Internet connexion with iPhone
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
ML350 bluetec
Internet connexion with iPhone
I've called my Mercedes dealer in Switzerland today and he told me that the internet connextion with an iPhone is only available on Class A and B and soon with E.
Only the next generation of ML restyled (2014, avaliable since spring 2013) will be provived with this software modification and they will be no possibility to obtain this modification on ML 2012 and 2013...
Bad news....
Only the next generation of ML restyled (2014, avaliable since spring 2013) will be provived with this software modification and they will be no possibility to obtain this modification on ML 2012 and 2013...
Bad news....
Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
2013 ML550 Paladium Silver/Brown Satin Ash
I've called my Mercedes dealer in Switzerland today and he told me that the internet connection with an iPhone is only available on Class A and B and soon with E.
Only the next generation of ML restyled (2014, available since spring 2013) will be provided with this software modification and they will be no possibility to obtain this modification on ML 2012 and 2013...
Bad news....
Only the next generation of ML restyled (2014, available since spring 2013) will be provided with this software modification and they will be no possibility to obtain this modification on ML 2012 and 2013...
Bad news....
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
ML350
Funny, because my australian salesman told me not to expect a facelift till mid cycle, which he said would be 2015 at the earliest, and if I planned to keep the car 3 years selling just before then would be a good plan.
Of course he was trying to convince me this wasn't a bad time to buy the ML from a depreciation perspective..
Of course he was trying to convince me this wasn't a bad time to buy the ML from a depreciation perspective..
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 625
Likes: 4
From: Australia
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
I expect to find every manufacturer will come out with a "revised" model every year, and a new model every 4~10 years.
The ML now has had 3 "new" models, W163, W164, W166.
Each of these has had annual revisions which have included things like new options, extra standard equipment, even new engines and transmissions. The external differences have been limited to grill or bumper variations and wheel options.
The ML now has had 3 "new" models, W163, W164, W166.
Each of these has had annual revisions which have included things like new options, extra standard equipment, even new engines and transmissions. The external differences have been limited to grill or bumper variations and wheel options.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
ML350
back on topic though
I find it quite arrogant of mercedes to drag their feet so long over needed functionality for internet connectivity.
As I understand it, there are two bluetooth data connection standards. A modern one, and a superceded one. That blackberry supported the superseded one is just luck. Apple does not support it, and tends to resist being forced into making software mistakes by the mistakes of others (eg: flash plugin).
So this situation has been outstanding since the first iphone and someone in mercedes has known this but they choose to persist with the clunky "DUN" method - which reportedly is extremely slow, and ignore the largest single model user-base of smart phones out there?
Now mercedes want to appeal to the younger generation and know that not offering seamless connectivity to all smart phones is a deal breaker so they make the effort and do it for the new A class - you can twitter from the car dashboard, etc etc.
But apparently _choose_ (because it can't be a technology barrier that stops them) to simply screw everyone who has bought or is buying brand new vehicles in other model lines?
For shame.
I find it quite arrogant of mercedes to drag their feet so long over needed functionality for internet connectivity.
As I understand it, there are two bluetooth data connection standards. A modern one, and a superceded one. That blackberry supported the superseded one is just luck. Apple does not support it, and tends to resist being forced into making software mistakes by the mistakes of others (eg: flash plugin).
So this situation has been outstanding since the first iphone and someone in mercedes has known this but they choose to persist with the clunky "DUN" method - which reportedly is extremely slow, and ignore the largest single model user-base of smart phones out there?
Now mercedes want to appeal to the younger generation and know that not offering seamless connectivity to all smart phones is a deal breaker so they make the effort and do it for the new A class - you can twitter from the car dashboard, etc etc.
But apparently _choose_ (because it can't be a technology barrier that stops them) to simply screw everyone who has bought or is buying brand new vehicles in other model lines?
For shame.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
Get a grip, interactive internet connectivity for the driver is a issue similar to DVD movies, and text on your cell phone.
In today's age where most US states ban text messaging from cellphones, and from Federal; safety level ban video-in-motion ... how long do you think it will take a car manufacturer to have a lawsuit claiming contributory negligence by providing the exact text and/or browsing experiences you think you want ?
Better viewed as customers wanting a beer keg dispenser in the front dash !
In today's age where most US states ban text messaging from cellphones, and from Federal; safety level ban video-in-motion ... how long do you think it will take a car manufacturer to have a lawsuit claiming contributory negligence by providing the exact text and/or browsing experiences you think you want ?
Better viewed as customers wanting a beer keg dispenser in the front dash !
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
ML350
I don't know man, I look back in this forum and people have returned cars under the lemon law for having pretty (in my view) minor issues, such as unexpected pressure thrumming at a very specific speed, or a bit of stumbling during the first 30 seconds of driving.
Internet connectivity is not there to distract the driver, it can be used to lookup points of interest accurately, pull traffic information and who knows what else they might add in future. The car is heavily marketed as offering it and sales people (at two different dealerships) waved their hands to say don't worry if it isn't working right at the moment - support will come with a firmware upgrade.
I don't think it is anything remotely similar to complaining about lack of TV on the move, or bugs in a specific function with a particular cellphone model that has a 0.1% market share. Giving the car a data connection is sort of fundamental nowadays which is why they are making such a big deal about it in the new A-class.
Internet connectivity is not there to distract the driver, it can be used to lookup points of interest accurately, pull traffic information and who knows what else they might add in future. The car is heavily marketed as offering it and sales people (at two different dealerships) waved their hands to say don't worry if it isn't working right at the moment - support will come with a firmware upgrade.
I don't think it is anything remotely similar to complaining about lack of TV on the move, or bugs in a specific function with a particular cellphone model that has a 0.1% market share. Giving the car a data connection is sort of fundamental nowadays which is why they are making such a big deal about it in the new A-class.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
ML350 (W166) / CLK 320 Avantgard 2002 W208
To be fair, MB can't be expected to cater for every little obscure phone on the market, and it's only been available for 5 years.
Seriously... using an outdated Bluetooth profile and ignoring this issue even though it could quite easily be fixed by software changes is rather ridiculous.
Seriously... using an outdated Bluetooth profile and ignoring this issue even though it could quite easily be fixed by software changes is rather ridiculous.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
ML350 (W166) / CLK 320 Avantgard 2002 W208
Get a grip, interactive internet connectivity for the driver is a issue similar to DVD movies, and text on your cell phone.
In today's age where most US states ban text messaging from cellphones, and from Federal; safety level ban video-in-motion ... how long do you think it will take a car manufacturer to have a lawsuit claiming contributory negligence by providing the exact text and/or browsing experiences you think you want ?
Better viewed as customers wanting a beer keg dispenser in the front dash !
In today's age where most US states ban text messaging from cellphones, and from Federal; safety level ban video-in-motion ... how long do you think it will take a car manufacturer to have a lawsuit claiming contributory negligence by providing the exact text and/or browsing experiences you think you want ?
Better viewed as customers wanting a beer keg dispenser in the front dash !
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
From: Adelaide, Australia
2016 C205 C200 Coupe, 2016 Range Rover Sport, 2012 ML350BT AMG Sport (Sold)
Reading this thread seems to suggest things have changed from information i was given in December.
I was told when i picked up my car that MB were releasing a software upgrade in March 2013 to fix the problem. This may only be available for the MY13 models with new head unit.
Are people saying this information is rubbish??
I was told when i picked up my car that MB were releasing a software upgrade in March 2013 to fix the problem. This may only be available for the MY13 models with new head unit.
Are people saying this information is rubbish??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
To fix what problem exactly when say....... "I was told when i picked up my car that MB were releasing a software upgrade in March 2013 to fix the problem. This may only be available for the MY13 models with new head unit."
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
From: Adelaide, Australia
2016 C205 C200 Coupe, 2016 Range Rover Sport, 2012 ML350BT AMG Sport (Sold)
Australia Internet connection
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
ML350
there was a news article in Telematics (some kind of web news site for vehicle systems) in 2011 that had mercedes benz tell them they'd release the appropriate firmware for iphone/android <--> command connectivity using bluetooth pap, in 2nd half of 2012.
http://telematicsnews.info/2011/08/2...online_ag2223/
Since it is now 2013 and there hasn't been any further announcements I can find, and the A-class now has a new system with proper connectivity I think this idea that mercedes are interested in solving the problem for existing (and some future) owners looks increasingly shaky hence the Swiss dealer that the OP mentioned might be reporting the actual situation while most dealers keep saying "soon" as a kick the issue down the road tactic.
it has just been too long. It seems to me to be something they'd have done already, if it was ever going to happen.
http://telematicsnews.info/2011/08/2...online_ag2223/
Since it is now 2013 and there hasn't been any further announcements I can find, and the A-class now has a new system with proper connectivity I think this idea that mercedes are interested in solving the problem for existing (and some future) owners looks increasingly shaky hence the Swiss dealer that the OP mentioned might be reporting the actual situation while most dealers keep saying "soon" as a kick the issue down the road tactic.
it has just been too long. It seems to me to be something they'd have done already, if it was ever going to happen.
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
ML350
I asked the local office here is the reply: no way, no plan:
We are not sure where xxxxxx at MBS has sourced his information however what your customer is enquiring about is the next generation of the NTG 4.5 COMAND APS HU.
When we launch the face-lift E-Class models later in 2013 the NTG 4.5 COMAND APS HU will be the new Generation 3 version. This version, we understand, will offer greater functionality such as internet connectivity with Apple devices and will be progressively introduced to other model classes depending on the product life cycles.
Whatever functionality is introduced with Generation 3 NTG 4.5 COMAND APS will not be backwards compatible with earlier versions and this has always been the case. To my knowledge MBAuP have never communicated any information which contradicts this position, especially into the public domain.
We are not sure where xxxxxx at MBS has sourced his information however what your customer is enquiring about is the next generation of the NTG 4.5 COMAND APS HU.
When we launch the face-lift E-Class models later in 2013 the NTG 4.5 COMAND APS HU will be the new Generation 3 version. This version, we understand, will offer greater functionality such as internet connectivity with Apple devices and will be progressively introduced to other model classes depending on the product life cycles.
Whatever functionality is introduced with Generation 3 NTG 4.5 COMAND APS will not be backwards compatible with earlier versions and this has always been the case. To my knowledge MBAuP have never communicated any information which contradicts this position, especially into the public domain.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
ML350 (W166) / CLK 320 Avantgard 2002 W208
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
ML350 (W166) / CLK 320 Avantgard 2002 W208
I asked the local office here is the reply: no way, no plan:
We are not sure where xxxxxx at MBS has sourced his information however what your customer is enquiring about is the next generation of the NTG 4.5 COMAND APS HU.
When we launch the face-lift E-Class models later in 2013 the NTG 4.5 COMAND APS HU will be the new Generation 3 version. This version, we understand, will offer greater functionality such as internet connectivity with Apple devices and will be progressively introduced to other model classes depending on the product life cycles.
Whatever functionality is introduced with Generation 3 NTG 4.5 COMAND APS will not be backwards compatible with earlier versions and this has always been the case. To my knowledge MBAuP have never communicated any information which contradicts this position, especially into the public domain.
We are not sure where xxxxxx at MBS has sourced his information however what your customer is enquiring about is the next generation of the NTG 4.5 COMAND APS HU.
When we launch the face-lift E-Class models later in 2013 the NTG 4.5 COMAND APS HU will be the new Generation 3 version. This version, we understand, will offer greater functionality such as internet connectivity with Apple devices and will be progressively introduced to other model classes depending on the product life cycles.
Whatever functionality is introduced with Generation 3 NTG 4.5 COMAND APS will not be backwards compatible with earlier versions and this has always been the case. To my knowledge MBAuP have never communicated any information which contradicts this position, especially into the public domain.
