Internet Connection / App Problems
#26
MBWorld Fanatic!
I now have confirmed that the connection speed is slower than molasses in January in Siberia with the vintage of 1995.
I tested my S class internet connection speed this morning. I used my Apple MiniIpad. My test locatation was Wexford, PA off the Interstate 79 and Route 910 exit. The test stated I connected to a server in Wichita, KS with a company called Pexius Communications LLC.
THIS IS WERE YOU BETTER BE SITTING DOWN. The speed was a pathetic .15Mbps download and .19 Mbps upload. I think this is the speed when Al Gore invented the internet.
I will have to say that my internet radio has been working a little better since about last Wednesday. You may recall I called MBUSA last week to complain. It seems like my internet radio has worked better ever since. Maybe a coincidence or maybe not. I am hoping MBUSA and Verizon Telematics are reading this because other potential S Class owners will be looking towards what the new S class first adapters say.
Also, when the internet radio works it is awesome. And the stereo system beats the heck out of the Hamon Kardon that I had in the '08 S550 4matic. And I do not have the rocking Upgraded $6400 system.
I tested my S class internet connection speed this morning. I used my Apple MiniIpad. My test locatation was Wexford, PA off the Interstate 79 and Route 910 exit. The test stated I connected to a server in Wichita, KS with a company called Pexius Communications LLC.
THIS IS WERE YOU BETTER BE SITTING DOWN. The speed was a pathetic .15Mbps download and .19 Mbps upload. I think this is the speed when Al Gore invented the internet.
I will have to say that my internet radio has been working a little better since about last Wednesday. You may recall I called MBUSA last week to complain. It seems like my internet radio has worked better ever since. Maybe a coincidence or maybe not. I am hoping MBUSA and Verizon Telematics are reading this because other potential S Class owners will be looking towards what the new S class first adapters say.
Also, when the internet radio works it is awesome. And the stereo system beats the heck out of the Hamon Kardon that I had in the '08 S550 4matic. And I do not have the rocking Upgraded $6400 system.
#27
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2014 S550, 2011 E350 Cabriolet, Asgard Mothership
I have no inside knowledge of this, but CarPlay surely plays into this. For the Apple folks among us, if the current S550s are retrofitted to use CarPlay (big IF there) and I can use the unlimited data plan in my 4G AT&T phone, why would I ever use the car's MODEM?
If we accept that premise, how could Verizon see MB as a long-term investment when people will just use their phone's data plan. I have to believe this is the way the market is going rather than yet another cell MODEM and data plan. Note I realize the downside to this is that your phone has to be with the car, but c'mon, when is that not the case. So, if you were Verizon, where is the incentive to invest long-term in better resources or development of the MBrace apps?
Again, just pure, good, old-fashioned Internet speculation...
If we accept that premise, how could Verizon see MB as a long-term investment when people will just use their phone's data plan. I have to believe this is the way the market is going rather than yet another cell MODEM and data plan. Note I realize the downside to this is that your phone has to be with the car, but c'mon, when is that not the case. So, if you were Verizon, where is the incentive to invest long-term in better resources or development of the MBrace apps?
Again, just pure, good, old-fashioned Internet speculation...
#29
I agree with Tom, mobile phones are almost always with us so I haven't complained since I don't see the need for the car to have wifi. Car-play should be retrofitted back to 2014 (at least for a modest charge) and also make any data that the car needs have the option of pulling through an "attached" smartphone.
#30
MBWorld Fanatic!
A major flaw and disappointment with my 2014 S550 is its atrocious internet connectivity. Accessing internet radio, for example, is successful less than half the time. It's not a location issue as my iPhone has no problem accessing the internet at the same time. The dealership actually said to me to think of the car's internet access "as the option of last resort" when you don't have access via other devices. For a car with this price tag and emphasis on technology, this is completely unacceptable. I'm told there are many other owners of new S cars who are experiencing these same issues.
A major part of MB's advertising highlighted their internet technology which, given its woefully poor performance, is misleading and false. The dealership advises me that MB is aware of the problem and working on a software upgrade and fix. They better do so quickly.
A major part of MB's advertising highlighted their internet technology which, given its woefully poor performance, is misleading and false. The dealership advises me that MB is aware of the problem and working on a software upgrade and fix. They better do so quickly.
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...h-tuesday.html
#31
Frankly, aside from an integrated modem, I thought MBUSA should've done what Lexus did and allow for Bluetooth tethering. This has its own set of problems, the max data transfer speed of Bluetooth being the chief one.
There are a lot of benefits to having a built-in cellular modem. Much stronger reception since it's hardwired to a built-in antenna in the car(the treated glass not only reduces heat penetration, but negatively affects cellular strength for your phone), and you don't drain battery as much on your phone since you're connected via Wi-Fi. If MB made the modem modular and upgradeable, that'd be pretty close to ideal.
MB did indicate during the W222 press tours last summer that 4G would be coming. Whether it's going to be available to previous MY owners is anyone's guess.
http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/1...l-ever-drive/2
There are a lot of benefits to having a built-in cellular modem. Much stronger reception since it's hardwired to a built-in antenna in the car(the treated glass not only reduces heat penetration, but negatively affects cellular strength for your phone), and you don't drain battery as much on your phone since you're connected via Wi-Fi. If MB made the modem modular and upgradeable, that'd be pretty close to ideal.
MB did indicate during the W222 press tours last summer that 4G would be coming. Whether it's going to be available to previous MY owners is anyone's guess.
In an early production car I drove with integrated cellular WiFi, we could maintain multiple internet connections but throughput was slow. Most likely it was where we tried: in Muskoka, Ontario, a lakes and resort district 125 miles north of Toronto with cell service although not a lot of it. But multiple WiFi connections in a car is not bleeding edge tech, so likely it will work most places. MB execs also hinted that the 3G telematics phone in the S-Class will yield to faster 4G in the future.
#32
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2012 CLS63
this thread is amazing: I can't believe so many of you are complaining about such a small
issue........you all have phones, computers that already go online? why do we need lightning flash internet speed in the car too???
is there not one place we can be free of connectivity?????????
issue........you all have phones, computers that already go online? why do we need lightning flash internet speed in the car too???
is there not one place we can be free of connectivity?????????
#33
MBWorld Fanatic!
this thread is amazing: I can't believe so many of you are complaining about such a small
issue........you all have phones, computers that already go online? why do we need lightning flash internet speed in the car too???
is there not one place we can be free of connectivity?????????
issue........you all have phones, computers that already go online? why do we need lightning flash internet speed in the car too???
is there not one place we can be free of connectivity?????????
![slap](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/slap.gif)
#34
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2012 CLS63
haha, you're doing drugs Sir..........as do I ![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I could care less about my cars slow ***......whatever the hell that is.......
bought it for the car; not the connection to the internet.......
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I could care less about my cars slow ***......whatever the hell that is.......
bought it for the car; not the connection to the internet.......
#36
MBrace Network Not Available
I bought and then promptly sold, a 2012 E350 because the promised Internet connectivity did not exist. Imagine implementing Blue DUN as the interface! I then bought a new 2014 - MBrace Internet has been painfully slow. Often I am home already and it has still not connected while my iPhone alongside with me indicates very good speeds upload and download. Some days, some places it finally grants me a connection and Tune-In radio plays. As of a few days ago Network Unavailable came up yet again. The poor technicians could not tell me whether the Network was up or not (on a previous occassion they actually DID know it was down) I was told that there was an "update" they would download - in my parlance as a telcomm equipment builder this means "bug fix". I still have nothing - I still have Network Not Available. Mercedes Europe I hear allows tethering of ones cellphone as the connection. Here in the USA we are stuck with an outmoded, outdated 3G connection. And no, you can NOT upgrade a 3G system to 4G LTE so us suckers are stuck with 2009 technology in a 2014 car. (Better than the 1992 technology in the 2012 model but still not much use seeing the 2014 3g is slow as treacle and seems buggy, it hardly works). This on a luxury car! Shameful coming from the otherwise proud Germans! From what I can see, after now having owned two Mercedes, Mercedes has not a clue when it comes to producing decent electronics. (see other forum comments for excellent connections on Audi) To upgrade to something that actually works I suppose I have to buy the Next Gen Mercedes when it is released and take another chance that maybe they got it right this time! After about 5 years of gripes from wealthy customers, gripes sprinkled all over the web in forums like this does ANYONE at Mercedes ever read this Forum and take heed or are they so self satisfied and proud to work at Mercedes that the customer comes Last, not First? How about swallowing some pride and hiring some outside software experts? This is a sad state of affairs. The Comand Interface is similarly a clumsy, poorly programmed botch job. Back often takes you back alright, to the beginning! So, another trip to the dealer. Mercedes really owes the community an apology and a speedy fix and update and upgrade of its crappy software! My car itself is fantastic and handles beautifully, it is a masterpiece of mechanical engineering! Yes Mechanical! Mercedes has not a clue when it comes to software! (or the choice of the underlying firmware and hardware) - I'd be better off if the panel displayed my cellphone contents! Look at all the comments on this Forum, this is a downright disgrace! How about rectifying the problems for EXISTING customers for a change instead of fobbing us off and putting so-called upgrades off until they build the next car? MB needs a wake up call! Maybe most Mercedes owners are so wealthy that they don't mind, simply buy a new one? This surely does not include the passionate owners such as those on MBWorld I would hope! Could we send a petition to Mercedes maybe? Signed by all MBWorld members?
Last edited by rockdassie; 07-27-2014 at 01:10 AM. Reason: typos
#37
MBWorld Fanatic!
Rockdassie, I totally agree with you on the Internet speed. It is a disgrace. We have talked about this on numerous occasions. In fact, I started a thread a week or so ago titled "Need an update on WiFi." Take a look at that thread when you have a chance. Hopefully, there will be a significant software upgrade in the not too distant future on the Internet speed associated with MBrace. I know that would make me very happy.
I cannot say I agree with you about the Command Interface in general. Yes, it could be simplified somewhat, but once you get use to it, I think that system is pretty neat.
I cannot say I agree with you about the Command Interface in general. Yes, it could be simplified somewhat, but once you get use to it, I think that system is pretty neat.
#40
I doubt it, if they had put some thought into the design they would have made the cellular data module a plug in - I doubt they did that. I think this is why you see the CarPlay feature delayed on all new benz cars (222, 205) - without a 4G head unit, the app performance is too poor so they aren't bothering to release the feature until the cars get 4G.
#41
MBWorld Fanatic!
I doubt it, if they had put some thought into the design they would have made the cellular data module a plug in - I doubt they did that. I think this is why you see the CarPlay feature delayed on all new benz cars (222, 205) - without a 4G head unit, the app performance is too poor so they aren't bothering to release the feature until the cars get 4G.
#42
It's really hard to get any concrete data on this but there still may be a possibility that MB would provide a 4G module. Here's a pair of articles showing the current module as well as mentions of a 4G upgrade option for the C-Class
http://www.slashgear.com/mercedez-be...s-on-27211025/
http://cars.reviewed.com/news/2015-m...ng-recognition
This portion from the second link is interesting:
Unfortunately, it's really hard to find any concrete answers.
http://www.slashgear.com/mercedez-be...s-on-27211025/
http://cars.reviewed.com/news/2015-m...ng-recognition
This portion from the second link is interesting:
When it hits dealerships around August, the new car will also be getting optional 4G connectivity, according to Michael Martin, assistant product manager for C-Class. The upgrades are a clear indication that Mercedes is gunning for Audi, who has offered handwriting recognition since 2011, and who announced a partnership with AT&T to bring 4G LTE to its lineup at CES last week.
#43
MBrace in the 2014 was doomed from the start. They used a 3G modem (totally obsolete) which can not be upgraded to 4G (LTE). The service is atrocious and slow as treacle in Antarctica, and in the USA we pay for it, in Europe I hear one can tether and use ones cellphone for internet service. My car has been "network unavailable" for three weeks despite attempts to upgrade its software over the internet by the MB Technicians. So, a trip to the dealer so I can look forward to slow and erratic service on my new car! IF they manage to fix it! Mercedes obviously is too aloof to read the excellent posts on this forum!
#44
PETITION MERCEDES TO DOWNLOAD A TETHER OPTION
I see no other choice. If Mercedes did this they could overnight obviate this major design flaw. You could use your cellphone as a hotspot and give the MBrace system great speeds. Furthermore, the system would stay usable and current far into the future, thereby protecting your expensive investment from obsolescence. (Read, the present system will result in lower book values, nobody wants an obsolete system) It is entirely possible to upgrade MBrace via downloads. It is not possible to upgrade a 3G modem to 4G (LTE). I am really ticked at having sold a 2012 which promised Internet after 8 weeks when I discovered it did not, to find my 2014 was designed and built obsolete right out the gate!
#45
I doubt they will allow tethering to your phone even in the 2016, the best you can hope for is a 4G module and the ability to plug a SIM card bundled with your wireless plan, into the car, so you can share your phone data plan with the car's connection.
#46
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223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Now MBUSA buys internet connectivity at a low price (followed by very restricted data rates). If the customer could put his/her own SIM card to the car, MBUSA would loose their MBrace subscribers, wouldn't they?
4G/LTE would neither help if the service agreement remained the same. At least I've understood that the connectivity is currently much worse than what you get from a dual mode (2G/3G) phone with a normal service plan.
3G is capable for 20+ Mbit/s (40+ on dual carrier) and enhancements are on the way. Currently you do not see these speeds because the networks are crowded, congested. LTE looks promising and is much better but not as good as it feels initially. Initially you have a lot of capacity for a few customers but soon LTE will also be crowded and you will hardly get the data rates the current MB 3G modem is capable for...
#47
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2015 S550
After picking up a 2015 S550, i also noticed the internet slowness when my wife connected her Surface Pro 3 to the car's wifi. After contacting Mercedes, I spoke with a tech who told me the honest truth about what was going on. Apparently, to explain this is in simple (non technical) terms, the reason why the connection is slow (albeit 3G) is because the communication path for the data transfer must travel to Europe first (Germany) and then back to the US. In other words, the servers that manage the connections and handle or relay all the data are for some bizarre reason at the moment only in Germany. If the same infrastructure was setup in the US, there would be no major issues with using the internet radio or wifi. It's very UNFORTUNATE Mercedes would do this to its US customers ... no immediate fix is available that I was made aware of. Only alternative for faster wifi is to use the tethering option on your mobile phone.
Last edited by mlewicki; 08-20-2014 at 06:05 AM.
#49
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Slow connectivity is nothing but a service agreement between MBUSA and the service provider (I cannot remember which carrier is used, it has been mentioned at the forum anyway). Just like ordinary phone subscriptions can have different service grades (data rates and gigabytes per month), MBrace has restricted throughput according to that service agreement (can always go lower at extremely poor radio conditions or at extreme network congestion but does not go higher even if the modem was capable for higher speed).
It would be pretty expensive to provide "full speed" to all cars, would make owners abandon MBrace completely. This way MBUSA gets some money even if car owners complain.
#50
I don't believe a word about that explanation. First of all, Euro cars do not use the same approach, instead they use the customer's phone for data connectivity where obviously MB is not involved at all. Why would they build servers to Europe for US cars?
Slow connectivity is nothing but a service agreement between MBUSA and the service provider (I cannot remember which carrier is used, it has been mentioned at the forum anyway). Just like ordinary phone subscriptions can have different service grades (data rates and gigabytes per month), MBrace has restricted throughput according to that service agreement (can always go lower at extremely poor radio conditions or at extreme network congestion but does not go higher even if the modem was capable for higher speed).
It would be pretty expensive to provide "full speed" to all cars, would make owners abandon MBrace completely. This way MBUSA gets some money even if car owners complain.
Slow connectivity is nothing but a service agreement between MBUSA and the service provider (I cannot remember which carrier is used, it has been mentioned at the forum anyway). Just like ordinary phone subscriptions can have different service grades (data rates and gigabytes per month), MBrace has restricted throughput according to that service agreement (can always go lower at extremely poor radio conditions or at extreme network congestion but does not go higher even if the modem was capable for higher speed).
It would be pretty expensive to provide "full speed" to all cars, would make owners abandon MBrace completely. This way MBUSA gets some money even if car owners complain.
I would be happy to be wrong, but have seen companies do things even more short sighted than this. The good news is that if this is the case then the fix is a relatively routine item to do, rolling out strategically placed servers around the globe.
Would love to hear a little more technical details from mlewicki.