lay3r3

I noticed in some pictures and video postings and that showed the latest (2016, perhaps it was available already on the 2015s?) Command/Infotainment system. It appears the HW hasn't changed but the screen operation system now looks like all the newest OS where you have carousel style menu.

Anyone knows if there is an upgrade path?

lay3r3

Like this

YYZ-E55

It is a different H/U

lay3r3

Hmm... I'd think it's just OS upgrade. Is there that big of a H/U difference? "physical difference, different cabling and complete overhaul? I know the buttons are "flatter" more flush, but that seems to be it. you would think these are software driven changes.

MBtech1098

As previously stated, the MY16 has different HW and it is not a simple SW upgrade. In fact every 212 has had different HW for the most part.

NTG4: 2010-2011(some 2012 without code 088)
NTG4.5 Gen1: 2012
NTG4.5 Gen2: 2013
NTG4.5 Gen3: 2014-2015
NTG5*1: 2016

Although there are several different NTG4.5 systems they are all different HW. Gen 1&2 are very similar. Gen 3 (which for some reason people like to call 4.7 even though there are no Daimler documents specifying it as that) is quite different from Gen 1&2.

NTG5*1 has many HW improvements. One of which is the support of DOIP (diagnosis over IP). Previous generations all SW flashing was done slowly by way of the DVD ROM drive in the COMAND unit. This process was first initiated via XENTRY. Now we load the SW on to the XENTRY first temporarily and then send it to the HU by way of an Ethernet connection that is integrated into the 16 pin OBD2 cable.

Of course there are other upgrades as well. All the systems installed in U.S. Vehicles are produced by Mitsubishi Electronic.

lay3r3

Thanks for the explanation! very thorough and total buzz kill. I guess there is no upgrade path! I am surprised MB would invest for 1 single model year (since 2017 is moving on to W213) for the Command interface to change. I guess to appease the MY16 buyer. Truth be told, I got a loaner C class when my car was in for some warranty work, there was some learning curve to get used to the carousel style menu. Oh well.

off the topic:

MBtech - The white/clear strip of lights/reflector? on the bottom of my taillight - I can't figure out if they are actually lights?

towards the center, yes. Back-up lights. Then rear fog (left). Then what is the rest clear light wrapped around for? are they even lights?

Thanks!

MBtech1098

Regarding the COMAND changeover for MY16, they are trying to keep the HMI (human machine interface) similar across all product lines. Also remember that it is a simple integration as the same HU is used in multiple product lines.

For your taillight question what year is your vehicle and what lighting package do you have. Also what country are you located in? A highlighted picture would also aid to clarify your question.

DubVBenz

This is great information. Do you know anything regarding the different versions of COMAND on the 221? Also, is there a changelog or anything that describes the actual differences between versions?

Thanks!