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What I like about the MB navi is the ease of use of it. I hate all touch screens as in the car they are dangerous to use even the ones that come with the car. The command knob is so convenient, easy and safe way to do it.
Also, if you travel a lot, like I do, and drive long ways not knowing where you will stop for a night you can so easily search POIs as you drive for hotels and then call the hotel right from the information screen that is displayed. Doing this with a small touch screen phone requires stopping if done safely.
It also allows you to get navigation target from the phone book if you have saved address data there.
MB navigation is one of the best that exist but, of course, the map data needs to be up to date.
MB navigation is one of the best that exist but, of course, the map data needs to be up to date.
I disagree.
On older MB navi, when I was coming down from the park, with about 1 mile of driving under the trees, the navi was showing my position in the middle of the lake 1 mile away. Endless routing where MB GPS wants me to drive highway around the city, where there is a street with 3 miles distance saving.
Now where I live we have "ladder" streets arrangement, so we can use 3 streets coming from the freeway for the same distance. I choose 1 for the best view, yet MB GPS for some reason prefers the other and even when I am 2 city blocks from my house on my favorite, the GPS wants me to go around to his favorite.
It will correct itself only on last city block.
So when I agree that build-in GPS is convenient, its accuracy and logic suck big time. What years MB brought recognizing street numbers? Getting on the street 5 miles from the number you are going to - sucks big time again.
Another note, last year I was given dealer's ride in 2017 or 2018 model.
We were 1/2 mile from the freeway ramp, who had about 2 minutes traffic delay at lights.
MB live traffic guided us around city block, to come to the same ramp from other side about 10 minutes later.
Its clear that depending where in the country you are can affect your experience with MB Nav. I can tell you in the NY Metro area its spot on all the time, and I've driven the car around CT and NJ quite a bit as well and never had a problem, and that included all the crazy construction on I95 in NJ, and I saw none of the issues everyone discusses.
I also agree I think putting your phone in front of a vent is a terrible idea, the vent is for A/C and heat, and as Arrie mentioned its a lot easier to manipulate the system using the MB controls once you're used to them, without taking your eyes off the road. I usually input my directions through Mercedes ME anyway, so that helps.
I've used a LOT of navigation systems on different cars, and the MB one, while dated looking, has always been the best I've used.
I just got my first Mercedes and I'm new to the forum, so please forgive me if I ask some ignorant questions.
From what I've gathered reading the forums so far, it would appear using the built-in navigation system is NOT the way to go.
a) I have a 2014 E350 for which I would have to pay to get nav system updates.
b) There don't appear to be any newer updates since 2016, while there has been loads of construction where I live.
c) The updates don't appear to really be up-to-date, so it would be a waste of time/money.
While I like the idea of using the built-in bigger-than-my-mobile-phone display, it would appear I'm better off just using my mobile phone with Google Maps, which stays up to date.
Am I missing something?
If not, anyone have any good suggestions for a mobile phone holder (or whatever you do to view your phone's GPS) for the 2014 E350?
Thanks for your help,
Fred
use this attachment. It’s a charger and holder. It securely attaches to your vent (attach it to the bottom slat). It’s the best and never falls.
VANMASS Wireless Car Charger, 10W... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HFQGWSH?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
In the age of cloud computing, even HDD based nav seems outdated. With Carplay and Android Auto, why do automakers even bother selling their own nav systems? I'll admit, the MB voice command has improved, but Siri & Google are much better. Thankfully, I've been able to extend the life of my car by retrofitting a wireless Carplay, no need for another screen. OEM screen works just fine...
Apple CarPlay is great with my other cars and touch screens. The MB joy stick turnamagig not so much. I would not do that mod in this car for that reason alone
Is there any options of buying a update from eBay or amazon or another vendor? I remember I updated my maps on my c350 from a CD I bought off eBay for like 20 bucks.
now with my current 2012 e350, I’m wondering if there are similar options or is dealership the only way to go?
Apple CarPlay is great with my other cars and touch screens. The MB joy stick turnamagig not so much. I would not do that mod in this car for that reason alone
It's actually not that bad with the turnamagig. I'm just happy to have WAZE on my COMAND screen, no jury-rigging of a smartphone required.
What did you use to get apple car play in your w212?
I actually have a 2015 E400 Cab, but the layout is essentially the same as the w212. I used an after-market smartbox from Joyeauto that goes between COMAND and the monitor. It has both BT and wifi, but you have to use the Aux audio, so that may have to be turned on in engineering mode. It supports both Carplay and Android Audio, but ISTR, they don't guarantee AA, as there are too many variations. If your Android phone is current, I don't think you'll have any issues, but...
Both my iPhone 6s and Xs have worked flawlessly and you'd never know the car's been modded until you see CarPlay running. I've discovered that the Sirius app on CarPlay has much better sound quality, similar to the HD Radio, unlike the Sirius Sat radio that sounds so tinty. I can listen to radio stations from all over, so leaving the audio in the Aux setting is not really a big deal. You do need to unpair your smartphone from the MB BT, not a big deal, as Siri handles voice commands much better than the Mercedes.
I actually have a 2015 E400 Cab, but the layout is essentially the same as the w212. I used an after-market smartbox from Joyeauto that goes between COMAND and the monitor. It has both BT and wifi, but you have to use the Aux audio, so that may have to be turned on in engineering mode. It supports both Carplay and Android Audio, but ISTR, they don't guarantee AA, as there are too many variations. If your Android phone is current, I don't think you'll have any issues, but...
Both my iPhone 6s and Xs have worked flawlessly and you'd never know the car's been modded until you see CarPlay running. I've discovered that the Sirius app on CarPlay has much better sound quality, similar to the HD Radio, unlike the Sirius Sat radio that sounds so tinty. I can listen to radio stations from all over, so leaving the audio in the Aux setting is not really a big deal. You do need to unpair your smartphone from the MB BT, not a big deal, as Siri handles voice commands much better than the Mercedes.
Ok, thanks. I have a 2010 w/NTG 4.0. So this is not compatible for me.
I have just replaced the old screen with a 10.25" Android unit. Much bigger screen and runs apps like Waze natively along with more apps as wel, bringing the system into the 21st century. You can still access the antiquated Comand system and can use the OEM control knob for both systems.
System supports Android Auto and Carplay as well, so more flexible allround than just adding that functionality.
To be clear - You are saying you cannot play music via bluetooth? You have to use the audio jack?
Nope, jack is not required, but you need to select the Aux input in the COMAND menu, as opposed to radio, etc. Mine actually uses wifi, but there is also BT connectivity.
Nope, jack is not required, but you need to select the Aux input in the COMAND menu, as opposed to radio, etc. Mine actually uses wifi, but there is also BT connectivity.
Oh, just that? I have to select "Disc" now, so that's a piece of cake.
Any other OEM functions you've seen not available?
...Any other OEM functions you've seen not available?
I think the biggest surprise was that the Sirius App on CarPlay actually sounds good with music. Music on the Sirius Sat Radio is so bad that I only used it for talk radio, but on CarPlay, I can tolerate the sound quality of music, so I won't be cancelling the Sirius subscription now.
But back to the OP's original question, I see no reason for ever using the MB nav, unless I'm in an area where I can't connect to the internet, so it's basically a backup nav.
what annoys me is the in car sat nav isn’t in 3D but claims to be!
Have you selected the 3D view in the display option menu? My SLS was set to flat view when I picked it up as almost all cars are. It took a couple of minutes to find the 3D setting. I use it exclusively.
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
I enjoy using Google Maps for navigation but I keep on-screen (whether oem or aftermarket) on all my cars because I learned the hard way that when you need it the most your phone will lose signal.
Have you selected the 3D view in the display option menu? My SLS was set to flat view when I picked it up as almost all cars are. It took a couple of minutes to find the 3D setting. I use it exclusively.
It says it’s set to 3D but totally flat and dull. I wonder if it’s a UK thing?
Terrain coverage warries between locations. Some areas have 3D, some barely 2D.
On my 2014 GPS in 3D -downtown Las Vegas shows even the buildings. Pretty impressive.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
