kn51

Long story...

I have a 10/2015 version of DAS "massaged" for offline use. But that wasn't enough in of itself. A critical part of getting offline mode going was to obtain the VEDOC database and copy it to your flash folder.

Once you get over that hurdle, if you update telematics it will prompt you for the part number of the CD and off you go.

Now would an "official phone home to the mothership" come up with a new version? For my year, doubtful. I'm fairly certain it is the latest version given the source of it.

Earlier versions of DAS had the VEDOC database stored locally. Then when MB made it "online only" that disappeared. Hence the cobbled together solution.

Yeah, it's confusing. It took me many many hours to figure this stuff out, and to be honest, I feel like a dumb idiot with this stuff even after everything I've learned.

Polar Bear

You had mentioned that you updated the SW on the IC in another post. Did this change anything? I know generally the SW updates fix bugs - did you notice any difference in the newer version? The 2010+ S600s show a V12 logo on startup, but I doubt this was backported to the the older IC hardware via software.

kn51

Didn't/haven't noticed a dang thing. No V12 logo. Would have been cool to have a red $$$ sign though if the check engine light comes on.

Must be a big firmware though. Most modules take 1-2 minutes. The IC took around an hour.

Distronic was quite a lengthy one too. I'm thinking that one was around 30 minutes.

The above two updates take place over OBD. Telematics is done with a CD.

I still get a chuckle out of updating the trunk lid controller. That was one where I thought "I screwed it up."

All told, I'm guessing there are around 20-30 modules that can be FW upgradable with offline DAS. Everything from ASSYST, to a transmission solenoid. Fairly amazing. Don't touch the ECM.

Usual disclaimer...you can really screw things up if you don't keep battery voltage above 12V or disrupt communications yada yada. And yeah, a 10 AMP battery charger won't keep up at all.

An extra edit: Don't be in the driver's seat that you "normalize" with DAS. It can literally kill you.

Polar Bear

I have not tried updating any modules as I don't want to risk the flash being interrupted and brick the ECU. I did have to normalize the passenger seat and I for certain am glad I was not sitting in it when it normalized.

Did any of the software updates you did improve anything? Mine came with the extra functionality of the telematics upgrades that was released after the 2007 production run. ECU has already been flashed but not by DAS

Polar Bear

While on the subject of Telematics/COMAND, I recommend if you haven't done so to see what DVD-Audio discs you can find of your favorite artists. Although mostly out of print, these discs really make the audio system shine in 5.1 high resolution format. Many live performances are available in 5.1, and DTS sounds better than Dolby Digital 5.1 from my experience.

kn51

After plowing through updating all the modules, yes, I notice a difference. Random things such as rear head rests deployed (this one always bugged me, and must have been a software bug) when starting the car. They used to have a mind of their own.

Distronic...better, gives a random false alarm but it is usually at the same spot.

Telematics is covered.

Told it dent repair, it fixed itself.

I'd stay 10 km away from the ECM stuff. But the other modules are free game and don't rely on the ECM.

Polar Bear

Have you tried flashing the ECU, or fear that you may trip the IMMO system? I have considered flashing the ECU, which it wants to apply the 2010 version to the ME272.

kn51

I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. Everything I read is you will no longer have a working vehicle without SCN coding.

Are there any substantial differences with the 2010 version?

Polar Bear

No - there was a small bug in the older software that affected a very small number of cars. If you flash it "through the front door" using DAS, you probably will encounter SCN. If you use non-MB methods, DAS can not even tell it's been changed.

Polar Bear

When you updated the trunk lid controller, did it allow you to close the trunk via SmartKey, or did that change anything obvious?

kn51

Negative. I thought that went the way of the Dodo after the W220 due to liability concerns.

Polar Bear

It did for passenger cars in the US, but not for other countries. Just like us not having the Rain Closing feature, and Convenience Closing with the REST but by default on some newer models. Litigation.

adf111

2007 S550 w/ camera. Called on 3 dealers today and none of those SAs knew what I was talking about.

Can anyone recommend a Service Adviser in Southern California who knows those things?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

steveb9771

I had several updates performed at Anaheim (Caliber) Mercedes while my 2007 was still under factory warranty with no issues. This was a few years ago. Hopefully, they still have techs who are still comfortable with the procedure.

Polar Bear

Am I correct that your 2007 S550 does not have VIDEO listed on the top menu bar?

adf111

Nope Polar Bear, no VIDEO!

kn51

I hope you find someone, as I posted earlier it is somewhat trivial.

My memory is a little hazy, but the telematics upgrade will update following systems/modules:

COMAND
Telephony
Voice command

Once the update is fired off it will go through each stage and you (or the tech) can see how it progresses on the COMAND screen as opposed to DAS.

Now the crazy thing is basically my dealer knows about this in BFE Midwest USA. I'd figure southern CA would have the best and the brightest compared to where I'm at.

I know I'm not much help, but I hope I maybe giving ideas on how to explain what needs to be done to techs/service advisers.

In short: COMAND adaption upgrade within DAS. It will give them the part number of the CD required for the update if they don't already have it and pretty much spell out what needs to be done like a coloring book.

If they have the right CD, toss it the changer, hit ok...off it goes. It's that damn simple.

Polar Bear

There is even a video on YouTube on it being done. It updates pretty much any module that is telematics related. As said previously, it takes nearly an hour to complete. It first scans the media for errors. When it determines the media is readable, it proceeds in updating each module. On your car, I would certainly do the update. My car had the first software revision installed when new giving video playback, and so far I personally have not noticed any difference in updating mine to the recent one.

adf111

It starts feeling like going south... I set an appointment today at the 3rd dealership (Long Beach), after the tech told the SA he knows what it is and can do it. Suddenly the foreman came out and started threatening me with "you know, it can damage the COMAND, and we'll have to charge you 5 grand for a new one...". Yet again, I had to leave.

HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need a dealer anywhere, from Fresno to San Diego (central coast to all of SoCal) who can perform an AUX extension and Telematics update. All I need is a name. Cost is no longer an issue, just the principal.

Please help...

Polar Bear

You are dealing with some incompetent dealers. I did the update in my driveway. There are many failsafe checks in the upgrade process and I feel it would be rather hard to brick the device. Two key points - when you start it be sure you either have a strong battery charger connected or have enough fuel to leave the car running outside until it completes, and don't interrupt it. If we were not on opposite sides of the country, I could meet you and do it.

Polar Bear

DaveW68

You got in a fight with the foreman? Reminds me of this:

steveb9771

It took several hours for the update to complete on my vehicle which was build in September 2006. The dealer gave me a loan car and called me later in the day and said it was progressing smoothly, but taking a long time and would be completed the next day. They believed that since my vehicle was an early production, all of the related software modules needed to be updated. My original update was performed at CalStar Mercedes in Glendale and a subsequent update was performed at Anaheim Mercedes.

adf111

I called Anaheim. An SA vaguely knew was I was talking about, and transferred me to the foreman, who told me I can't blame him for not remembering a process on a 10 year old car (My car was delivered 11/2006), but he's willing to try, trusting the system to tell him whatever needs an update an how. They initially set me with a loaner for this coming Tuesday. I'm equipped with everything you guys said, and even PolarBear's (German) video. I'm lucky to have German as one of my languages. Let's keep fingers crossed.

I'll then start dealing with another barrier, the AUX, which none of the SAs I've met thus far, has ever heard of. Our W211s are such nice cars; why does it feel like hitting walls all the time...????

Polar Bear

If it will help, I can post a photo of the Telematics Update disc with the part number they need to have on hand when your car arrives. Sounds like they don't do too many of them anymore so it's possible they may not have it.