Mr. Toad

I've noticed several recognition problems with addresses in my iPhone contacts (COMAND indicates that the address is incomplete, but it's not), so I brought my car to the dealer and they want to perform an update to the COMAND software. At first I thought this would be great, but then I read some posts around here from people with 2017-2018 cars who are having significant challenges with the newer system.

In another thread, I read that abbreviating words like "Street", "Road", etc., and removing punctuation marks such as periods will usually make COMAND recognize addresses, so I tested this and it seems to be successful so far.

If the dealer does the software update, will it bring my 2016 model interface up to the latest version in 2017-2018 cars, or do the newer cars use an entirely different operating system? On the surface, it seems like having the newest software available would probably be a good thing, but now I'm concerned that I could end up with the same problems that new car owners are experiencing. Since the address tips noted above seem to have corrected my navigation challenges, I'm now trying to decide whether I should cancel the software update.

hillcreative

Most Comand upgrades are done in hardware. Software addresses stability issues NOT features. IE. 4.5 and 5s1 are not upgradable VIA software.

Mr. Toad

Sorry, I'm confused; how would they do an update to the COMAND operating system by changing hardware?

hillcreative

An upgrade is done in hardware. An update is done in software! A hardware upgrade is not easy and should be left to folks like Chris the Swede : )

Mr. Toad

I understand that, but my post wasn't about an "upgrade"; it was about a software "update".

Before buying my 2016, I also drove a 2017 model. Although my media screen is (thankfully) mounted in the dash and the 2017 model's screen is one of those floating-in-space mounts, the software interface looked fairly similar. My original question was whether a software update would essentially convert my interface to the 2017-2018 version, which concerns me because folks seem to be having a number of challenges with the newer version, while mine has been stable by comparison. Software updates can add, remove, and alter features.

hillcreative

Yes, and you want an update that does what an upgrade does so from your mouth to MB's ears...not gonna happen

Mr. Toad

That's not what I said. Why do you think I want an "upgrade"?

Flash Gordon

Some owners of 2017 E300 had a ton of problems with their electronics. This guy in Houston had so much problem with his new 2017 E300, read the W213 threads, that he ended up with his car bought back by MB, and he bought a 2017 E400, happy as a lark.

My 2017 E400 is essentially the same as 2016 model. The only problem I have is the garage door opener does not work. Salesman told me to get a update. Since my old Sears clicker works well, I am reluctant to get an update. The infotainment these days are very complicated software, very hard for dealers to troubleshoot. Most dealer techs are parts replacers, very few mechanics around.

Mr. Toad

Thank you, Flash; this is the issue noted in my original post. I'm concerned that the update might convert my current, relatively stable operating system into the buggy interface in the newer models.

In your 2017, is the garage door opener still integrated into the rearview mirror? That's where it is in my 2016 and I was able to program my old clicker to work fairly quickly.

Flash Gordon

Yea, the garage opener is at the same place. I tried numerous times at different intervals to no avail. Maybe I will try again this weekend.

Mr. Toad

The instructions in the Operator's Manual for doing this are pretty confusing. I did make several unsuccessful attempts before finally getting it to work.