NickTH

Does anyone know what's the latest Nav update version?
Up until what date?
& when will the next update comes out...?
Thanks,

2011E350

I got mine at end of January and it was 2018 version. It was the two DVD set. I would imagine that the 2019 MAPS should be coming out soon if not already.


Follow this link enter model, year and it will give you options. Mine was one of the Self Install just purchase DVD. A bit pricey I know but also remember there wasn't an update since OEM factory install in February 2011 so eight years.


https://mb.navigation.com/home/en_US/MBNA/USD

NickTH

Thanks for the info & link, 2011350.
To clarify, you got your update Jan of 2019 for a 2018 version?

Link says my wife's 2015 E400 needs:

Mercedes-Benz NTG4.5 COMAND®

It doesn't say what year or how old/new the update is.

* For $99. Additional taxes/charges and installation fees may apply.
Since mine's 2015 & after, it says only the dealer can install. What a crock!

Anyone knows besides the 8.25% sales tax, how much MB dealer charges for install?
Thanks,

Stuttgarten

Dealer in my area wants $185 for installation; RIP OFF, no wonder they've earned the name, "STEALER!"

2011E350

2011E350

NickTH

This is absolutely ridiculous!
Both of my kids bought their Audi & Jeep vehicles specifically without the built-in Nav, but must have Apple carplay. They both love it. They think we're really stupid to go to dealer to have a software update.

raja777m

I asked a SA yesterday and he said April should be the release for this year.
I still don't understand why MB can't give lifetime maps and traffic for free.
Garmin Nav units which costs around 80-150 USD one time payment gets LT Maps and Traffic. Google/Waze/Apple Maps are free (provided uses data for live traffic - else offline maps are free in Google or Here maps).

NickTH

Thanks Raja for your input, so I'll get my one free update after April then.
& I completely agree with you that most other companies now have free lifetime updates, or always updated on their apps.
These map updates are pure profit centers for the auto companies.
For our next cars, We will specifically skip built in Nav systems, but will look for Apple carplay & Andoid auto features instead...

C280 Sport

Honestly when I seldom use navigation I use my IPhone...

Arrie

Just updated my maps with the latest version that the dealer said is 2018. Two DVD disks. Installation was easy. It just takes 3.5 hours to complete. First disk takes about 2 hours...

Ran the engine the whole time. Did take less than 1/8 tank of fuel.

DFWdude

Apple Car Play and Android Auto (2015 inventions) were not available for anyone until the last MY for the W212. Point is that W212s were delivered with onboard navigation for lack of anything else.. And I believe every new MB since 2017 includes ACP/AA.

Remind your kids that Jeeps didn't have doors and metal roofs until recently. But they're still Jeeps (Consumer Reports poorest reliability for any SUV a couple years ago).

DeutscheBenz726

I hate to sound stupid but how can you tell if the update has been done? I bought my 2012 E350 a couple months ago and I can’t tell if it’s been done yet.

DFWdude

Check the version in Comand...

with command controller...select NAVI > scroll down to map version . > click on that

FireRx Captain

For those that have free navigation updates that have expired. This guy will do you a solid. I updated my 2016 in the driveway 40 mins. my car was put in service 7/2015 so my 3 years have already passed. saved myself a few bucks and not be without the vehicle.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2015-2018-M...72.m2749.l2649

kajtek1

Per my experience 2018 map update will not show roads build in 2014, so don't expect too much.
Map base is supplied by government, what might be main issue in having it so slow, but I've been using GPS mapping for over 20 years and it is always the same story.
Bottom line, I still have original mapping in my 2008 model and am not spending hundreds for update. Each time I drive to area where I know new roads might exist, I go to google maps as they are pretty much up to date.
My android has prepaid minutes, so using GPS on it drains them very fast, but in difficult situation I fire it before reaching new point.
Also bare in mind that programs usually will lead you around to keep you on freeways.
Had situation once in Virginia when leaving friend all mapping was telling me to take 300 miles freeway loop to next city. I could see smaller roads cutting the loop short, but ask my local friend and he said there is well marked shortcut, who saved me about 100 miles.
Making 200 miles on good secondary roads beats 300 miles on freeway no matter what, yet GPS doesn't know that.

rustybear3

It isn't just Mercedes. Other car makers like Cadillac charge for their maps too.

cetialpha5

Yeah, but people are spoiled and are used to getting things for free now like how google maps is free. Back in the W211 days, from 2003-2008, you could just burn a copy of the maps. From 2009-2011, you could still just use the original nav DVDs and update your system and then sell the maps. When they updated the nav sometime in 2011/2012, you weren't able to do that anymore and needed a pin code to install the latest.

kajtek1

Ford gave me whole system upgrade for free.
They did not specifics what was on it, but having weak WI-Fi, I had to use 1.5 Gb USB stick.

rustybear3

I quite agree. It feels you're getting ripped off when updates are free on other map apps. At least make it a little more palatable by offering it at a substantially, reduced price.

ygmn

Even tomtom's have free maps.

These manufacturers will change it eventually...I hope

kajtek1

I think once we find a way to plug our androids to have the picture displayed on car screen, this is going to be end of any smart person going to MB dealer with navi issues.
The only advance I have seen in $3000 MB navi is that it is having gyroscopic backup. that will keep the track in underground garage.
Is it worth the money?

Arrie

I just don't get it. People buy $60 000 - $70 000 car and complain about having to pay $250 for navigation update that you need to do every few years. Next time buy a car without navigation and use your phone in your hand for it.

And this is not about throwing money away. It is about keeping the car functions up to date with current navigation maps. It is way better and safer to use the car's display than the small hand held device in your hand, which are not always that perfect either.

When my maps don't have an address or business in it I search it with my phone and then enter the address in the car's navigation. This is way better than just using the small handheld.

But this is my opinion and only mine (hopefully not). I'm not writing this to get a ton of smart comments how good google maps or garmin is. I know them all as I have used them all and my strong opinion is that the system built in any car is the best to use. This includes the car play that is included in some cars and so uses the handheld phone's system, which in this form is fine too.

FireRx Captain

There is an after market solution out there already for Carplay. But it requires you pull out stuff in the dash to install the unit beneath the controls and have unsightly wires showing.

cetialpha5

They may have been 60-70k when new, but when you buy them used people are probably only paying 10-40k at this point. Also in theory you could update the maps every year at $250 a pop. MB gets around it by offering free maps for the first 3 years so people who bought them new don't get stuck with additional charges, it's the people who buy them used who get stuck with the $250 charge.