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I wanted to save some money on the GLC and didn't get it with navigation. Thinking I was going to just use apple play to use the maps. I saw some eBay sellers selling SD cards with the MB maps build in. Has anyone bought it off of eBay?
Have not purchased since I have Command. But beware of anything software-related on eBay. The counterfeits are rampant and eBay only enforces when a manufacturer complains. And after a while, the counterfeits return. The same often goes for Amazon Marketplace vendors and Amazon, as well, notoriously fails to police the third-party vendors. Some may write that they have successfully installed. And then the manufacturers discover the counterfeit and defeat it in subsequent software/firmware updates.
I haven't with the MB yet but a buddy bought eBay nav discs for his BMWs and they never worked properly; the screens would freeze, head units wouldn't function properly. I wouldn't buy any nav cards from eBay.
I'll disagree with the sentiment here. There're a few threads about this already if you search around. I purchased the 2018 SAT NAV and it works fine. Send to Benz integrates okay with it too, as well as Sat Traffic (but you do need an active subscription).
A reputable seller is something you do have to ensure. My purchase was this one here from seller dominorose62:
This item in fact is a bit cheaper than mine when I purchased earlier last year--I paid $179, this is currently at $145.
There is quite a bit of copy protection integrated into the SD Card and software, so 'counterfeits' are really not possible if you get an authentic item.
I personally would not buy one from anywhere but MB dealer. I have the new MB SD card nav in my new C43, the call needs to be pre-wired from the factory ($200 us) for the SD card to work. No pre-wire, doesn't matter about where you get the card. When you then install it the card the data is loaded to the system and you can remove the card but it is somehow then coded with the VIN from the vehicle and it won't work in another vehicle. You also can not make a copy of the card, the German's were real good at coding this. Previously they used a Garmin SD card and Garmin is great at preventing copying their map and nav data. So I don't think there are legitimate SD cards out there unless they are old stock from dealers with outdated map info. A new card is $650 from a dealer unless they throw it in with a new car purchase. It's your money, just be careful where you spend it.
I can 100% verify dominorose62 is a righteous eBay seller for the Garmin SD Card - and if you provide VIN#/build-date top verify you are getting correct card version for your MB..
I have purchased SD Cards from him for over 15 Mercedes - and have had no problems - on one card that wouldn't load he promptly replaced it at no additional charge to me.
Yes - $650 MB parts price - but almost all those $$ go to Garmin - dealer margin is like $120... so make reputable eBay seller for under $200 a cool deal - really..
I don't ask "where" - I just know they do work.... on 2019's going forward - that's a new kettle of fish..
I also purchased one about 6 months or more ago from the same vendor fabbrisd1 mentions, and it has worked perfectly. We use CarPlay and the SD map depending on our needs.
All that is true, someone is probably selling illegal Garmin SD cards, but set that aside, the 2019 MB system is completely different, now the vehicle must be pre-wired at the factory and only a MB SD card will work. It's still a lot less expensive than the multimedia nav and I can't find anything it doesn't do. The Live Traffic is included at no extra monthly cost too. It is supposed to include life-time map updates and is "on-line" also current info.
Biggest benefit over Apple or Android play is that you don't have to plug your phone into the car.
Flj - please understand you should take your VIN# and check with any MB dealer Parts Dept to confirm CORRECT MB part# for your car,
For the "new" Mercedes-Me-Connect" system in 2019 US C-GLC's the current part # is A213 906 98 07 - which is another kettle of fish from pre-2019 Garmin cards.
Under this new system - if that is what your MB has - this SD card authorizes the car to download most current map version - once that map version downloads - the card then "unlocks" the nav system already coded in you car to use that map data and become functional. Like earlier Garmin card's - the 2019 card "links" to the VIN# of your car - so that the card can only be used with your MB.
2019 SD card has no Garmin call out - different kettle of fish really than pre-2019 Mercedes.
In pre-2019 MB's that use Garmin card - the model/version of the electronics in your car determines which part#/card can be used.
Again - confirm with your MB Parts Dept for correct MB part# to get CORRECT SD card for your Mercedes.
Thanks for the detailed explanation (in the above I just went by the review where somebody said it worked MY2019 )
Originally Posted by fabbrisd1
Flj - please understand you should take your VIN# and check with any MB dealer Parts Dept to confirm CORRECT MB part# for your car,
For the "new" Mercedes-Me-Connect" system in 2019 US C-GLC's the current part # is A213 906 98 07 - which is another kettle of fish from pre-2019 Garmin cards.
Under this new system - if that is what your MB has - this SD card authorizes the car to download most current map version - once that map version downloads - the card then "unlocks" the nav system already coded in you car to use that map data and become functional. Like earlier Garmin card's - the 2019 card "links" to the VIN# of your car - so that the card can only be used with your MB.
2019 SD card has no Garmin call out - different kettle of fish really than pre-2019 Mercedes.
In pre-2019 MB's that use Garmin card - the model/version of the electronics in your car determines which part#/card can be used.
Again - confirm with your MB Parts Dept for correct MB part# to get CORRECT SD card for your Mercedes.
No worries - I see 3rd party vendor ads a lot that can be intentionally or unintentionally misleading... best with any 3rd party part to get correct original MB part# confirmedmby MB Parts by VIN - then shop that part#
Data point:
2019 GLC300
I bought the Garmin Pilot SD Card from EBAY
"2017/2018" v 9.0 part/serial number A218 906 30 03
Just inserted the SD card yesterday, it activated within several minutes, works flawlessly.
It seems that there is a break point for cars manufactured after August 2017 where one must buy the later versions of the SD Card, (i.e., v9.0 such as the one I bought, but perhaps the v8 also work).
The version I bought was in original Mercedes packaging (plastic wrapped box with quick start printed instructions and smaller plastic SD card contained inside) . I don't know the status of the other SD Cards sold on EBAY that are without the original packaging.
It appears that you can remove the v 9.0 SD card and insert it into a pc/laptop to update same after downloading some Mercedes update/data download application from the web.
Just sharing to save someone the time I spent trying to sort this out! Good luck, Tom
Just purchased a slightly used (11K miles) 2017 GLC 300 4-Matic. Could not be happier with the way the car drives and the interior comfort. However, no navigation (it's pre-wired) and no Apple Car play is a disappointment. My salesman assured me a local shop (Rocco's Auto Tech, Costa Mesa, CA) could do the Apple Car Play. I did find the Garman SD card on E-bay and purchased it for $79.99. Appears to be a Mercedes Benz labeled "Garman Map Pilot" card for 2017 models (see below). It is due for delivery in the next week or two so I'll let everyone know if it works and/or if I have any issues. I have seen posts here regarding pre or post September 2017 vehicles. Since my car was originally purchased in March 2017 I'm definitely pre so hopefully this will give everyone a cheap option for the earlier 2017 models. If not, I'm out $80 bucks and you can learn from my mistake.
OK. The SD card arrived today. Correct MB card for pre-August 2017 builds. Plugged it in, 2 prompts, and it works like a charm. Voice commands as well. If you have a car that is pre-wired for navigation but didn't come with the SD card then I highly recommend purchasing from josnixo-4 on ebay. $79.99 was the price. Purchased on the 9th and received today (January 17th).
Data point:
2019 GLC300
I bought the Garmin Pilot SD Card from EBAY
"2017/2018" v 9.0 part/serial number A218 906 30 03
Just inserted the SD card yesterday, it activated within several minutes, works flawlessly.
It seems that there is a break point for cars manufactured after August 2017 where one must buy the later versions of the SD Card, (i.e., v9.0 such as the one I bought, but perhaps the v8 also work).
The version I bought was in original Mercedes packaging (plastic wrapped box with quick start printed instructions and smaller plastic SD card contained inside) . I don't know the status of the other SD Cards sold on EBAY that are without the original packaging.
It appears that you can remove the v 9.0 SD card and insert it into a pc/laptop to update same after downloading some Mercedes update/data download application from the web.
Just sharing to save someone the time I spent trying to sort this out! Good luck, Tom
Same experience, same part number, also have a 2019 GLC 300 with SD card wiring. Works fine. Paid 39.99 delivered and it arrived fast. I was worried because many vendors selling the same product said the car needed the touch pad which I do not have. Seems to work okay with just the controller. Now I just need to learn how to use it. I did not get any instructions.
When I was shopping for my 300, the dealers told me that Apple Carplay was something you couldn't add after the factory. I really was hot on buying an amg43 that was loaded except for carplay. I asked if they could add it and they said no, not after build
Since reading everyone’s wisdom I decided to take the plunge and buy one on eBay for 85 dollar from newbdeals. He has 100% review with over 3k feedbacks. Seems legit, I’ll update this post when I receive the card. I decided not to pay an extra 2000 for the navigation when buying the car. Since I can just use car-play on all my mapping needs. But not plugging the phone in is also nice. Not $2000 nice but $85 dollar nice.
@aaron1515, that is exactly why I bought an SD navigation card (2018 GLC). I use CarPlay (Waze) in the city for most trips to avoid traffic, etc. but also use the SD Navi just to have a map handy when I don't feel like plugging in the phone. For long out of state trips where turn by turn and traffic are less important, I use the SD card rather than my phone. It is good enough and lets me check progress to destination, etc.
I just bought one off Amazon for my 2018 GLC 300 about a week ago. No issues at all, loaded right up and works great. It came in Mercedes packaging and was factory sealed. I did check the reviews and went with the best reviewed seller and paid a bit more for the peace of mind.
01-06-2019, 03:28 AM
