Iqbal Zaidi

I recently changed my Mercedese benz E400 2018 with E450 2021 sedan. The car is loaded with Premium Package, Comfort Package, Technology Package, Night Package, Intelligent Drive Package, Acoustic Comfort Package and
Dash cam.
Unfortunately, the TCU module is missing and they have not given the exact timelines for fitting this. Various functions like mercedese me connect, e call emergency system, MB in car apps, incar wifi, extended MBUX functions, live traffic information, navigation map updates, remote services, guard 360 plus, energizing Comfort Package and Dash Cam are NOT available.

ua549

TCU module missing? As far as I know the TCU module is the transmission control unit. Are you sure it isn't the Hermès module that is missing?

teksurv

Agreed. I believe you are referring to the Hermes module, which is unfortunately a commonly missing/backordered part as of late.

Iqbal Zaidi

it's "telematics control unit module" which controls the functions I detailed on my post.

teksurv

https://www.mercedesbenzoffortmitche...enz-microchip/

W205C43PFL

Do you mind sharing with us some pictures : ) and your experience with the car? (Other than the frustration of not having all the features you mentioned)

Iqbal Zaidi

I have a good experience with this car though my previous one E400 2018 was also good but obviously the new E450 2021 has improved options and slight changes in interior and exterior. The IDP has also improved function and cordless charger for phone in new. However, the missing chip has not allowed to enjoy so many additional features and the web cam.

W205C43PFL

Thanks for sharing, did you notice the power increase at all and yes the E450 had a power bump for MY19 from your old E400 and then the engine itself is changed for your facelift E-Class plus the 48V mild-hybrid system with instant torque helping with accelerating from the start before turbos spool up. Do you like this new steering wheel? How do you like MBUX over the old COMAND infotainment system? Do you like to use the touchscreen now that it is possible. Do you prefer the touchpad on the new car or the rotary wheel of the old car?

Iqbal Zaidi

Yes its all nice. I do enjoy the touch screen and the touch pad is a good change as we have been using the rotary wheel since long. I like changes and accept changes quickly. Steering wheel I have not observed much difference. MBUX is better then previous system but I think it will be further improved with the missing TCU once it is retrofitted. I hope to get it soon. The new function through cell phone would be very useful but it's also not available till the module is fitted. Any way it's much improved then my last 2018. I love Mercedese. Can you check when this retrofitt module will be available?

W205C43PFL

They are looking at an early Q1 2021 schedule.
That is also what I heard so far from salespersons telling customers. So I am guessing expect to wait till then or if things improve, will be sooner.

Iqbal Zaidi

You mean Q1 2022 ?

W205C43PFL

Whoops, sorry for the typo. You are correct. Apparently time is frozen in my world lol. Sorry about that.

gfmohn

When my E450 was delivered at the end of Aug., my sales repr. estimated the chip would come through in June 2022. I;m not betting the farm on that.

W205C43PFL

Probably under-promise and over-deliver, at least that is what I am hoping for. I only heard an early Q1 2022 date so far so let's hope that is indeed the case.

SSPAtlanta

Hi! I am shopping to replace my amazing 2007 E350. How do the E400 and E450 compare? Thank you!

W205C43PFL

Curious... since it is amazing why switch, why not enjoy it : )

SSPAtlanta

I would rather not switch nor did I expect to have to get another car. I have no choice. I was in a serious car accident and survived mainly because of my amazing car that I drove for 13 years and love. By far the best car I have ever owned. My car did a great job of protecting me however was unfortunately totaled.

W205C43PFL

I am so sorry to hear that, I am glad you are fine. Are there any particular options you are looking for in your new car and what year are you looking at?

SSPAtlanta

Thank you. I want another E class sedan with 6 cylinders, heated seats, sun roof and blue tooth. I prefer white exterior with beige interior. There are so many features on the newer model cars. I am looking forward to them. I usually buy used cars, a year or two old, with low mileage. From what I have learned, I like the E400 and the E450. However, I don't know the difference The E450 is seems to be more expensive. Is it really worth more money? This board has always been very helpful. Any information you can provide would be great. Thank you!

W205C43PFL

The information applies to North America so if you live in Europe please let me know as the facelift "might" had happened as a MY20 since Europe gets the cars sooner than North America:

The E 400 (329 horsepower) and E 450 (362 horsepower) both use the same engine just tuned differently, they are both the M276 DELA 30, a 3.0L V6. Since you say you want to look at a year or two old then you are likely looking at a pre-facelift E 450 and likely a 2020 model year. If you wish to buy something another year older then you are looking at a 2019. MY18 is the last model year for an E 400. You are likely looking at a W213 to replace your old vehicle. Keep in mind 2016 E 400 is a W212, and has a M276 DELA 35. 2017 is the model year that started the new W213.

However, the E 450 facelift (so basically model year 2021 and above uses an M256 engine which is an inline 6 with the 48v mild hybrid system, since you like to keep your vehicles for a long time, I would suggest staying away from the mild hybrid stuff (for now) until it is more mature.

<<<All this information applies to vehicles in North America.

The G Man

I was in the same boat as you, always been a six cylinder guy and before that, 8 cylinders. Started looking at E400 and E450 but ended up with a E300. I would test drive the E300 or E350, it surprise me as far as how refined the 4 banger engine is and it has enough power for passing in any situation. With that said, the E400 has a older V6 engine and the E450 has the inline I6 engine. inline 6 cylinder engines are one of the smoothest configuration as far as cylinder arrangements are concerned. The E450 is a much better engine in my opinion, thats the powertrain I would try to buy.

W205C43PFL

Be careful, only the facelift E 450 has an inline 6 with the 48V mild-hybrid system. MY19 and MY20 both has the same V6 as the E 400. Europe got the facelift sooner than North America so the MY20 E 450 has the facelift with the inline 6 in the UK for example.

murman

Actually, there are pre-facelift E53s with the mild hybrid. I saw a 2020 E53 wagon here in Canada with mild hybrid.

The G Man

thanks for clearing that up, crazy for Mercedes to change from E400 to E450 without changing the engine.

W205C43PFL

I am aware of the E 53 being mild-hybrid for pre-facelift. My post was specifically talking about facelift E 450 and only E 450.

Speaking of the E 53, the E 43 also have a M276 but likely with bigger turbos than the E 400 and E 450 and some additional tuning.