Both of our cars, 2001 S430 and 2002 E320, are equipped with the OEM armrest cradles and we used the Mercedes Motorola V60i(C) with great service and satisfaction for a long time.

We did NOT upgrade to the digital Tele-Aid.

I did upgrade to for Bluetooth service through MB's partnership and orderd the puck and the Motorola V3m for my 2001 S430 and had my dealer install it. The sound and signal quality has been seriously disappointing.

The boss, kept her V60i(C) for a longtime and then went the way of a Bluetooth and earpiece because of my bad experience.

I have dealt with the dealer and Verizon as well as several car audiophiles locally and no one has any serious answers. It is always someone elses fault.

Ok, so I think the best advice I have found here is to go the way of an additional mobile number.

I just did an online chat withVerizon and they confirm that I can reactivate my Motorola V60i(C). So I propose to reactive it with my mobile number and plug it back in the armrest cradle, and set the mobile number for no answer call forwarding to a new line. Then I get a new "secret" number and a new Smartphone to carry and use for email etc when I am not in the car.

What problems will I be opening myself up to? will the fact we didn't upgrade to digital Tele-Aid inmpact our telephone service? what else?

Thanks for helping me think it through.