Was told my Navi cannot be upgraded?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Fountain Hills, Arizona
2004 E500
Was told my Navi cannot be upgraded?
I have a 2004 E500 with 63k miles, no longer under warranty.
After reading all of the posts, and absorbing as much of the valuable information provided by other members, I decided to upgrade my Navi disc from 2004 to Jan 2008.
I was at the dealership and was about to order the appropriate Service discs to upgrade both the Navi and Command head unit (the 2008 Nav DVD was not recognized) when the parts person informed me that if I were to not perform the flash upgrade properly, I would render my navi unit useless. Realizing this was a scare tactic, I got cold feet nevertheless, and let the service department do the upgrade at a cost of $120! After 2 hours, I was informed that the flash update "would not take" and that my unit was not "upgradeable". I was offered to have a new DVD unit installed in the trunk at a cost of $795, which I was told they had already "pre-tested" and it did indeed recognize the new, 2008 Maps DVD. I did not accept the fact that the navi dvd unit could not be properly flashed, and did not follow through with the suggested replacement of the dvd player. I WAS charged $115 for the time however. I put the 2004 Map DVD back into the player and it was immediatly recognized once again. Atleast they didn't screw it up to the point that that map disc no longer worked.
Has anyone else been told that their navi system was not upgradeable and what is your opinion of this event? I still refuse to believe that MB would create a system with such a limited life span.
After reading all of the posts, and absorbing as much of the valuable information provided by other members, I decided to upgrade my Navi disc from 2004 to Jan 2008.
I was at the dealership and was about to order the appropriate Service discs to upgrade both the Navi and Command head unit (the 2008 Nav DVD was not recognized) when the parts person informed me that if I were to not perform the flash upgrade properly, I would render my navi unit useless. Realizing this was a scare tactic, I got cold feet nevertheless, and let the service department do the upgrade at a cost of $120! After 2 hours, I was informed that the flash update "would not take" and that my unit was not "upgradeable". I was offered to have a new DVD unit installed in the trunk at a cost of $795, which I was told they had already "pre-tested" and it did indeed recognize the new, 2008 Maps DVD. I did not accept the fact that the navi dvd unit could not be properly flashed, and did not follow through with the suggested replacement of the dvd player. I WAS charged $115 for the time however. I put the 2004 Map DVD back into the player and it was immediatly recognized once again. Atleast they didn't screw it up to the point that that map disc no longer worked.
Has anyone else been told that their navi system was not upgradeable and what is your opinion of this event? I still refuse to believe that MB would create a system with such a limited life span.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 335
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
They charged you that much for nothing? Even if the system could not be updated, they should have known this and said that immediately, not after playing with your car.
A SW update can always go wrong but if you have the correct service CD and do it right, it should be fine (also assuming that you have not played with AMG start-up logos etc, experts say that the system may fail at SW update in this case).
Have it updated at another dealer and ask the money back from the one charged you for nothing.
A SW update can always go wrong but if you have the correct service CD and do it right, it should be fine (also assuming that you have not played with AMG start-up logos etc, experts say that the system may fail at SW update in this case).
Have it updated at another dealer and ask the money back from the one charged you for nothing.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Fountain Hills, Arizona
2004 E500
They charged you that much for nothing? Even if the system could not be updated, they should have known this and said that immediately, not after playing with your car.
I agree, but still find it hard to believe that the system can not be updated. An expensive option like navi with a limited "shelf life"? Doesn't make sense to me.
A SW update can always go wrong but if you have the correct service CD and do it right, it should be fine (also assuming that you have not played with AMG start-up logos etc, experts say that the system may fail at SW update in this case).
That is why I relied on the "expertise" of the dealership. I figured if it went wrong, it would be on their shoulders to repair or replace, and not mine. I have not tried manipulating the system software nor even accessed any of the secret menus so often mentioned.
Have it updated at another dealer and ask the money back from the one charged you for nothing.
I agree, but still find it hard to believe that the system can not be updated. An expensive option like navi with a limited "shelf life"? Doesn't make sense to me.
A SW update can always go wrong but if you have the correct service CD and do it right, it should be fine (also assuming that you have not played with AMG start-up logos etc, experts say that the system may fail at SW update in this case).
That is why I relied on the "expertise" of the dealership. I figured if it went wrong, it would be on their shoulders to repair or replace, and not mine. I have not tried manipulating the system software nor even accessed any of the secret menus so often mentioned.
Have it updated at another dealer and ask the money back from the one charged you for nothing.
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: USA
2005 E320
I purchased the service DVD and updated (flashed) my NAV system while my car sat in my garage. No special tools or experience necessary. It took less than 10 minutes. There is no reason why a certified Mercedes technician should have spent 2 hours working on your car. Either the techs in the service department that you visited are competely incompetent, or they noticed that you weren't sure about the upgrade process are saw an opportunity to make some easy money.
Either way, if I were you I would express my concerns to the service manager and request a refund.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Fountain Hills, Arizona
2004 E500
SoCAL, the 2004 is DVD based. I have the 2004 DVD disc in the trunk and it works fine. Unfortunatly in the greater Phoenix area, there has been substantial expansion since '04, and many areas are not included on the maps.
jkv11503: Funny. I work at a dealership, (not MB) and thought I could communicate with a service writer. I think you are right. I will try the updates myself, if only to proive them wrong.
Had they said to me, we can't get it to work, and left it at that, I would have been more understanding. But to tell me that it cannot be done....it just rings untrue, and to add insult to injury, to charge me! But shame on me for paying.
I think a meeting with the Service Manager is in order.
jkv11503: Funny. I work at a dealership, (not MB) and thought I could communicate with a service writer. I think you are right. I will try the updates myself, if only to proive them wrong.
Had they said to me, we can't get it to work, and left it at that, I would have been more understanding. But to tell me that it cannot be done....it just rings untrue, and to add insult to injury, to charge me! But shame on me for paying.
I think a meeting with the Service Manager is in order.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,632
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Warranty covers software repair. For those no longer under warranty you can purchase MBUSA special tool #W211589152200 (dealer net $12). For a copy of the DTB inclusive of installation instructions PM, your email address.
Search feature still works last I checked
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/226045-navigation-service-update-dvd.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost....5&postcount=16
In your case, speak with the service manager; present a copy of the DTB; request a no cost software update; and lastly demand a refund on principle. Please PM the SA/dealer info along with your DTB copy request.
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
I too bought the 2008 DVD... I also had had my NAV updated about 6 months ago.... all without avail.... the software update will not fix the issue...
they replaced my NAV under warranty.
maybe you could find a DVD player out of a wrecked E for $100???
they replaced my NAV under warranty.
maybe you could find a DVD player out of a wrecked E for $100???
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Fountain Hills, Arizona
2004 E500
Thanks for the info. I've all but given up on any remedy other than the replacement of the processor. Misery does love company though, so again, thanks. Hey, atleast you had a warranty to fall back on....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 335
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I interpret you had the Navigation processor updated 6 months ago, not the Comand? Then you bought a 2008 DVD. What did you expect the new MAP DVD fix that didn't get fixed?
