2008 ML 320 CDI

The MB dealership in Calgary has only got the 2013 Maps Update DVD available, not the 2014 version and I've been waiting long enough now for them to get the latest version in.
You can find the 2014 Map Update DVDs on the internet and sometimes for less money, but how safe are these DVDs to use?
Navigation.com looks like a site which sells the real thing but they want more for their DVDs than the dealership and who is to know whether their DVDs are indeed original?
Should these Map Update DVDs only be bought from a MB dealership or are there alternative good sources to get them from?
Any experiences would be appreciated!
I'd like to update the maps on my 2008 ML. I believe I'm still running the original 2008 Maps DVD that came with the vehicle when it was new.

06e320cdi

They can be bought from here.
http://www.navigation.com/is-bin/INT...QAAAETXmRSHM.J

When I got mine I got it from one of the online MB Parts dealers, Husker Automotive, and it was around 200.00 with my MBCA discount. (well worth the annual fee)

2008 ML 320 CDI

It's good to have it confirmed that the DVDs from Navigation.com at least work well - thank you.


Just as a matter of interest, did you upgrade from the 2008 Maps DVD directly to the 2014 Maps DVD or were you running a version later than 2008 Maps anyway before your update to 2014 Maps? (I'm presuming here that you've updated to the 2014 Maps.)


I'm curious to know whether the jump from 2008 to 2014 can be made in a single step and also whether the update makes any difference to the menu options and the general appearance of the maps. The maps should of course be different where roads have been changed but that aside, are there any other changes that you've noticed that come with a Maps update? I believe the Maps Update discs also update the COMAND software and was wondering if that makes any difference to the user.

06e320cdi

I had the 2008 version, and upgraded to 2012 without issue. However, I bought mine as a CPO and they had upgraded the firmware of the Command system prior to me purchasing. I am not sure how to verify which Firmware you already have. They upgraded mine because the previous owner was having issues with Sirius. Wish I had a more definitive answer

2008 ML 320 CDI

Thank you for that information.
I've placed an order online now for the 2014 MERCEDES BENZ MCS2 MCSII COMAND NAVIGATION DVD V11. It should reach me in 10 to 14 days from now and we'll see how things go from there. If there are any interesting changes on the system afterwards or if I experience any difficulties with the product or the order, I will post that information here.

2008 ML 320 CDI

Received the 2014 MERCEDES BENZ MCS2 MCSII COMAND NAVIGATION DVD V11 two days ago and installed it on the system of my car. After inserting the new Maps DVD disc for the first time, the system automatically did a sub 5 minute installation and after that, the system worked the same way as it did before. This was an upgrade from a 2007 Maps DVD directly to the 2014 Maps DVD.


I was perhaps hoping for more changes other than just some changes to the maps only, but there aren't any that I've noticed so far. The menus, start-up, information provided and screen layout all look the same as they did before. The new maps may have a somewhat different appearance now with different colours used for the background and roads, but to tell the truth I don't quite remember what the maps looked like before. Whether or not some of the COMAND software was upgraded with this installation, I can't tell.


Some older road changes in our area are reflected correctly on the new maps, but I am disappointed in that some very major, but more recent, road changes that were completed in 2013, have not yet been captured on this "2014" Maps DVD. In fact, I would say that the maps on this 2014 Maps DVD more closely resemble the roads layout as it was in 2012! The very earliest that I would consider looking to do another maps upgrade would be 2016.


The MB dealership here did not have the new 2014 Maps DVD so I bought mine online through iOffer.com / geconnorx.

LuisGese

Normally i buy a copy of the dvd, it costs 25€

penduboy

from where?

LuisGese

Biforro@gmail.com Spain

penduboy

Thanks but I am in Canada.

N4HHE

Plus its a bootleg copy. Usually a lot of bootleg copies can be found on eBay as well. I don't recommend it.

penduboy

That is totally illegal. Thanks for the heads up.

Regards, Pendu

Zodwraith

I agree that these disks are a joke in cost but cannot condone a straight up pirated copy. You may feel they overcharge for their minimal work to update maps info that's free from Google, but there IS some work there and they deserve some kind of compensation. I do feel that these disks should be provided when you're within your warrantee period.

N4HHE

Google will not give you the map data for free to place in embedded devices such as an automotive navigation system. The Google Map data is free only for use on a web browser connected to Google.

There are projects attempting to create free map databases that can be "community sourced". But not from Google.

And then there is the problem of deciphering the format of the data. Popularity of Garmin devices finally drove the right people into reverse engineering the format so 3rd party maps could be created.

Zodwraith

Oh, I understand. My statement was more relating to the fact that there's superior competition for free. I don't want to leave my phone sitting on my dash just because it's navigation is superior. I'd prefer the on board navigation to work as efficiently so I can use my phone as, well, a phone. I still don't feel an update to a system that already costs hundreds extra should cost such a high amount. Especially $250 every year. If I'd bought every update to my previous Benz I'd be at $1500. I just upgraded to an ML and it's had zero updates since the showroom. I'll drop $250 for something I'll actually use in a heartbeat but $250 for a navigation disk that I'll use maybe 1-2 times a year? Not likely. I only want the nav disk for software updates, not the maps. Definitely not worth $250.

But you seem to have missed my whole point of I'm not willing to straight up pirate something just because I feel the price is exorbitant.

N4HHE

You talking to me? I didn't miss anything.

My 2009 still has the original maps because I too am not willing to pay $250 to update a GPS which is inferior in function to my $150 Garmin of similar age. I travel with my 1490 doing the work.

Years ago I saw a Nissan with factory Garmin GPS mount on the dash and thought, "Finally! Someone gets it!" But haven't seen similar since. Closest thing I've seen is M-B offer iPad mounts on the back of front seats in place of the rear seat entertainment system.

MercedesDad

I have a 2010 ML63 and I ordered a 2014 upgrade DVD (should be here tomorrow hopefully).

My question is, how do I install it? Is there another DVD that I have to extract in order to be replaced NY the new one? If so, where is it located and how do I extract it? (Currently I can't see any discs on the stereo system).

Thanks!

2008 ML 320 CDI

On the 2008 ML there are 2 CD/DVD slots behind the navigation display screen. The navigation display screen folds open when you press the eject button at the bottom of the screen. You then gain access to the 2 CD/DVD slots behind. The bottom slot is for playing back music CDs and the top slot is the one that holds the navigation DVD. Simply eject the old navigation DVD and insert the new navigation DVD. In my case it took a few minutes (just under 5 min.) for the system to install and start working with the new navigation DVD.

The navigation systems do not all work the same way across the range of Mercedes Benz car models and even in the same model, such as the ML in this case, the system in the 2008 may be different to the system in the 2010.

N4HHE

Starting in 2009 the ML uses the Command-2 system which is hard drive based. I believe one simply inserts the disc in the only slot and then the system magically knows what to do.

MercedesDad

Yup, that's exactly what happened. Installed Disc 1 and the car started doing it's own thing. After about one hour, I got a message indicating me to insert Disc 2. After a total of two hours the system was updated as of 2014.

After that, the discs are no longer needed.

I will sell them to forum members if anyone is interested. Cheaper than EBay

geniushanbiao

If you ever bought a Garmin GPS or whatever other brand aftermarket GPS, you should know that most of them offer free map update, as well as some premium services for some little cost. This is because what you bought is not simply the device but also the GPS navigation service where map is part of this service. When maps are out of date the navigation service would not work properly so they are supposed to give us a free map update to make it work. This is the same thing as anti-virus software we use on our computers. Without up-to-date virus database the anti-virus software is trash, no matter how much you spent on it. Usually the map update is from some data center and they simply convert it to the map format they use this is what they have to do when producing new products so it's actually not taking them extra time at all. Same thing here for cars, at least if it's under warranty, they should update the map for free. We paid so much for the car not to let them rip us off. And charging us $850 for a single map update is RIDICULOUS. Those premium map update of those aftermarket GPS never cost more than $100 for a single update. This is definitely what they are trying to rob us since nobody else can get it.

moheb_boulos

I just bought my 2009 GL 320 diesel and the previous owner gave me 2011/ 2 DVD, in a package, looked original. I wanted to update Canada, she told me that they did not have plans to go up there and they did not do Canada for that reason since it takes hours to do. When i tried to use those DVDs they unreadable, cleaned them up,with no avail. any idea on how to get them to work?

ReneRuiz

wont buy the cd navigation system ****ed up, cant find a free copy online
- mercedez benz sucks -