niko14

How do you update the Navi software on a 2011 S550. Dealer only option ?

steveb9771

2011 and newer vehicles require an encryption key unique to your VIN number which can ONLY be obtained from a dealer.

cmpcpro

What about a 2010?

konigstiger

MY10 > requires activation code.

cmpcpro

In other words mb wants more money...

snovvman

How often is the map updated, and what is the purchase process? Do I go to the dealer, provide VIN, and ask for the map DVD?

I am also trying to understand the copy protection mechanism. Is the DVD actually encoded with my VIN, which is the basis for the cypher?

Thank you.

Larry1979

Not sure how often the map DVD is updated but from talking to the dealership, the DVD is normally updated every 18-24 months. If you have a 2011, you will probably not see any major changes in the current map DVD. You will get some updated POIs and streets but nothing major. I have been there done that.


The following applies to 2011 and up vehicles only: If you want to upgrade, you go into the parts department of the dealership and tell them you want to order the latest map DVD. They will take your VIN and $285 (price may depend on market) which includes tax and order the DVD. The DVD is ordered and will come encoded with a unique 6 digit pin code that is specific to your VIN/vehicle. At that point, the DVD will only function with your vehicle. When you insert the map DVD into your car, it will prompt you for the pin code at that time. What's funny is that sometimes the pin number that you are given does not work because the system is so strict and doesn't recognize that your vehicle is authorized to use that pin and you have to call the dealership back. If you trade that vehicle and get another 2011-2013 and have not activated the map DVD, you can call MBUSA and they will go into the system and change the VIN so the DVD will work with the new car so you won't have to make a second purchase. Of course this situation will be extremely rare.

wilassasin

Based on the link SNOVVMAN posted this also apllies to 2010 models, so all you guys with 2010 models this goes for you as well.. One code install per vehicle.

snovvman

Thank you. Credit goes to konigstiger and steveb9771 for pointing out the >MY10 issue and konigstiger for providing the manual excerpt. All I did was quote.

Based on the information in this thread, I assume this is how it works:

1) The DVD is generic (which makes sense and is what I would expect). It can be encoded or truly encrypted. Either way, it is not plainly accessible.

2) The code you get is a hash of your VIN or some other unique information about your specific vehicle.

--At this point, the code alone should be enough to "unlock" the map. The code just needs to be a legitimate calculated value for the COMMAND system to confirm its validity. M-B goes one step further.

3) I assume, once you enter the code, the car uses the data connection to check with M-B's system that you are in fact installing the map on the intended vehicle. This is why you can simply call M-B and ask for a new code to have an unactivated map reassigned to another car.

--If they did not implement step 3, someone can simply break the cipher and generate the appropriate code for the map.