"Service Campaign" Update PTCU (Power Train Control Unit)
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 751
Likes: 225
From: Sweden
2023 EQE SUV 500 4Matic
"Service Campaign" Update PTCU (Power Train Control Unit)
I have an appointment at my dealer tomorrow for them to install my new set of "snow shoes".
I received an e-mail today leading me to where I could digitally sign the work order. Fine.
After printing and reading the work order, I noticed an item added under the category "Other": KDM - Update powertrain control unit software (PTCU) (N127) (*0892012, 23P0892012) and that my agreed pickup time had been shifted to 30 minutes later.
Hmm...what is this? I spent some time Googling and thought I would create this thread with the bit of information I found, in case if might be of use to others.
It's a software update, apparently to address a recall summarized in the attached document as:
"Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that
on certain MY 2023-2024 EQE SUV (294 platform) vehicles, the software for the powertrain control
unit (PTCU) may not meet current production specifications. The vehicle may not start if the network
communication cannot be established. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the
software for the powertrain control unit (PTCU) on the affected vehicles"
Approximately 5 329 vehicles affected.
I have not experienced any noticeable problems with my car yet. Though I feel I should be happy to receive any and all updates, I approach this with a certain amount of trepidation...
Will report back here if I experience anything unusual post-update.
I received an e-mail today leading me to where I could digitally sign the work order. Fine.
After printing and reading the work order, I noticed an item added under the category "Other": KDM - Update powertrain control unit software (PTCU) (N127) (*0892012, 23P0892012) and that my agreed pickup time had been shifted to 30 minutes later.
Hmm...what is this? I spent some time Googling and thought I would create this thread with the bit of information I found, in case if might be of use to others.
It's a software update, apparently to address a recall summarized in the attached document as:
"Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that
on certain MY 2023-2024 EQE SUV (294 platform) vehicles, the software for the powertrain control
unit (PTCU) may not meet current production specifications. The vehicle may not start if the network
communication cannot be established. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the
software for the powertrain control unit (PTCU) on the affected vehicles"
Approximately 5 329 vehicles affected.
I have not experienced any noticeable problems with my car yet. Though I feel I should be happy to receive any and all updates, I approach this with a certain amount of trepidation...
Will report back here if I experience anything unusual post-update.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 492
From: Louisville, KY
2023 EQE350 4MATIC, 2023 EQE 350 4MATIC SUV, 2015 E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 1995 E300 Diesel
Thanks so much for this TSB. I actually have had an issue with my EQE sedan, twice, where it suddenly applied some regen, then cut power to 20% and made mention of a powertrain failure. Shutting the car off and powering back up solved it temporarily, but it was very unusual. Dealer and MB Germany were clueless. Code was P101300, "communication error", so I'm guessing this is very relevant. After the second visit to the shop, they disconnected and reconnected every single module, and then I took it back home to see if it reoccurs. I've forwarded the PDF to my service advisor, maybe there's a similar campaign for my car. Hopefully it's resolved either way though.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 368
Likes: 136
EQE350 SUV 4MATIC
The number of vehicles affected seems low but it is likely country specific. I have the PTCU applied a couple of weeks ago. Actual time in the shop was 2 hours, not the 0.30 hours suggested. No observable difference, which is good.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 1,568
Likes: 590
From: Occupied Palestine
2025 Maserati Grecale Folgore and 2024 Jaguar F-PACE SVR
My car popped up a message about this when I got in the other day. So I hit the phone icon and it rang, and rang, and rang, and rang. Yeah, so like what could possibly go wrong, right? 
I'm more worried my vehicle will fail to start if the doofuses at the stealership trip over the cord half way through the two hour update process. I haven't heard any reports here of anyone having that issue even when the 4G modem and GPS aren't working. In fact, I'm pretty sure there'd be a ton of complaints here if that was a real problem.
I'm going to have to pass on this update. But thanks anyways MB! I'll take some free headrest pillows next time though if you got some.
I'm more worried my vehicle will fail to start if the doofuses at the stealership trip over the cord half way through the two hour update process. I haven't heard any reports here of anyone having that issue even when the 4G modem and GPS aren't working. In fact, I'm pretty sure there'd be a ton of complaints here if that was a real problem.I'm going to have to pass on this update. But thanks anyways MB! I'll take some free headrest pillows next time though if you got some.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 368
Likes: 136
EQE350 SUV 4MATIC
I have update'tis and generally do not pass up any update offers on laptop, smartphone, or the car. Have not had any problems with updates to the smartphone or car, and can rollback laptop updates. Worst case with a problem is there will be a followup fix.
Trust that MB's had found some issues with original release, and the update will be an improvement.
Trust that MB's had found some issues with original release, and the update will be an improvement.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 1,568
Likes: 590
From: Occupied Palestine
2025 Maserati Grecale Folgore and 2024 Jaguar F-PACE SVR
I'm going to pass. If I ever have a problem starting my vehicle when the 4G modem isn't working then, and only then, will I allow them to update that module.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 492
From: Louisville, KY
2023 EQE350 4MATIC, 2023 EQE 350 4MATIC SUV, 2015 E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 1995 E300 Diesel
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 751
Likes: 225
From: Sweden
2023 EQE SUV 500 4Matic
My snow tires were installed today and the reception person, who asked me to sign the same work order digitally a second time, seemed flummoxed when I mentioned I noticed there was going to be a software update too - as printed in clear text on the work order.
So far, I am pleased with the snow tires they put on: Nokian M&S 235/55 R19/105R XL Hakkapeliita R5 SUV. Finnish. In the first 60km, I have not noticed any significant decrease in kWh performance from the Continental summer tires that came with the car. Yes, I notice a different type of road/tire noise, but it really doesn't seem much louder. We've had about 5" of uncharacteristically early snow here in the last couple of days...and the Nokians seem to perform in the present conditions very well.
As for the software update, I don't know whether I have it or not. My invoice is somewhat inscrutable. It shows "Job 2: wash and store summer tires" and "Job 3: Install new alloy wheels with winter tires". There is no mention of "Job 1". I would like to think that Job 1 is the software update. I will send an e-mail tomorrow requesting clarification as to whether I received the update or not, but I won't hold my breath waiting for an answer. While the dealership sales and service seem professional and competent, I am coming to realize that once I leave the dealer location, the communication & response time can be poor. Bad, actually. I suppose some of this is worth putting up with in order to be able to enjoy the amazing espresso/cappuccino/latte machine in the waiting room ;-)
So far, I am pleased with the snow tires they put on: Nokian M&S 235/55 R19/105R XL Hakkapeliita R5 SUV. Finnish. In the first 60km, I have not noticed any significant decrease in kWh performance from the Continental summer tires that came with the car. Yes, I notice a different type of road/tire noise, but it really doesn't seem much louder. We've had about 5" of uncharacteristically early snow here in the last couple of days...and the Nokians seem to perform in the present conditions very well.
As for the software update, I don't know whether I have it or not. My invoice is somewhat inscrutable. It shows "Job 2: wash and store summer tires" and "Job 3: Install new alloy wheels with winter tires". There is no mention of "Job 1". I would like to think that Job 1 is the software update. I will send an e-mail tomorrow requesting clarification as to whether I received the update or not, but I won't hold my breath waiting for an answer. While the dealership sales and service seem professional and competent, I am coming to realize that once I leave the dealer location, the communication & response time can be poor. Bad, actually. I suppose some of this is worth putting up with in order to be able to enjoy the amazing espresso/cappuccino/latte machine in the waiting room ;-)
Last edited by ScottC2; Dec 10, 2023 at 03:41 AM.
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 47
Likes: 22
From: California, USA
2023 EQE SUV 4Matic
I had the same message pop up. Got an appointment, dropped it off and had the car back in a couple of hours. No obvious change noticed (not that i expected it). Car was running fine before (and has been since the update - a week ago).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 492
From: Louisville, KY
2023 EQE350 4MATIC, 2023 EQE 350 4MATIC SUV, 2015 E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 1995 E300 Diesel
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 47
Likes: 22
From: California, USA
2023 EQE SUV 4Matic
Is your car a sedan or SUV? And you had the update above installed? Please keep us posted. It's been 1K miles since I got the car back from the dealer, but no update available for sedan, at least in the US. Car seems to be working perfectly. Fingers crossed the issue is resolved.
Last edited by tusharj; Dec 10, 2023 at 01:29 AM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 751
Likes: 225
From: Sweden
2023 EQE SUV 500 4Matic
As for the software update, I don't know whether I have it or not. My invoice is somewhat inscrutable. It shows "Job 2: wash and store summer tires" and "Job 3: Install new alloy wheels with winter tires". There is no mention of "Job 1". I would like to think that Job 1 is the software update. I will send an e-mail tomorrow requesting clarification as to whether I received the update or not,
Since I can't believe MB would go to the effort of issuing a recall without some preventative aspect to it, I declined their offer for me to wait and scheduled an appointment to have this done on Dec. 12th. I will report back...
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 293
Likes: 24
From: Toronto
C63
Is your car a sedan or SUV? And you had the update above installed? Please keep us posted. It's been 1K miles since I got the car back from the dealer, but no update available for sedan, at least in the US. Car seems to be working perfectly. Fingers crossed the issue is resolved.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 492
From: Louisville, KY
2023 EQE350 4MATIC, 2023 EQE 350 4MATIC SUV, 2015 E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 1995 E300 Diesel
So, I just picked up an EQE 350 4Matic SUV yesterday - a retired loaner with only 3600 miles, to complement the sedan, and noticed that the recall/software update campaign notice was showing up in the Mercedes Me Connect messages in MBUX. I'll have to see if it was applied or not, but in the few hours we've driven it, it's done so perfectly.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 751
Likes: 225
From: Sweden
2023 EQE SUV 500 4Matic
So, I just picked up an EQE 350 4Matic SUV yesterday - a retired loaner with only 3600 miles, to complement the sedan, and noticed that the recall/software update campaign notice was showing up in the Mercedes Me Connect messages in MBUX. I'll have to see if it was applied or not, but in the few hours we've driven it, it's done so perfectly.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 492
From: Louisville, KY
2023 EQE350 4MATIC, 2023 EQE 350 4MATIC SUV, 2015 E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 1995 E300 Diesel
As for the campaign, I checked with my dealer here at home, they confirmed it hasn't been applied (or they suspect it hasn't been applied?) and we have an appointment to have it updated in January once all the holiday craziness has subsided a bit for everyone.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: SC
ML 250
It’s a true issue EQE 500
It’s now over x6 service visits.
MB Researchers should have performed a Lean with the technology department first.🤔🤔💾💻
Review my attached clip of the issue, however, you can see it.
My 2023 EQE 500, now sits at the dealer, the 16 of May will be a month.
The dealer is waiting for this unit.
😶🌫️😶🌫️😶🌫️😳
MB Researchers should have performed a Lean with the technology department first.🤔🤔💾💻
Review my attached clip of the issue, however, you can see it.
My 2023 EQE 500, now sits at the dealer, the 16 of May will be a month.
The dealer is waiting for this unit.
😶🌫️😶🌫️😶🌫️😳
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Asbury Park NJ
GLC 300 Coupe 2024
2024 GLC300 coupe PTCU issue; 4 week old vehicle.
Hi. This is my first post to this site. I wanted to thank you for the info here. I was able to tell the service rep what I believed the issue was with my 4 week old GLC Coupe when it completely stopped working, number screen alerts etc. Ultimately, the dealer replaced the PTCU, per, as he told me, MB recommendation under warranty.
Thank you for your expertise here. I’m a new Benz owner and was freaking out when this problem arose. Cheers!
Thank you for your expertise here. I’m a new Benz owner and was freaking out when this problem arose. Cheers!
