F18BEN

Has anybody updated their UMI ? I am using a loaner car with Nav and the new system is much better. I found this link and just sent it to my SA. I am seriously thinking about it.
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=383263348297

MilesBFree

I would consider it too. I complained to the dealer about the out-of-date maps last week before I saw this post. e.g.- our neighborhood is about 10 years old, but the MB maps do not show the streets here. Lots of other streets in the metro area are missing, and I know some of those have been here for 5+ years.

I tried to shame the dealer into loading up the latest DVD, but he wasn't going for it.

Some of the features you posted may be worth plunking down the $199. Some of them seem to be just existing UMI features, e.g.- iPod, USB, and Aux jacks functions.

F18BEN

The UMI does not use a DVD to run or upgrade. It is a USB thumb drive that is loaded on the hardrive from the USB port in the glove box. Meeting with SA today and will advise..

MilesBFree

I will look forward to your update once you meet with the SA, thanks!

I was referring to the simple DVD upgrade that gets you the new maps. Since I think that is several hundred $$$, the UMI upgrade at $199 sounds like a good deal.

Does the UMI upgrade do the maps too, or just the software?

MilesBFree

It sort of appears that you get the map update as part of the UMI update, since the notice says:

"Updated navigation map data (Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico now included)"

I think that is pretty clear but it does leave a bit of squidginess as to updates of "maps" vs "map data".

andyf0

Is this different than a COMAND update? Will this update maps for factory installed COMAND systems?

F18BEN

This is different... If you have command you don't have UMI. Command updates by buying a new CD. UMI updates to its own hardrive via the USB port.

GEMINIDAN

I have the Comand System is there any up-grade for this???it is only 5 months old??

F18BEN

Usually updates for maps come out every year. I would not update a map every year. ( just not necessary). With the UMI update I'm doing it for the new features listed on my first post. If it was just the map I wouldn't be doing it

F18BEN

My SA knew nothing about it. We called Nashville Mercedes the dealership that ran the ad. They didn't even know anything about it either. I called MBUSA Corporate headquarters and after 30 minutes they found the part #.
It is A NAV + 4 software update for the UMI. Part # A204 8707696.

MKenM

In a thread titled "GLK Navigation Update"

I had stated:

"For those who might be interested I contacted NAVTEQ about registering for updates. They don't list the GLK. They told me that the GL uses the same navigation software as the GLK. A new update (August '09) is available. The cost is $249.00 plus $9.95 shipping."

I checked the site and it still list the Aug '09 with the same price.

It is listed as:

Mercedes-Benz COMAND - North America Map DVD v.3
Catalog # U0044-0070-907

andyf0

So how do we find out what versions of COMAND/Maps etc we are running?

MKenM

It is in the Comand system setup. Don't have the manual or my car handy but as someone told me. How much could the system have changed from when the car originally came out. Remember this is an update to the maps not the system. Navteq only sells the maps or that is what they tell me. I am guessing they wrote the software for MB. Does anyone know for sure?

MilesBFree

A few clarifications for those who may not be entirely clear on the terms (like me):

- UMI = Universal Media Interface. From what I can tell, the part number for the UMI is A204 870 7096, but please confirm that this is for the GLK.

- The "Audio 20" system is somewhat of an alternative to COMAND (i.e- if you also add UMI which includes navigation).

- I have seen reference to Navigation 20 and Nav +4, but I am not sure which is newer or older.

- It sounds like Nav is not ordered separately from UMI?

- In summary if you have COMAND, you do not need / can't get the UMI upgrade discussed here. (as F18BEN pointed out)

- MI = Media Interface for iPods and MP3 players. The plain Media Interface is option code 518. This is an option to the COMAND system, and not the same thing as UMI.

- UCI (Universal Communications Interface) is another name for the plain MI.

- MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) is the name of the network that connects the various media devices together.

- There are aftermarket connectors (i.e.- media interfaces) available to connect additional devices to COMAND. Not sure if those will also work with UMI. Also not sure if UMI uses MOST too, or if it is just for COMAND. I suspect MOST is standard on all cars regardless of control unit.

- Based on that, I am not sure if aftermarket devices such as DVD players would need different adapters to be connected to COMAND vs. UMI.

- Examples of additions would include adding a backup camera, or the devices that allow video to be displayed on the COMAND screen while the car is in motion (NOTE: I don't recommend that as it would be a huge distraction for the driver). These devices/adapters are sometimes for MOST but others seem to plug directly into the COMAND / Nav unit.

Please correct / clarify these points, if possible - I am not an expert.

andyf0

Very helpful! Thanks.

MilesBFree

I just confirmed that the Audio 20 system uses MOST for the networking of the various media devices.

MilesBFree

Here is a twist, just as I was thinking I understood the various systems:

I took the car in this morning before I posted the definitions above (for the transmission, which seems to have issues in first). I asked them about the UMI upgrade and he said he would check it out.

I went home, did more research, and had convinced myself after some reading that UMI and Audio 20 was an alternative to COMAND. Then I posted what I learned above.

Well, a few hours later, He emailed me and said that the UMI upgrade would be ordered for my car. Hmmmm.....

I emailed him back to confirm that it applied to cars with COMAND.

He replied that he checked with the service manager and parts manager and both confirmed that "your car is eligible for the UMI upgrade".

They ordered the part/kit for the upgrade, which he said will be here tomorrow.

He is gone for the day, so I will try to get more details tomorrow morning and let you know.

MKenM

What makes it eligible? Because you have UMI and not Comand. If that is the case is being eligible going to cost you. Is it the $200? Do you have Nav in the UMI or is this going to give you Nav. Comand has 7" screen I assume that the UMI has a 5" screen. Sorry it just seems a little confusing. Would like to know if MB has an upgrade for 2010 Comand, if so how much is it from MB.

andyf0

There have been mentions of a new COMAND in the 2011 GLKs, or even later production runs of the 2010 GLKs, part of which involves the guide lines in the rear view camera.

How is it information on updates on car's software is so hard to find and dealers are so ignorant. Isn't a car just like a computer on wheels these days?

MilesBFree

I have COMAND, not UMI, and I am 100% sure of that. I even checked the invoice since I was feeling confused. My dealer SA acknowledges it is a COMAND unit. He still says my car is eligible for the UMI upgrade.

I suppose it is possible that some portion of the upgrade will also be applicable to COMAND. e.g.- the software that controls playing of songs on iPod, MP3, USB sticks, etc. But I am still very doubtful.

I will get more details when they open this morning, and let everyone know why he thinks the UMI upgrade will work on cars with COMAND.

MilesBFree

To clarify the Audio 20/UMI vs COMAND question, here are some pics.

The first pic is of the Audio 20 unit. If you add UMI, you get the media interface, Nav, etc. This is NOT the one I have.

The second 2 pics are of the COMAND unit, which I do have.

Audio 20:


COMAND:

MilesBFree

And one more reference... Here is an overview of what UMI is. This is an official M-B web site.

http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jul08/2...r_The_GLK.html

It quite clearly states:

"when used with the non-navigation Audio 20 system, the GLK UMI adds a retrofitted navigation function to your existing setup."

MilesBFree

The dealer SA just contacted me and confirmed that the UMI upgrade will NOT work on the COMAND system. Just the Audio 20 plus UMI ones.

It sounds like the parts computer said it would work, so they ordered it to see if it actually would.

He was pretty cool about it. I am happy he tried. Way to go dealer! Much better service than I have had with other marques.

F18BEN

I just ordered the UMI update. It's coming from the factory. My SA advised me that it's something that I need to do myself. I should have it in about a week and will let you all know how it went... The post from Nashville Mercedes had the wrong part number .. The correct part is "Nav + 4 software update"
Part # A204 8707696

MilesBFree

That's odd that your SA said you would have to do it yourself. Mine said they would do it, no problem.