Traffic coverage in USA
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 36
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles, CA
2025 GLE 580, 2015 ML400
Traffic coverage in USA
I was surprised to discover on an ML400 test drive today (and the salesman confirmed) that traffic coverage is limited to numbered routes: interstate highways and lesser, but numbered, not un-numbered major boulevards. Looking at XM's site, this appears to be a limitation of their system which only covers 10,000 km of roadway. This is almost useless in Los Angeles, where I live. It's not enough to know to stay off the freeway; you need to know which side streets are clear. Garmin's coverage is much more comprehensive (as is my iPhone's). It's a shame MB is behind the times with this feature.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 513
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
13ML BT
No one can give you side streets level traffic. I never found Garmin, BMW or MB (whoever their traffic vendor is) to be very accurate with freeway anyway. I'm in LA as well and the only super accurate traffic app is sigalert (for freeways). My X5 shows boulevard info but I never use it. I don't know how that could even help because you have to know what you're doing to get around in LA to minimize traffic. Freeway traffic is very helpful.
