S_W222

I wonder if anyone tried to ask or have an answer? Since it's just a theme or template, why Mercedes doesn't offer and upgrade for the command system, colors and theme on the screens for the 14-17 W222? or maybe a theme/upgrade similar to that of the 18-20 W222? I know the new one have some different functions, but 90% of the options on the command system on the screens is almost the same (so am just referring to the theme/colors and templates). For instance, since it's a screen, they can simply design any theme, allow the map to be seen on the main screen like Audi, rather than right screen only, and so many other nice features can be added (or at lease copied from the >2018 version to the 14-17 version).

Is there any reason why this can't be done or at least offered like a software update?

Finally, would it be possible now or in the future to replace the two separate screens with one similar to that of the newer models >2018? Has anyone done that? I saw some shops in Japan and China who has offered that but it must be an aftermarket screen I guess......I also saw aftermarket screen with built-in apps, in-motion video, youtube, and other functions beside the same original functions of the original screen.

I don't like the rear lights of the new models and believe the 14-17 models have a much nicer rear lights. I don't have any preference for the front lights, both are just gorgeous, am personally more inclined toward the older headlights though (I know many of few might disagree regarding front, but most people would agree that rear lights are nicer on the old models).

I don't want to upgrade to the new model for several reasons: 1. I've had my car for years now and want to keep it cause I know it, 2. the difference in "purchase" value doesn't worth it, so maybe screen and steering upgrades cost less than the purchase/trade-in difference. 3. Prefer to invest the money in a the new W223 (2020/221) after 2 years of it's release date (to buy used one), so I need to keep with my current car for 3 more years at least.

ygmn

I think the question you should ask is:

Why should MB do anything for older sold cars?

S_W222

@ygmn that's right, but this is exactly what am referring to... Why not? If it's something that has already been programmed and worked on for the 2018 model, then why not to offer to the 2017 model? Iphone/Samsung are still releasing software updates to their phones that are 6 years old! I also had a Lexus, and they were offering upgrades up until 4 years of it's release date (screen upgrade)

Streamliner

I believe most all car makers are ONLY interested in building an attractive product, which will perform well and keep their customers satisfied over the course of the warranty period and to then sell them a NEW car. They want you to DESIRE all those new bells & whistles, that are ONLY available on the new models. They don’t want you to be happy & satisfied with your “old” car, no matter how “new” it may be.

as.thompson

Even more needed than Comand System updates are Navigation System updates. The built-in Nav System gets out of date so fast and MBZ doesn't do anything to keep it current with software updates. If our phones can keep up to date our cars certainly should too!

ygmn

I wish they would update it... but
alas you have go to dealer and BEG and/or have an issue with something for them to even look for software upgrades on any of the computers in the car.

MTrauman

Well atleast now MB is doing automatic over the air Navi Map Updates. My ‘19 S63 has been updated numerous times since my European Delivery last fall.

MTrauman

+1

S_W222

+2

flint350

How did you become aware of this happening - did you check the "nav info" screen for latest updates?

as.thompson

No auto updates happening on my 2016 S550 Coupe. In fact they told me at the dealer, when I was recently in for routine service, that I had my last free update at 3 years.

ygmn

gotta buy the newest car to get over air MAP UPDATES...

MTrauman

The set up occurs on Mercedes Me for the automatic updates. My function is set up for automatic updates for the East Coast. When this occurs I get a notification on the COMAND screen that it was done automatically on such and such a date. One can also verify the date it was automatically done on Mercedes Me. Actually pretty neat!

MTrauman

Yep. Just like stream said above—they want you to buy the NEWEST car. Mine is a 2019. Can’t recall the year this over the air automatic map downloads started but it may have been with 2019 model year.

OnlyGerman

Mercedes is behind in this area, BMW's older idrive versions such as NBT, released in 2013, is still overall modern. It is still supported as well.

JohnDoeMB

I would gladly pay $1K+ for command updates to the latest versions and distronic plus algorithm enhancements.

S_W222

Exactly! If costumers are willing to pay for such updates that why not to offer such services!!!!

places

Because they want you to buy a new car. Cars are becoming like iPhones, the latest and greatest.

MTrauman

This whole thread has a simple answer—manufacturers of cars and dealers that sell and service them have been there to sell and service the car to increase profits PERIOD. Maybe in the future the manufactures and dealers will move away from the famed economist Milton Friedman (uncle Milty as one of my economic professors stated to me over thirty years ago) theories of the main responsibility of corporations to increase profits to focus more on customers, employees, etc as the world moves away from some of the basic tenants of corporations. Seems like the car business has been slow to move away from the fundamental basics of economics to adopt a new world order of focusing on employees and customers. With that said some great dealerships are focusing on customers and employees but it seems like the manufacturers are much slower to focus on customers.

WEBSRFR

If you want the car's user interface and software to be upgraded with the latest software for free whenever a new release comes out, you bought a car from the wrong manufacturer

The issue here is that these legacy cars were never built with seamless software updates in mind. The car has many disparate components and modules with all sorts of dependencies that are not designed to be updated remotely and even when limited updates are available, it is typically done at the dealer with a direct connection to the car. I'm sure a future Mercedes, perhaps the EQS(?), will be designed with the ability to update the software though. Sooner or later they will have to offer the ability for Mercedes customers to receive software updates to improve features in the car, as that's what's offered by the competition.

You all should read this Ars Technica article about what the VW Group is doing basically rewriting their entire software stack to create a modern car Operating System that supports software updates. It is a major effort and the article quotes VW putting together a group of about 5,000 people to do this and they expect a modern car OS in VW cars in about 2025.

https://arstechnica.com/cars/2019/09...rule-them-all/

Aa007

Interesting. Thanks!!