Map software updates?

[Krusty]

Hi all,

Early days yet for us, (E300 - April 2017), but I'm a bit miffed that Mercedes sales people in Australia are either a bit ignorant if not evasive. We asked the salesman about the support for map updates & his reply was that he didn't know, nor did he know where the mapping data was actually stored or how it was updated.

He never mentioned that Mercedes gives three years free mapping updates, it wasn't till I got the VIN data & found that this is clearly stated. Living in Sydney with major road works underway then the mapping will change substantially over the next few years & we would like to have the mapping updated.

My question therefore is "does anyone know how this is done & who does it?

:binky:

[Ivanerrol]

Are you talking about a brand new car?

If so. Software updates are done at service times.
When you take your car in for it's service ask the service consultant specifically for MAP updates.

F.W.I.W. Mate took delivery of a new GLC Coupe in December. We had a play with the command system and GPS.
The new system in the GLC is far, far superior to the system in his 2013 CLS.

Also A.F.A.I.K. these new cars are live on the net. Updates can be loaded down automatically - ask your service consultant about it - not the Sales Guy.

[Starman]

I just got a free update at the dealer on Monday, it took 20 minutes once they had the right DVD for my car. The update was dated 2015.

[Krusty]

Great, many thanks for confirming what I thought to be the case!

One minor problem that we may have is that we don't intend to get any servicing done by MB since they charge like a wounded bull & can you trust them? We have a fantastic local one man mechanic that we have used for 20 years on our previous cars & would trust him with our lives. We have already asked & he confirmed he can do the servicing (& access the software service history codes).

I have seen & heard far too many stories where the "recommended" service workshops cut corners & often do NOT perform the tasks that they charge for. One horror story I recently heard (Volvo) lead to engine failure costing the owner in excess of $8,000!

[Starman]

Hi Krusty, it seems it is really a personal choice on Indep vs Dealers.
I use my local dealers and that has worked pretty well for me with three cars over 13 years of ownership (two owned, one leased). They have come to the party when they needed to, and provide a loaner of a lift without me even having to ask. They have said they want a long relationship with me and I am holding them to it - its a bit of an art-form to get what you want out of them. I drive fairly low miles and my servicing is once per year.

[Krusty]

Thanks Starman for the thumbs up,

On the mapping, we recently drove from Sydney to Batemans Bay (about 280 km) & were sadly disappointed by the mapping, firstly I don't like the look of it (I prefer Waze) but more concerning was that it's grossly out of date & inaccurate. For instance just out of Nowra there is a very large industrial area that includes food outlets & petrol stations (kind of like a side road) but none of this is mapped despite looking like it is over 5 to 10 years old. Also just out of Berry there is major roadwork being done & the maps show what appears to be the new route. Problem is it has you crossing fields for Kms so neither the old nor the proposed is correct.

Another REALLY disappointing things is that it clearly promotes the ability of the cameras to read, recognise & display speed zones/signs. This though for some unknown reason has been disabled (in Australia) & removed from the menu software, This clearly is an essential option so I have to assume that the regulators in Australia have decreed this is a no go just like the remote parking.

Maybe someone can shed some light onto this travesty?