Bootloader active!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 78
Likes: 6
2015 s550
Bootloader active!
Earlier today I got the 'Bootloader Active" message on the infotainment screen of my 2015 S550. . I did google this and got a whole lot of varied information regarding what this is and how to possibly fix it. So, my two questions are whether anyone on here has gotten this message and what was needed to get it fixed. I will appreciate any and all responses.
Earlier today I got the 'Bootloader Active" message on the infotainment screen of my 2015 S550. . I did google this and got a whole lot of varied information regarding what this is and how to possibly fix it. So, my two questions are whether anyone on here has gotten this message and what was needed to get it fixed. I will appreciate any and all responses.
Now the question is, how did this happen.
Anyway, we can help replace your unit for super cheap (-80%) compared to the dealer if the one you have is deceased
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 78
Likes: 6
2015 s550
@BenzNinja I saw your response but am not sure if I fully understand what you are saying. Is this 'bootloader active' a common occurance in the w222? And does it usually mean that the entire unit will need replacing, or is there something that the dealer can do to possibly reset the unit? I am scheduling an appointment with tne local Benz dealer for this week but I would appreciate any advice you can provide regarding how I can possibly proceed with this.
Last edited by Djackson13; Nov 4, 2024 at 09:25 AM. Reason: Adding info
@BenzNinja I saw your response but am not sure if I fully understand what you are saying. Is this 'bootloader active' a common occurance in the w222? And does it usually mean that the entire unit will need replacing, or is there something that the dealer can do to possibly reset the unit? I am scheduling an appointment with tne local Benz dealer for this week but I would appreciate any advice you can provide regarding how I can possibly proceed with this.
We can reflash it no problem
Bootloader means occurs in general when a update went wrong, so in a flashing situation
Anyway, even if it's bad, we can have you buy a 12 times cheaper used unit from ebay program, flash, activate maps. also virgin and lock it to your vin
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 357
Likes: 56
From: Bucks County PA not far from the Delaware River North & East of Philly by an hour.
‘68 Pontiac convertible, ‘71 Corvette 4 spd, ‘20 Accord Touring, 06 Duramax crew-c
Dealer can't
We can reflash it no problem
Bootloader means occurs in general when a update went wrong, so in a flashing situation
Anyway, even if it's bad, we can have you buy a 12 times cheaper used unit from ebay program, flash, activate maps. also virgin and lock it to your vin
We can reflash it no problem
Bootloader means occurs in general when a update went wrong, so in a flashing situation
Anyway, even if it's bad, we can have you buy a 12 times cheaper used unit from ebay program, flash, activate maps. also virgin and lock it to your vin
You have a very confusing way of addressing problems MB forum members post about their cars. I get you’re here to make a buck, but perhaps if you know what caused the problem answer that if so inclined - then make an offer for your services. It’s just my opinion but if you took the time to explain how your services work instead of leading with “How much we save” right off the bat you would have a great many more clients.
I received several emails from you but when I ask for a simple explanation I never hear back from you.
“We can have you buy a 12 times cheaper used unit from ebay program”
You have a very confusing way of addressing problems MB forum members post about their cars. I get you’re here to make a buck, but perhaps if you know what caused the problem answer that if so inclined - then make an offer for your services. It’s just my opinion but if you took the time to explain how your services work instead of leading with “How much we save” right off the bat you would have a great many more clients.
I received several emails from you but when I ask for a simple explanation I never hear back from you.
You have a very confusing way of addressing problems MB forum members post about their cars. I get you’re here to make a buck, but perhaps if you know what caused the problem answer that if so inclined - then make an offer for your services. It’s just my opinion but if you took the time to explain how your services work instead of leading with “How much we save” right off the bat you would have a great many more clients.
I received several emails from you but when I ask for a simple explanation I never hear back from you.
Advanced tests require special knowledge and tools you'll get at BenzNinja
And there are many possible!
Second, MB will in no case help and get it out of boot. They will just charge you a new head Unit
Simple,
On a dead head unit case.
On a head unit reset case, MB won't program; they sell a new unit
On a head unit bootloader case, MB won't program; they sell a new unit.
5k-6k at the dealer + labor
The unit from eBay can get as low as $270.
For lifetime members, all repairs, repair coding, and repair flashing are free.
For renters, we have the HU repair package at $400
This should be enough information to get in touch and ask more questions by using our online form at www.benzninja.com
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 743
Likes: 228
From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
Earlier today I got the 'Bootloader Active" message on the infotainment screen of my 2015 S550. . I did google this and got a whole lot of varied information regarding what this is and how to possibly fix it. So, my two questions are whether anyone on here has gotten this message and what was needed to get it fixed. I will appreciate any and all responses.
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Joined: May 2011
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From: Fort Worth TX
2020 S560, 2014 SLK55 (Prev. 2016 S65, 2013 SLK350, 2008 CLS63, 2006 E350, 2006 CLS500, 2005 C230K)
The bootloader is a basic part of the firmware used to startup the unit.
If you are getting this, your command is not able to boot into the actual software because it's missing or corrupted.
If this happened on it's own it is likely the hard drive in the unit is failing and the official fix will be a new unit.
If you are getting this, your command is not able to boot into the actual software because it's missing or corrupted.
If this happened on it's own it is likely the hard drive in the unit is failing and the official fix will be a new unit.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I had a similar issue with my 2014 C350 with NTG 4.7 COMAND HU. It locked up and needed an unlock code. Not sure why it locked up, it just did. I do have a BenzNinja membership and BenzNinja was able to retrieve the security code from Mercedes and unlock my HU. He did have me run diagnostics on the HDD first to make sure it wasn't failing. In the engineering menu, there is an option to test the HDD.
I'm not sure how much of a DIYer you are, but having a BenzNinja Club membership is certainly a very good investment because of the tools, software, and professional services you get.
I'm not sure how much of a DIYer you are, but having a BenzNinja Club membership is certainly a very good investment because of the tools, software, and professional services you get.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 493
From: Spain UTC/GMT +2 hours
W213 All-terrain
If there is a corrupted SW or a wrong SW flashed, yes the dealership can programme the unit very cheap, but more likely if the OP did not manipulate any SW for the Comand a physical part like the NAND memory become stuck and need to be changed or unlocked with specialised tools.
Nowadays this happens very often to NTG5 units like the one used in old w205 and w222
Nowadays this happens very often to NTG5 units like the one used in old w205 and w222
If there is a corrupted SW or a wrong SW flashed, yes the dealership can programme the unit very cheap, but more likely if the OP did not manipulate any SW for the Comand a physical part like the NAND memory become stuck and need to be changed or unlocked with specialised tools.
Nowadays this happens very often to NTG5 units like the one used in old w205 and w222
Nowadays this happens very often to NTG5 units like the one used in old w205 and w222
Keep talking
Maybe in Romania, your country, but not in the USA
100% of the hundreds we saved have been told to buy a new Head Unit
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From: Spain UTC/GMT +2 hours
W213 All-terrain
I just give an argument about what happens with HU5.
USA is very far from Niger or Nigeria, here there are official Mercedes workshops and they use absolutely the same Mercedes procedures like in any other countries that has official dealersAt any official dealer, the technician only had to press "Continue" on Xentry test and the system will do the rest, completely automatically, without any smart or dumb technical opinion. If Xentry will not complete the flashing, of course the message 'a new unit is needed " will come at the reception desk for client to be informed. Here is a thread where OP need an advice and most important, the rest of readers want to learn. If you sell something, stick to selling section. Here you are spam.
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Spain UTC/GMT +2 hours
W213 All-terrain
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Are you OK?
I just give an argument about what happens with HU5.
USA is very far from Niger or Nigeria, here there are official Mercedes workshops and they use absolutely the same Mercedes procedures like in any other countries that has official dealersAt any official dealer, the technician only had to press "Continue" on Xentry test and the system will do the rest, completely automatically, without any smart or dumb technical opinion. If Xentry will not complete the flashing, of course the message 'a new unit is needed " will come at the reception desk for client to be informed. Here is a thread where OP need an advice and most important, the rest of readers want to learn. If you sell something, stick to selling section. Here you are spam.
I just give an argument about what happens with HU5.
USA is very far from Niger or Nigeria, here there are official Mercedes workshops and they use absolutely the same Mercedes procedures like in any other countries that has official dealersAt any official dealer, the technician only had to press "Continue" on Xentry test and the system will do the rest, completely automatically, without any smart or dumb technical opinion. If Xentry will not complete the flashing, of course the message 'a new unit is needed " will come at the reception desk for client to be informed. Here is a thread where OP need an advice and most important, the rest of readers want to learn. If you sell something, stick to selling section. Here you are spam.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,556
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Dealer can't
We can reflash it no problem
Bootloader means occurs in general when a update went wrong, so in a flashing situation
Anyway, even if it's bad, we can have you buy a 12 times cheaper used unit from ebay program, flash, activate maps. also virgin and lock it to your vin
We can reflash it no problem
Bootloader means occurs in general when a update went wrong, so in a flashing situation
Anyway, even if it's bad, we can have you buy a 12 times cheaper used unit from ebay program, flash, activate maps. also virgin and lock it to your vin
Jumping to solutions and fixes before explaining the problem is not helpful.
Can this be fixed by a reset/reboot? If not, what are the normal next steps?
Dealer or Indy?
What is the likely cost for just a diagnostic?
Based on the result, can the headhunt be re-flashed or is a replacement suggested?
If the head unit is bad and requires replacement may not be an issue if there is any extended or 3rd party warranty,
Clearly, in the US it is rather common that a dealer will recommend replacing modules even if they could be re-flashed. Service, after all is the primary source of profit at a dealership and we have all seen that dealers love to sell new pads and rotors during standard service without requiring either.
But it helps to get some numbers. A new units will cost $XXX, using a used one from Ebay, etc. costs approximately $XX but may need additional labor in installation and maybe software services. Few owner will bother trying to rip their dashboard apart for that.
If software services can be offered for a fix, offering a price range is a good idea including what conditions are offered if the attempt fails. I think many members will appreciate that.
Agreed that this is a confusing response.
Jumping to solutions and fixes before explaining the problem is not helpful.
Can this be fixed by a reset/reboot? If not, what are the normal next steps?
Dealer or Indy?
What is the likely cost for just a diagnostic?
Based on the result, can the headhunt be re-flashed or is a replacement suggested?
If the head unit is bad and requires replacement may not be an issue if there is any extended or 3rd party warranty,
Clearly, in the US it is rather common that a dealer will recommend replacing modules even if they could be re-flashed. Service, after all is the primary source of profit at a dealership and we have all seen that dealers love to sell new pads and rotors during standard service without requiring either.
But it helps to get some numbers. A new units will cost $XXX, using a used one from Ebay, etc. costs approximately $XX but may need additional labor in installation and maybe software services. Few owner will bother trying to rip their dashboard apart for that.
If software services can be offered for a fix, offering a price range is a good idea including what conditions are offered if the attempt fails. I think many members will appreciate that.
Jumping to solutions and fixes before explaining the problem is not helpful.
Can this be fixed by a reset/reboot? If not, what are the normal next steps?
Dealer or Indy?
What is the likely cost for just a diagnostic?
Based on the result, can the headhunt be re-flashed or is a replacement suggested?
If the head unit is bad and requires replacement may not be an issue if there is any extended or 3rd party warranty,
Clearly, in the US it is rather common that a dealer will recommend replacing modules even if they could be re-flashed. Service, after all is the primary source of profit at a dealership and we have all seen that dealers love to sell new pads and rotors during standard service without requiring either.
But it helps to get some numbers. A new units will cost $XXX, using a used one from Ebay, etc. costs approximately $XX but may need additional labor in installation and maybe software services. Few owner will bother trying to rip their dashboard apart for that.
If software services can be offered for a fix, offering a price range is a good idea including what conditions are offered if the attempt fails. I think many members will appreciate that.
Thank you.
Sometimes what you do since long seems logic but then you discover that no one understands (average user).
I am always pleased to hear these remarks in order to make corrections.
