ML350 Navigation Upgrades

[JethroAZ]

I was wondering if anyone knows of a company that has the ability to upgrade the navigation system in an 2008 ML350. I'm not referring to the updated CD that anyone can purchase from NAVTEQ. I'm talking about doing some sort of software or firmware upgrade on the stock navigation unit itself. The reason I ask is because, and please don't laugh, but my cell phone (HTC Incredible) has a MUCH better navigation system than my car does. I know, it may sound crazy, but man is it true. The graphics kick *** (don't think a software/firmware upgrade will help with screen resolution) and when using the phone's system, the flow of the graphics is as smooth as silk. My cars are jumpy and look incredibly outdated. So, without changing out the head unit to a newer one (the thought of doing that makes me nauseous), is there a way to upgrade my navigation unit?

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[aggst1]

Of course your cellphone gps has better graphics and accuracy. It is a few years newer which in high tech electronic time is ages ahead. You can chance the COMAND to any aftermarket unit you like providing it fits. If you are asking to change the software only and not the hardware, the answer is no.

[pharaoh]

That is why Germans can't make cellphones like the Asians and vice versa.... See what I mean...

[JethroAZ]

Yah, I completely understand that the latest and greatest electronic gizmos are often outdated before they reach the shelves, but if software companies send out updates to their products, why can't the car manufacturers do the same for their software driven products? I had the hunch that it was hopeless, I just figured I'd ask.

[Vernl]

Originally Posted by JethroAZ

Yah, I completely understand that the latest and greatest electronic gizmos are often outdated before they reach the shelves, but if software companies send out updates to their products, why can't the car manufacturers do the same for their software driven products? I had the hunch that it was hopeless, I just figured I'd ask.

If money is no object, you can have 09 or later command unit installed. They have a new interface

[omcinto]

This is my single largest complaint with my ML. I test drove the 2011 ML 550 this week, and even with the new interface it is severely lacking. It seems that the colors and resolution have improved, but the functionality and capability are way outdated compared to my old 2006 Alpine unit I had in my previous vehicle.

[brownbomber]

It is pretty sad that my wife's 07 w164 is light years behind with the navigation, both data and graphics.

I do expect more from Mercedes. I could even see them just changing a couple hundred dollars per year for fully updated maps and graphics. If you think about popular software companies (microsoft, apple, etc)., they provide their updates via the web and in most cases for free.

Just my 2 cents!

[360º]

my 2002 bmw 3 series had a better navigation then the 2008 mercedes version.

[JethroAZ]

That's precisely my point. I honestly believe Mercedes has completely missed the mark with respect to their (or our) navigation systems. Like I Said, I know that technology changes daily, but my girlfriends two year old I-Phone navigation is far, far superior to the two year old system in my ML. I'm beginning to think that Atari is the manufacturer and that somewhere in my system lurks the start up screen for Ms. Pac-Man.

[roadrutz]

Originally Posted by 360º

my 2002 bmw 3 series had a better navigation then the 2008 mercedes version.

That's sorta like a who's-got-the-ugliest-face contest. I had a 2002 BMW. Its NAV was bloody awful. So is my 2009 ML's. How sweet it would be if Mercedes outsourced their NAV UI to Apple.