mikapen

I can't get a good handle on Sirius traffic - I have a 2010 ML with Command. I have a Sirius traffic subscription and Command Plus.

Does the Command need a Sirius subscription for its traffic function?
Is the Command display different with or without Sirius?

Are the arrival time calculations based on Command or Sirius, or do they compete? (I know that a 2 block traffic slowdown somewhere along my route can add as much as an hour to my estimated arrival time - PITA!)

Cal

Yes, you need a Sirius subscription for the traffic function on COMAND. Without it, all freeways will appear green, and you won't know how light or heavy traffic is. You also don't see the display of traffic accidents, roadwork, etc.

mercedese350

Sirius traffic is junk, I got free trail on my 2011 ml, but will never use them again

sosh

I find it very helpful. Much more so than radio reports. Have saved myself numerous delays by changing my routing when it shows traffic issues. Well worth the few dollars that it costs.

Cal

I think you get a 1-year free trial when buying the car brand-new. Then, the subscription is only $5/month. From experience, the Sirius traffic reports are accurate about 80% of the time. I think for $5/month it's worth it, especially since it includes Sirius satellite radio. However, I personally wouldn't pay much more than that.

mikapen

My experience with the traffic service is that it does show congestion, and Command adds a huge amount of time to the ETA, but if I just forge ahead into the reported mess, by the time I get there it has cleared up (except for one time).
It is kind of interesting to hear the announcements of congestion along the route, especially if you have a 3 hour trip programmed in.
Cal says that if I don't subscribe to Sirius, then those congested places won't show up. The folks at Mbrace don't all agree, which is why I asked the original question. I am up for renewal.

Cal

I can't tell you for sure whether this is always the case. I stated that based on experience. My Sirius subscription ended a couple of weeks ago, and immediately after that, my COMAND system no longer shows traffic congestion, traffic information, etc, and SIRIUS radio is now "preview" mode. Therefore, I'm pretty certain that this will be the case.

jerseyMLdriver

I find this feature very helpful especially living in the tri-state area. If you sit in as much traffic as I do everyday, you will find it is very helpful too. I would agree with Cal, its about 80% accurate, especially with its estimates of time to destination.

mikapen

Thanks for the feedback.

Does anybody know how the traffic data is collected and processed, and how long it takes to get displayed / removed after events?

I know I can see congestion growing or receding along freeways ahead of me, especially during rush hour. And zooming out gives me a pretty good idea of where to head - I use it more for that than rerouting. If I am "on nav" I just let the system pick a new route if I choose to avoid an area.