Multi-beam in Canada?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 317
Likes: 102
From: Northern Germany and sometimes Southern Germany
Mercedes E220d AMG Line Estate (S213) and Mercedes E220d AMG Line Cabriolet (A238)
As a European owner I have been viewing this thread with interest. In my case I bought a UK RHD car and took it to Germany. You can switch via the menus to make the beam flat (so it doesn't blind oncoming drivers as you are now on the opposite side of the road) but ..... Pretty early on I realised that if you have the multibeams there is no shutter, the beam pattern is generated by the computer switching on/off the 84 LEDs. So I went to MB in Germany and they said they could reprogramme the car to think it was LHD. In the end I went to an aftermarket guy in UK and he did it. The car now thinks it's LHD and has the right beam pattern for Germany. So clearly if you have the multibeams on a US car that are dumbed down to meet US regs a change in coding is all you require, but I suspect MB USA won't touch it so you have to go aftermarket?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 250
Likes: 14
From: Longueuil, QC Canada
2018 E300 4Matic.
And Vladimir charge $500 US to do it.
And a guy named Vladimir charges $500 US to do it ... which is just too expensive for me, especially when converted to CDN Dollars.
Has anyone found a cheaper solution?
Has anyone found a cheaper solution?
As a European owner I have been viewing this thread with interest. In my case I bought a UK RHD car and took it to Germany. You can switch via the menus to make the beam flat (so it doesn't blind oncoming drivers as you are now on the opposite side of the road) but ..... Pretty early on I realised that if you have the multibeams there is no shutter, the beam pattern is generated by the computer switching on/off the 84 LEDs. So I went to MB in Germany and they said they could reprogramme the car to think it was LHD. In the end I went to an aftermarket guy in UK and he did it. The car now thinks it's LHD and has the right beam pattern for Germany. So clearly if you have the multibeams on a US car that are dumbed down to meet US regs a change in coding is all you require, but I suspect MB USA won't touch it so you have to go aftermarket?
Last edited by bellavance; Jun 29, 2020 at 05:55 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 195
Likes: 53
From: US
2018 E400S
How much do you think MB Canada would charge to do this? Of course they don't do this; their advice will be to buy a new car with this option, when its available
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 194
From: Ireland
GLC 300d 4matic
[QUOTE=Bfgslkman;8093858]
You can switch via the menus to make the beam flat (so it doesn't blind oncoming drivers as you ...
/QUOTE]
Also have a RHD European car.
Doesn’t changing the RHD/ LHD option in the menu change the function to make it fully compatible with the selected option?
You can switch via the menus to make the beam flat (so it doesn't blind oncoming drivers as you ...
/QUOTE]
Also have a RHD European car.
Doesn’t changing the RHD/ LHD option in the menu change the function to make it fully compatible with the selected option?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 250
Likes: 14
From: Longueuil, QC Canada
2018 E300 4Matic.
I said it was too expensive for me when converted to CDN Dollars ... not for you ...
I’m also taking into account that my E-Class is now three years old.
So it’s not worth $500 US for me.
I’m also taking into account that my E-Class is now three years old.
So it’s not worth $500 US for me.
Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 195
Likes: 53
From: US
2018 E400S
I understand. My E400 is 2 years old, but I plan on keeping for at least 6+ years, so cost in US$ per year is pretty minimal for enhanced function.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 250
Likes: 14
From: Longueuil, QC Canada
2018 E300 4Matic.
Too expensive.
Too expensive at $500 US for a small SD Card in a plug, in my view. I'll pass.
NOW available on Amazon !
Amazon Multibeam LED Activator
Amazon Multibeam LED Activator
Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 195
Likes: 53
From: US
2018 E400S
You are paying for software and programming skills not the size of the device. There's more data on these micro SD cards than on a floppy disc, tape drive etc. The cost of storage media has plummeted in my lifetime, while the cost of data itself has not.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 274
Likes: 76
From: Seattle, WA
2020 AMG GLC 43
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 139
Likes: 79
From: Redondo Beach
20 E450 Luxury
Making hay while the sun shines is a possible explanation. Note that Mercedes charges much more in EU for Multibeam than in US/Canada, surely a perceived value ploy. We are getting the same hardware with crippled firmware for less money.
Another view would be this remote installer has address the VIN to splice the code and in a couple cases have been very responsive to any user problems. Splicing wholesale pieces of firmware code needed to make this work is different than say, turning on CarPlay/Android. In this later case is around a $100 fee. No firmware is modified. Two bits are changed from 0 to 1 to allow these features and works in all cases.
In some chassis series, Multibeam firmware is over two hundred separate blocks of code that has to be stripped and replaced and there are small, but critical variations between chassis series that must be observed. I think MB engineering is moving to unify their coding so that options are physically installed and flags simply set in identical firmware loads, just like using the same door handles and rearview mirrors everywhere, but this is a project still underway. For that matter such unification projects are in hand in every manufacturer's engineering development programs. Alas, a separate topic.
Another view would be this remote installer has address the VIN to splice the code and in a couple cases have been very responsive to any user problems. Splicing wholesale pieces of firmware code needed to make this work is different than say, turning on CarPlay/Android. In this later case is around a $100 fee. No firmware is modified. Two bits are changed from 0 to 1 to allow these features and works in all cases.
In some chassis series, Multibeam firmware is over two hundred separate blocks of code that has to be stripped and replaced and there are small, but critical variations between chassis series that must be observed. I think MB engineering is moving to unify their coding so that options are physically installed and flags simply set in identical firmware loads, just like using the same door handles and rearview mirrors everywhere, but this is a project still underway. For that matter such unification projects are in hand in every manufacturer's engineering development programs. Alas, a separate topic.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 274
Likes: 76
From: Seattle, WA
2020 AMG GLC 43
i love my multibeams, they are a remarkable improvement. But don’t just listen to me...
https://newsroom.aaa.com/2019/04/res...w-beam-safety/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money...da/1475320001/
https://www.aaa.com/AAA/common/AAR/files/ResearchReportEuroSpecvsUSHeadlamps.pdf
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 46
Likes: 12
From: Texas Hill Country
2019 E450 4 matic
Before you conclude it’s an overrated gimmick, Tell us - have you seen them in action or read any research on the safety benefits of this technology?
i love my multibeams, they are a remarkable improvement. But don’t just listen to me...
https://newsroom.aaa.com/2019/04/res...w-beam-safety/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money...da/1475320001/
https://www.aaa.com/AAA/common/AAR/files/ResearchReportEuroSpecvsUSHeadlamps.pdf
i love my multibeams, they are a remarkable improvement. But don’t just listen to me...
https://newsroom.aaa.com/2019/04/res...w-beam-safety/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money...da/1475320001/
https://www.aaa.com/AAA/common/AAR/files/ResearchReportEuroSpecvsUSHeadlamps.pdf
I must agree with Tim_P. I have driven quite a bit at night since reprogramming to full Euro and the difference is amazing. Everything is much better lit, but other vehicles are not blinded in any way. I have not had a high beam flash from another vehicle. Living in a rural area, seeing further down the road as well as to each side is one hell of a benefit in deer country. It was worth every penny to me.
I can see where it would not be of much benefit to those living in well lit cities. In the country, it is worth getting.
Last edited by 50thae; Jul 9, 2020 at 09:14 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 194
From: Ireland
GLC 300d 4matic
[QUOTE=Tim_P;8101778]Before you conclude it’s an overrated gimmick, Tell us - have you seen them in action or read any research on the safety benefits of this technology?QUOTE
I haven't at all concluded anything. .....it's just my opinion that they may be a little overrated in actual use as opposed to theoretically!
I live and do a lot of driving in a country area...Ireland
I have been driving a GLC with Inelligent LEDs since 2016 and for the last 4 months have been driving a GLC 300d with multibeams so have considerable experience of the system.
I haven't at all concluded anything. .....it's just my opinion that they may be a little overrated in actual use as opposed to theoretically!
I live and do a lot of driving in a country area...Ireland
I have been driving a GLC with Inelligent LEDs since 2016 and for the last 4 months have been driving a GLC 300d with multibeams so have considerable experience of the system.
Last edited by decorily; Jul 9, 2020 at 10:16 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,359
Likes: 1,097
.
IMO the original comparison was between EU Intelligent LED's and EU Multibeam lights, not between the US LED headlights and EU Multibeam lights.
Literally, any EU lighting system is better than a US lighting system.
Literally, any EU lighting system is better than a US lighting system.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
2017 E300
Greeting guys,
Finally able to activate the multibeam on my 2017 W213 through remote coding with SDC4 and DTS software. Cost me around $100 USD to have someone remote code it. Asking for $450 or even $550, I will say it is overpriced.
Several points want to share here:
Full functionality like EU/CN model
DRL wont turn blue upon unlock due to hardware difference
I also upgraded the standard cluster to full digital cluster so I already have SDC4 and DTS handy, if you want to do remote coding you also need those two which cost around $700 USB, but I mean you can always sell them after or keep it for your own use.
Just want to share these with you guys, stay safe, peace
Finally able to activate the multibeam on my 2017 W213 through remote coding with SDC4 and DTS software. Cost me around $100 USD to have someone remote code it. Asking for $450 or even $550, I will say it is overpriced.
Several points want to share here:
Full functionality like EU/CN model
DRL wont turn blue upon unlock due to hardware difference
I also upgraded the standard cluster to full digital cluster so I already have SDC4 and DTS handy, if you want to do remote coding you also need those two which cost around $700 USB, but I mean you can always sell them after or keep it for your own use.
Just want to share these with you guys, stay safe, peace
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 250
Likes: 14
From: Longueuil, QC Canada
2018 E300 4Matic.
I'd be happy to pay $100 for Multibeam Activation on my 2018 W213.
This is great news !!
I'd be really happy to pay $100 to have someone activate Multibeam on my 2018 W213.
How did you find someone to do it for you?
I'd be really happy to pay $100 to have someone activate Multibeam on my 2018 W213.
How did you find someone to do it for you?
Greeting guys,
Finally able to activate the multibeam on my 2017 W213 through remote coding with SDC4 and DTS software. Cost me around $100 USD to have someone remote code it. Asking for $450 or even $550, I will say it is overpriced.
Several points want to share here:
Full functionality like EU/CN model
DRL wont turn blue upon unlock due to hardware difference
I also upgraded the standard cluster to full digital cluster so I already have SDC4 and DTS handy, if you want to do remote coding you also need those two which cost around $700 USB, but I mean you can always sell them after or keep it for your own use.
Just want to share these with you guys, stay safe, peace
Finally able to activate the multibeam on my 2017 W213 through remote coding with SDC4 and DTS software. Cost me around $100 USD to have someone remote code it. Asking for $450 or even $550, I will say it is overpriced.
Several points want to share here:
Full functionality like EU/CN model
DRL wont turn blue upon unlock due to hardware difference
I also upgraded the standard cluster to full digital cluster so I already have SDC4 and DTS handy, if you want to do remote coding you also need those two which cost around $700 USB, but I mean you can always sell them after or keep it for your own use.
Just want to share these with you guys, stay safe, peace
Last edited by bellavance; Jul 11, 2020 at 03:53 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
2017 E300
There are tons of Autoshop in China can do this. Takes like 30 mins to do it remotely. But keep in mind you need SDC4 diagnostic and DTS software
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 250
Likes: 14
From: Longueuil, QC Canada
2018 E300 4Matic.
Anybody near Montreal can do it?
I don’t even know what SDC4 diagnostic and DTS software are.
If I find someone near Montreal, QC Canada to do it for me, I’ll go for it.
If I find someone near Montreal, QC Canada to do it for me, I’ll go for it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 151
From: Greater Cleveland area
2019 Dune Silver Metallic E-450 Mercedes Cabriolet NEW Mercedes 2020 GLC300 graphite gray SUV
My question is this: Supposedly, the system prevents the glare of oncoming lights at you as you drive in the opposite direction. Is this activated on this system?
Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 195
Likes: 53
From: US
2018 E400S
Physically impossible. If an oncoming car has high beams on, there is no physical mechanism by which multi beam can reduce glare. The only thing it can do is prevent reflected light from signs being sent back to your car, by dimming the leds illuminating that segment.
Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 123
Likes: 6
E300 4matic
Sorry if I am replying to old post, I bought it from vladimir for my 2017E300.
I followed his steps, after the download of the next steps the entire screen restart and after that I removed the device.
I don't remember if there was a message to remove the device or none. I took a long ride in dark highway,I don't see the dark box in the car front of me but also I don't see it glaring on the car. I am not sure if the device is fully installed or what.
Can I reinstall it again or return back the the old one then plug the device again?
Thanks,
I followed his steps, after the download of the next steps the entire screen restart and after that I removed the device.
I don't remember if there was a message to remove the device or none. I took a long ride in dark highway,I don't see the dark box in the car front of me but also I don't see it glaring on the car. I am not sure if the device is fully installed or what.
Can I reinstall it again or return back the the old one then plug the device again?
Thanks,
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 274
Likes: 76
From: Seattle, WA
2020 AMG GLC 43
You may not notice it working until you drive on a very dark road. You need to have your headlights set to auto-highbeams and make sure the high beams are on when you're looking for the box around the car in front of you. (Sometimes my car would switch back to low beams without me knowing). Also, if your high beams are on and cars coming at you aren't flashing you, you know it's probably working.
It's okay to remove the OBD2 plug after the screen resets, so that should be fine.
I would email Vladimir and ask him what you should do next. You can reset back to factory standard and try again, but he may need to give you a reset file first. Vlad is very responsive and should email you back quickly. He will also ask you for the log file that is generated after the upgrade so he can check whether it worked or not.
It's okay to remove the OBD2 plug after the screen resets, so that should be fine.
I would email Vladimir and ask him what you should do next. You can reset back to factory standard and try again, but he may need to give you a reset file first. Vlad is very responsive and should email you back quickly. He will also ask you for the log file that is generated after the upgrade so he can check whether it worked or not.
