is shut off after engine temp is past 160deg circulates hot air in the cabin for 15mn. The function is called REST.

This is great in the winter when it's cold and you come back to a toasty cabin.

This is the button called REST on the 95-98 models and the MAX AC button doubles as the REST function 99-01 ones.

found out about this a few months into ownership by accident.

$kaycog > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 16:58

I forgot to add a disclaimer. It's not my Escape and not my Beretta. ;D

Just4GP > moarpowerr
08/22/2013 at 17:01

The dealer cost's are insane. The indie I used for the last service wasn't too bad. Now that I have access to a garage and full set of tools, I do most of the work myself. The car is well engineered and working on it is easier that one might expect. The parts can be really pricey but shopping around helps.

Front brake pads for example (parts only):

Dealer $350

Indie $250

Aftermarket Ceramic/Kevlar (Amazon.com) $129. Most other sites had the same pads for $50-100 more.

Mind you I have 8 piston calipers which require 4 large pads each.

Just4GP > Casper
08/22/2013 at 17:06

I think that is to keep valet's from opening the trunk when you leave just the valet key.

Just4GP > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
08/22/2013 at 17:07

I have that button on my Benz. Until now, I never had any idea why I would use it. Thanks!

Just4GP > Xander, Proud of BOXER
08/22/2013 at 17:07

Found this one on a rental car once.

GreenN_Gold > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 17:08

I still haven't figured out what the middle pedal is for.

Casper > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 17:08

I thought about that, but both keys that came with my car open the trunk... so either I didn't get a different key (like I did with my S2000) or did they planned on having my take the physical key with me? It's way too damn small to take with me and just toss in a pair of slacks hoping not to lose it.

Just4GP > Casper
08/22/2013 at 17:15

The other things is if you ever park the car with the windows down or the sunroof open, it prevents someone from using the electronic trunk release to gain access. You can clear out the cabin and leave valuables in the trunk. I used to park my Lexus with the sunroof open all the time.

Bandit > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 17:24

My trans am has... let me think... I got nothin'

Oh, wait! I can hide an emergance $20 bill inside the seat back trim (the plastic on the back of the seats).

Kinja'd!!!

Casper > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 17:28

I live in the NW... never thought about leaving my windows down on anything. Occasionally I slightly crack them, but there is far too high of a chance of a random shower or coming back and finding a meth head lost in the back seat.

Just4GP > Bandit
08/22/2013 at 17:33

Super clean interior! What year is it?

Bandit > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 17:38

It's not my car (mine isn't nearly as clean). I pulled the pic from google. I'm pretty sure this one is a 1979 car.

Kugelblitz > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 18:57

I can open and close the windows and sunroof on my M3 without being inside the car, using the key. Turn & hold counter clockwise and they all shut, counter clockwise opens everything up. Nice on hot days when I want to depressurize the chicken pit.

RafelX > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 19:00

Discovering that my 92 Passat had adjustable intermittent wipers. I had read the manual but apparently I glossed over that section. In the Passat, the intermittent function didn't have a switch to adjust it, you set it by turning the wipers on and off, then on again at your desired time interval. I had the car about a year before accidentally enabling it one day. I think the max delay was 24 seconds, which was pretty neat too.

delete-me-please123 > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 19:00

You and your gadgets!

Anything beyond AC and a stereo is too much for me.

Just4GP > Kugelblitz
08/22/2013 at 19:18

MB has a similar feature called "Summertime" which I think is stupid. But if you point the key fob (IR signal) at the car while holding down the unlock button, It rolls down the windows, opens the sunroof and turns on the ventilated seats. It's great when it works.

Just4GP > delete-me-please123
08/22/2013 at 19:21

This coming from someone who only drives convertibles? LOL What you meant to say was "Anything beyond AC, stereo and a convertible/removable top" Even that classic Buick you have is a drop top!

Just4GP > RafelX
08/22/2013 at 19:23

That's an odd way to set the timing for intermittent wipers. Interesting find.

delete-me-please123 > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 19:27

Removing the top is a gadget? I didn't even list power windows, I could just reach over and roll it up.

Slave2anMG > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 19:46

The hood latch is an olde Benz thing. My 1983 240D, 1991 300D and the two W201 cars my wife had all had the hood latch trick. Freakin' brilliant when working on the diesels as the oil filter was at the back of the engine compartment, on top, replaceable element type. You needed a good 12" above the canister to get out the element so having the hood vertical was nice...plus it kept me from splitting my scalp open on the grill...

Just4GP > delete-me-please123
08/22/2013 at 19:53

If you have to leave it in the garage or store it in the car somewhere. Remember your Viper?

Just4GP > Slave2anMG
08/22/2013 at 19:55

Really? I had no idea it was there. After I found it, I started looking into it more and saw how different the SL is from the CL in that regard. On an SL, it only takes one person to engage it. I needed a second set of hands for my CL. Both latches had to be pressed at the same time which is kind of lame. Or, I'm just doing it wrong.

delete-me-please123 > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 19:59

I got stuck one time in the rain without the soft top. I parked and sat in a gas station for an hour.You'd be amazed how much gas station junk food one can eat in an hour.

scoob > GreenN_Gold
08/22/2013 at 20:19

THERE'S SUCH A THING AS MORE THAN 2 PEDALS?!

Slave2anMG > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 20:45

If your newer car is anything like my old ones, one latch will release just a little bit before the other. I can't remember which it was, but I'd raise the hood, walk to that side, pull the hood down enough to allow the latch to release, then gently let the hood go back up. Go to other side, repeat being careful not to pull the hood down far enough to let the other latch lock again. When both released, stand hood up. Harder to describe than to do...

Slothkins > Kugelblitz
08/22/2013 at 21:38

Volkswagens do the same thing. It must be a German thing.

Slothkins > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 21:40

I sold VWs for 2 years before I bought one myself, and it wasn't until I was driving mine in the rain that I realized the rear wiper will run once automatically when you put the car in reverse if the wipers are on. It's a small thing, but I always forget about it and I love it every time it happens.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 22:10

I've got a secret gauge self test. You put the key in "on", and hold the odometer reset button for a few seconds. Then, while still holding it, turn the key to "run" and voila!

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Just4GP
08/22/2013 at 22:24

no problem...it s a superb function

JasonStern911 > Just4GP
08/23/2013 at 00:11

The RX-8 has a light on the dash that comes on when it blows an apex seal:

Kinja'd!!!

See that weird shape? If the apex seal was still good, it would look like a triangle with rounded edges.

Rory > Slothkins
08/23/2013 at 07:05

HOLY SHIT! I always wondered why my rear wiper goes on at random intervals, its not random usually , its always when Im reversing.

Just4GP > Slave2anMG
08/23/2013 at 12:31

I'll have to give that a try. The driver side was a noticeably more difficult to press than the passenger side.

Just4GP > Slothkins
08/23/2013 at 12:47

Reminds me of the first time I noticed my passenger side rear view mirror angled towards the ground. Only because I once saw it happen on a friend's BMW did I think that it was a feature when putting the car in reverse.

Just4GP > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
08/23/2013 at 12:49

Oh shit! If I had that, I'd run it at LEAST once a week. Maybe I do have something like that. I'll be right back, I have to Google something...

Just4GP > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
08/23/2013 at 12:50

I was telling my girlfriend about this one last night. She thought it was a great idea and she's not into cars at all.

philipilihp > Just4GP
08/23/2013 at 13:23

I was detailing my interior and by chance pulled down the arm rest. I knew there was a pass-through to the trunk in my car (E90 335i), but what I didn't know is that there was a little box. When I opened that box, I found it it contains a friggin built-in ski bag! Who the F knew? Not me! I never ski, but i guess if I'm ever hauling something long and skinny I won't damage my interior. Hurrah!

Kinja'd!!!

Bruno Martini > Just4GP
08/23/2013 at 13:31

Adjustable steering on my 2012 mustang. 3 modes, sport, normal, and comfort. I keep it on sport. Love it. Get a bit more weight on the wheel and power assist is basically off at any speed above 20mph.

Just4GP > philipilihp
08/23/2013 at 13:38

First time I saw one of those pass-throughs on a Volvo, I had no idea why it was so narrow. Then someone told it it was for skis. I was born and raised in So Cal, skis never came to mind.

Nhil > Xander, Proud of BOXER
08/23/2013 at 13:47

WHAT!?!? What else am I missing on my FRS?

I know what I'm doing after work

magman007 > Kugelblitz
08/23/2013 at 14:06

e36? e46 you can hold the unlock button and all the windows and sun roof open.

magman007 > Just4GP
08/23/2013 at 14:08

I miss this feature dearly. Such a little thing that is so helpful.

Thunder > Just4GP
08/23/2013 at 14:14

You mentioned the Mercedes owner's manual hanger (I have to look for that when my wife gets home).

Here's one: we had a Benz for a LONG time before I noticed the little mini strap thing hanging down maybe 3" from under the parcel shelf. Turns out it's attached to the spring-loaded grocery bag hook in there. Who knew?!

Queers4Gears > Slothkins
08/23/2013 at 14:20

scares the crap out of me every time

Just4GP > Thunder
08/23/2013 at 14:23

I tried to find a picture online but couldn't And I was too lazy to go out to the parking garage and just snap one.

Dean > $kaycog
08/23/2013 at 15:53

Had plenty of people tell me how many drugs they stash in there.

Dean > Just4GP
08/23/2013 at 15:56

I sell cars for a living. It's my job to know everything about them. When I bought my Koup, it was the middle of summer. I'd never sold a SX Koup with everything before, so it was a little uncommon, as most people that bought Fortes from me were buying EXs. A few weeks go by, and I'm detailing the interior. I see a button that looks like a windshield with a squiggly line. Stumped, I run for the manual. Turns out I have windshield wiper heater coils! Only on one very specific package of a rare-ish car.

$kaycog > Dean
08/23/2013 at 15:57

Really? I guess I could put my Ibuprofen there.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Just4GP
08/23/2013 at 16:00

Very cool indeed

Dean > $kaycog
08/23/2013 at 16:30

Put your keys there and use Security Code to get in. Or a ham sandwich.

$kaycog > Dean
08/23/2013 at 16:32

Ham sandwich FTW!

DocWalt > RafelX
08/23/2013 at 16:39

Even cooler... you can take the same relay that drives that infinitely adjustable wiper delay and stick it in some of the older VWs and get that functionality. Really useful!

Just4GP > Dean
08/23/2013 at 17:30

Looking at all of these responses, I'm starting to realize how much car companies cater to buyers in colder climates. I couldn't imagine needing something like that in SoCal. But, it is a cool option. I can't get enough of car gadgets.

MJMcG > RafelX
08/23/2013 at 17:52

It took me a year to discover how the heated mirrors on the Passat worked. Had to be shown by a girl in the dealership when I brought the car in for a misaligned rear door card. (anal, I know)

Apollon > RafelX
08/24/2013 at 03:22

Funny coincidence: The exact same Volkswagen relais fit in my 1995 Citroen Xantia. Adjustable intervals are far better than the default never-getting-it-right INT mode of the Xantia.