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Now you guys are on a roll here's another potential tweak that would give a mild graphic improvement (its sits inside the standard small TTU tuner in the boot). Also wondering if the clock fix would impact any ability to try going forward on TTU software again?
My original TTU failed and I swapped it out for later NTG3.5 unit, this was plug and play and has been in the car and worked perfectly for 3 years (the same part is still recommended as the replacement for the original NTG 3 TTU) Its the same part with exactly the same functionality, menu choices and operation. What it gets is mildly upgraded graphics that just looks a bit more polished and professional, I wonder if this is another little update that could be applied?
Info on old and new module and the changes.
Later facelift NTG3.5 unit TTU (has been in the car for 3 years running NTG3.5 software - they are plug and play) Part 2219003402 Merc ID 2218205289 HW 05.32 SW 10.02 FW 2219024402
OLD Unit TTU (failed) Part 2218202889 Merc ID 221xxx HW 05.32 SW 09.42 (updated during bird’s eye update in 2014 and reflashed on the above part in October 2019) FW 2219027901
I was trying to resolve an issue with Radio failing to mute after module updates this year, we flashed the standard software back to the unit using telematics disc below taking around 20 minutes (its had no affect, other than downgraded graphics)
2168274159_0001 or 2218270065_0001
I don't like the inferior downgraded graphics on the comand screen that comes with the NTG3 TTU unit, (I had better ones for last 3 years) nothing changes functionality wise and the mute bug is not impacted at all. So all I got was the poorer graphics What’s now missing with the earlier firmware
1)Very subtle third colour change in the colours on screen which makes the “focus area” more obvious when going between screens and functions (say when in the tuner slider vs the top and bottom areas of the screen)
This works like a charm. Had no problem extracting, burning to a CD or entering engineering mode to do the update. I tried to set the date right after in command and only the year would stick but I returned to the car a couple of hours later and the date was correct. Thanks Polar Bear!.
I am just glad to help fellow W221 owners that felt they were left out in the cold with this bug! I don't deserve all the credit, but it has been something I have been researching from the day it started and wanted to make it available.
Now you guys are on a roll here's another potential tweak that would give a mild graphic improvement (its sits inside the standard small TTU tuner in the boot). Also wondering if the clock fix would impact any ability to try going forward on TTU software again?
My original TTU failed and I swapped it out for later NTG3.5 unit, this was plug and play and has been in the car and worked perfectly for 3 years (the same part is still recommended as the replacement for the original NTG 3 TTU) Its the same part with exactly the same functionality, menu choices and operation. What it gets is mildly upgraded graphics that just looks a bit more polished and professional, I wonder if this is another little update that could be applied?
Info on old and new module and the changes.
Later facelift NTG3.5 unit TTU (has been in the car for 3 years running NTG3.5 software - they are plug and play) Part 2219003402 Merc ID 2218205289 HW 05.32 SW 10.02 FW 2219024402
OLD Unit TTU (failed) Part 2218202889 Merc ID 221xxx HW 05.32 SW 09.42 (updated during bird’s eye update in 2014 and reflashed on the above part in October 2019) FW 2219027901
I was trying to resolve an issue with Radio failing to mute after module updates this year, we flashed the standard software back to the unit using telematics disc below taking around 20 minutes (its had no affect, other than downgraded graphics)
2168274159_0001 or 2218270065_0001
I don't like the inferior downgraded graphics on the comand screen that comes with the NTG3 TTU unit, (I had better ones for last 3 years) nothing changes functionality wise and the mute bug is not impacted at all. So all I got was the poorer graphics What’s now missing with the earlier firmware
1)Very subtle third colour change in the colours on screen which makes the “focus area” more obvious when going between screens and functions (say when in the tuner slider vs the top and bottom areas of the screen)
I will take a look at it and see if there is anything I feel I can assist with. I may take a little time, though, as I am on a tight schedule at the moment. Will update PM or update this post if I discover something.
Here is a link to the update and instructions for use in a .ZIP file to update your COMAND NTG 3.0 to fix the ongoing date/time issue and setting of the analog clock.
This is my contribution to the W221 community and is the work of several people to get the NTG 3.0 clock and date bug fixed again.
If you decide to install this fix, I would be interested in hearing the outcome. I am hoping for 100%!
I got it burned right today the disc and everything work perfect so many thanks Polar Bear
Im so freaking happy finally there is solotion, and really disappointed at mercedes for not fixing this , we need more guys like you
I got it burned right today the disc and everything work perfect so many thanks Polar Bear
Im so freaking happy finally there is solotion, and really disappointed at mercedes for not fixing this , we need more guys like you
Thank you for the complements, and I am happy to help fellow W221 owners.
I do want to comment on why I personally believe that MBUSA, Daimler AG, and/or Harmon-Becker did not proceed with a fix.
The NTG 3.0 was the first COMAND device that had to be updated using 1) a Telematics Update CD-ROM, and 2) Star Diagnostics/Xentry Diagnostics, and 3) a Daimler Username and Password for performing Control Unit Programming and SCN coding. I think it is fair to say that the general public lacks one or more of these.
The COMAND units sold in vehicle prior to the NTG 3.0 were updated on the COMAND itself using a Service Update CD that could be ordered from the parts department at your Mercedes-Benz dealer, and the process to carry out the update was on the jewel box insert (in the case of a W211 COMAND, you held down the three buttons 1+3+8 and the COMAND screen changed to UPDATE MODE. Then you were instructed to insert the CD-ROM, and it would display your current firmware version, the version detected on the CD-ROM, and asked you to confirm the upgrade/downgrade. You simply selected the option to proceed and after a few minutes the COMAND would be updated to that version.
The NTG 3.0 complicated matters as 1) It is a much more advanced device, and 2) the Telematics disc updated all devices on the MOST fiber ring - SDARS, Tuner, DVD Changer firmware, Amplifier, SDS (Voice Recognition), etc. Also, the new method of performing the update was more difficult due to the requirement of the Star Diagnostics device to be connected to the vehicle. The online username and password logged into Xentry Flash and checked to to see what the part number of the current Telematics release was that was applicable to your vehicle. If you have an early production 2007 US W221, the COMAND will not display the VIDEO option, and will not play DVD-Video discs. Shortly after the vehicle was debuted, an update for the COMAND was released that added several functions and bug fixes, including DVD-Video playback when in Park and the vehicle stopped, a new "Birds-Eye-View" Navigation map option, Traffic Information over FM subcarriers free of charge - (the European owners are familiar with this), the expanded SiriusXM channel lineup after Sirius and XM merged, etc. This update literally took close to 45 minutes to carry out, and the vehicle obviously had to have external power from a battery charger. There are reports that many dealers would not even perform this, claiming 1) they knew nothing about any updates, 2) it was a risky procedure and could brick the COMAND, and if that happened the customer was responsible for any costs incurred, 3) they knew the update existed and had everything to do it, but since this was a new way of updating the Navi system in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, came up with a reason to not do it as they were not confident enough to attempt it.
So, I believe in the end working out the logistics of a mass-update of COMAND software for the 2007-2009 cars was a daunting task scheduling these customers to their local dealer to have the update performed, who would pay for the labor involved (would the customer be charged since the vehicle is out of warranty? Would it be a goodwill claim?). There are many variables that come into play.
Some may wonder "Why didn't they release an update like you did?" That would require them releasing the information to people that would include many not very technically minded, and they would likely have a difficult time accessing this menu, and once they did could select the wrong option and brick their COMAND, likely leaving liability on one whoever orchestrated the firmware updates.
This is all speculation of course.
The individuals that participate on forums like this are typically enthusiasts, and they come here to learn more about their vehicle or share information or ask questions. It is clear in the instructions it is not sponsored by Daimler AG, MBUSA LLC, or Harmon Becker and they cannot be held liable for any damaged caused if you elect to attempt this, and it is 100% at your own risk. I think the forum members understand this, and know if they feel comfortable enough to carry out the update, and how much the software bug bothers them. This lets them decide, and provides them with a solution if they wish to try it. I am very glad that the success reports have been extremely positive, and was happy to make this available.
(And I hope it does not put me on Daimler AG, or MBUSA LLC's crap list, and perhaps they will even be happy it was released!). If for some reason they request me to remove the fix for legal reasons, I would of course immediately comply. So far that has not happened.
Thanks a lot, man. I know how hard it can be to develop such a fix. Just one question: will it work on CL63 AMG (C216)? It seems to have the same COMAND system.
Just a question , when you read fault codes after the update in star , does you also say error on comand ? mine says wrong software , the update went perfect and working , maybe it is because im in europe maybe ? what does you guys say when reading fault codes in das ?
Thanks a lot, man. I know how hard it can be to develop such a fix. Just one question: will it work on CL63 AMG (C216)? It seems to have the same COMAND system.
Just a question , when you read fault codes after the update in star , does you also say error on comand ? mine says wrong software , the update went perfect and working , maybe it is because im in europe maybe ? what does you guys say when reading fault codes in das ?
Just a question , when you read fault codes after the update in star , does you also say error on comand ? mine says wrong software , the update went perfect and working , maybe it is because im in europe maybe ? what does you guys say when reading fault codes in das ?
I do indeed see the one you are referring to. This is a result of the COMAND software discovering that the GPS file installed is newer than the other firmware files that accompany the Telematics Update, and gives this notice because it could be a result of a failed complete Telematics update if that is what one was attempting to do.
It suggests to remedy the error to reattempt the Telematics update again (which we do not want to do because it would revert back to the bad GPS file that the CD overwrote to fix the issue, and we know it is not in a "Standard status").
As long as you are not observing and regressions, glitches, etc., that were not there prior to the update, this message is benign. If for some reason you did, you could potentially perform full update from the CD provided by the dealer, which should downgrade it to the last full release (with clock and date malfunction).
I do indeed see the one you are referring to. This is a result of the COMAND software discovering that the GPS file installed is newer than the other firmware files that accompany the Telematics Update, and gives this notice because it could be a result of a failed complete Telematics update if that is what one was attempting to do.
It suggests to remedy the error to reattempt the Telematics update again (which we do not want to do because it would revert back to the bad GPS file that the CD overwrote to fix the issue, and we know it is not in a "Standard status").
As long as you are not observing and regressions, glitches, etc., that were not there prior to the update, this message is benign. If for some reason you did, you could potentially perform full update from the CD provided by the dealer, which should downgrade it to the last full release (with clock and date malfunction).
Here it is on mine below, for those interested:
my message little diffrent, think its my europe version , was just curious , it doesn't bother me the code , I'd rather have the clock work
I will be away from the forums a little while to take time to catch up with “life.” I feel the feedback from this has been overwhelming positive enough to the point I no longer have to be overly concerned that we may see bricked units and pull the fix to protect devices.
I will be checking in here and there to help in the W221 groups and asking questions of my own, but have some other items to work on that require attention in the near term.
Thank you to everyone that tested this code and took the time to report feedback. A small, but very frustrating annoyance has now been put to rest!
and, I can report it works on a UK vehicle. leaving the car idling, dead simple to get in secret menu, 10mins to update, then it reboots itself
As soon as I could navigate to the time and date settings they were 100% spot on with real time and date, then went to region (UK) and reselected daylight saving and the analogue clock span round to match the correct time.
One oddity, I was not at home when I did the update and going straight back in to the Nav menu showed the car stuck at my home address where I had started the vehicle today.... and after 5 mins it was still there.... I then drove 100m and it woke up and has worked with ETA, and TCM working as usual ever since. And oddly somehow it put a funny icon of my home address in the list of recent destinations. I'm guessing its some clever way you could have the garage that does the repair highlighted ? (I deleted it)
Before the car was stuck 6 months out of date, till I'd battery reset the analogue clock 6 months ago and that killed that date till it was fixed in 2003 and until this software update was stuck there.
who came up with Vespucci …. he was the guy that found the Americas in the 1500's ? Was this a nice little extra from the guys in the USA that sorted this out for us or an interesting choice by Merc originally
This fix working in Finland too! Got latest available Telematics update and then updated Polar Bears update. Clock stays st time and date are correct everytime. Big issue is fixed, finally. Very happy to see right ETA, when using navi with latest maps.
This fix working in Finland too! Got latest available Telematics update and then updated Polar Bears update. Clock stays st time and date are correct everytime. Big issue is fixed, finally. Very happy to see right ETA, when using navi with latest maps.
so you never had 3d birds eye mapping.... for car driving that's a far bigger win.... you can see so much further up the road and see traffic issues way ahead
so you never had 3d birds eye mapping.... for car driving that's a far bigger win.... you can see so much further up the road and see traffic issues way ahead
i writed wrong. I mean that i have updated latest telematics long time ago. I mean only the install sequence. I have used Birds eye immediately after telematics update. I don’t know why that feature haven’t been in NTG3 since releasing the car.
BTW my car S500 2005 early production. Imported from Germany to Finland.
10-30-2019, 03:43 PM
so many thanks Polar Bear
