When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
2021 S500 (Mojave Silver), MB S400 (wife), BMW 750Li (passed on to kids)
Mercedes Me hardware not installed BS by Dealer
Hi, as some of you might know I have a W223 MY21 (December 2020 production). It's loaded with every option available at time of production except the rear cooling box (fridge?).
My issue is with Mercedes Me. When I start the car the Mercedes Me "splash screen" shows up. In my region (ME) it was not activated. Since I received my car in May 2021 I have been complaining to dealer and have received various excuses which keep changing with time (wild excuses which would make your head spin). The last excuse back in mid-2023 was region would be active in early 2024. I called dealer last week and latest excuse is my car is not doable and would have to buy/exchange for the new 2025 S class (facelift?) available later this year!!! Dealer says my car doesn't have the Mercedes Me HARDWARE.
I find this incredibly hard to believe. I'm almost positive my car has the hardware and probably just needs a software update and of course activation when available. I just need the proof to show him (other than the start up splash screen). Going through the options codes there isn't one specifically for Mercedes Me but I'm assuming because it comes standard.
Any thoughts/assistance would truly be appreciated.
Country (Saudi Arabia). But I don’t think country has relevance to the issue.
It was not available in your region for the past few years; I saw a few posts in the past about the same, and Mbenz-Tiwtter (X) in your region confirmed just last year that they are yet to add it for that region (do a quick search). I would not be surprised if it's still the same in 2024. Unfortunetly, you will not get any hardware updates or remote services without the Me app. The problem is not Mbenz corporate, I think it's the local entity the handles the the regional business of Mbenz in your area.
2021 S500 (Mojave Silver), MB S400 (wife), BMW 750Li (passed on to kids)
Originally Posted by S_W222
It was not available in your region for the past few years; I saw a few posts in the past about the same, and Mbenz-Tiwtter (X) in your region confirmed just last year that they are yet to add it for that region (do a quick search). I would not be surprised if it's still the same in 2024. Unfortunetly, you will not get any hardware updates or remote services without the Me app. The problem is not Mbenz corporate, I think it's the local entity the handles the the regional business of Mbenz in your area.
Yes, I totally understand and agree with you. My issue is dealer says when it does become available, I can’t get it on my car. Says I have to buy a new MY2025 W223!!
I find that very hard to believe.
Yes, I totally understand and agree with you. My issue is dealer says when it does become available, I can’t get it on my car. Says I have to buy a new MY2025 W223!!
I find that very hard to believe.
That's also true. They handle all these logistics in your area, and I feel that they would intentionally make no plans to get the W223 1st gen covered to force people to upgrade. Also, the car was sold WITHOUT that service already, so it makes sense that they will NOT add a new service that was not originally a part of the original sale. Honestly am shocked that a car like Benz still does not have an App support in your area. It's something I use everyday to pre-condition (heat/cool) my car on all my cars.
2021 S500 (Mojave Silver), MB S400 (wife), BMW 750Li (passed on to kids)
Originally Posted by S_W222
That's also true. They handle all these logistics in your area, and I feel that they would intentionally make no plans to get the W223 1st gen covered to force people to upgrade. Also, the car was sold WITHOUT that service already, so it makes sense that they will NOT add a new service that was not originally a part of the original sale. Honestly am shocked that a car like Benz still does not have an App support in your area. It's something I use everyday to pre-condition (heat/cool) my car on all my cars.
Is it a hardware or software upgrade?
If hardware, can it be retrofitted?
Is it a hardware or software upgrade?
If hardware, can it be retrofitted?
That’s not what am saying. I am saying that even if the hardware exists, the entity managing your region doesn’t seem to be willing to extend the service to current cars that were already sold without that service (when/if the service becomes available for the W223 facelift). I guess this also matches what’s they told u, regardless of the true reason.
Several levels to this. First off as said above, Mercedes me hasn't been offered in Saudi Arabia thus far. In your region only the UAE had Mercedes me from what I remember. I once had a link that listed all supported countries, but looks like MB took down that page. Since Mercedes me wasn't available in Saudi Arabia, the car will unlikely have the HERMES module installed. This is the required module that handles the communication such as the LTE connection. Technically, MBUX can tether to your phone for the required data connection, so you can try that if the features is enabled in your region. It's somewhere under the connection management settings. But lastly, even if you can get a working data connection, unless Mercedes decides to support Me for older models in your region, you won't be able to activate the services. The MB servers won't accept your VIN and will refuse to activate the services. You'll be able to use the built-in web browser in MBUX if you manage to get the data connection working via your phone, but that's about it. There is a chance since Mercedes me is available in the UAE that you might be able to activate it once you've got a working data connection.
Last edited by superswiss; Jan 27, 2024 at 04:29 PM.
2021 S500 (Mojave Silver), MB S400 (wife), BMW 750Li (passed on to kids)
As I previously mentioned, Mercedes Me will be offered in Saudi Arabia from MY2025.
Having said that, my issue is with my MY2021. As mentioned, I’ve had numerous discussions/arguments with local (sole!!) dealer. Bottom line is, dealer states when it is offered/activated in MY2025, they will activate it in my car IF the hardware is pre-installed. He doesn’t seem to be aware if or if not it is actually installed.
When I start my car I get the Mercedes Me splash screen asking me to “Activate Mercedes me.” See attached pic.
Isn’t that a tell-tale sign that it’s installed (but not active)?
For arguments sake, let’s assume the proper hardware isn’t currently installed in my car, its not retrofittable??
@superswiss I think you mean UAE (United Arab Emirates).
Last edited by Sonic Boom; Jan 27, 2024 at 03:36 PM.
As I previously mentioned, Mercedes Me will be offered in Saudi Arabia from MY2025.
Having said that, my issue is with my MY2021. As mentioned, I’ve had numerous discussions/arguments with local (sole!!) dealer. Bottom line is, dealer states when it is offered/activated in MY2025, they will activate it in my car IF the hardware is pre-installed. He doesn’t seem to be aware if or if not it is actually installed.
When I start my car I get the Mercedes Me splash screen asking me to “Activate Mercedes me.” See attached pic.
Isn’t that a tell-tale sign that it’s installed (but not active)?
For arguments sake, let’s assume the proper hardware isn’t currently installed in my car, its not retrofittable??
@superswiss I think you mean UAE (United Arab Emirates).
Yes, UAE of course. I was doing some USB stuff right before and must have gotten my wires crossed . No, the splash screen doesn't necessarily mean the hardware is installed. The hardware is essentially just a mobile Wi-Fi gateway. You'll still get that splash screen even if MBUX doesn't actually have an Internet connection. It's pretty easy to find out what hardware is installed, though. You just need the build sheet for your car. Your dealership should have no problem pulling this up if you don't have a copy yourself. I requested it for my car back when I placed the order. In the W223 the module isn't called HERMES anymore. It's a newer generation, but I forgot what the new acronym is. It should still say communications module something. You can also try one of the online VIN decoders such as lastVIN.com, but many of them seemed to have stopped working with newer VINs, but they used to show the complete list of options installed for a particular VIN.
Last edited by superswiss; Jan 27, 2024 at 04:32 PM.
2021 S500 (Mojave Silver), MB S400 (wife), BMW 750Li (passed on to kids)
Originally Posted by superswiss
Yes, UAE of course. I was doing some USB stuff right before and must have gotten my wires crossed . No, the splash screen doesn't necessarily mean the hardware is installed. The hardware is essentially just a mobile Wi-Fi gateway. You'll still get that splash screen even if MBUX doesn't actually have an Internet connection. It's pretty easy to find out what hardware is installed, though. You just need the build sheet for your car. Your dealership should have no problem pulling this up if you don't have a copy yourself. I requested it for my car back when I placed the order. In the W223 the module isn't called HERMES anymore. It's a newer generation, but I forgot what the new acronym is. It should still say communications module something. You can also try one of the online VIN decoders such as lastVIN.com, but many of them seemed to have stopped working with newer VINs, but they used to show the complete list of options installed for a particular VIN.
Thanks @superswiss for your valuable insight. I just reviewed my specs and noticed:
I previously assumed this just meant no telephone!!
So million dollar question is can it be retrofitted?
Thanks @superswiss for your valuable insight. I just reviewed my specs and noticed:
I previously assumed this just meant no telephone!!
So million dollar question is can it be retrofitted?
Ah, yours is a pandemic car. There was a shortage of the communication modules during the pandemic chip shortage, so many cars were built without it. Your car may be missing other modules as well. The chip shortages affected a bunch of features. Looks like your car was supposed to have it. Mercedes offered a retrofit for affected vehicles once the supply was available again and I know here in the USA affected owners were contacted and got the module installed. In your case since the module is currently effectively non-functional, MB isn't gonna spend the money to retrofit it. You might be able to get them to install it once Mercedes me is officially available in Saudi Arabia.
2021 S500 (Mojave Silver), MB S400 (wife), BMW 750Li (passed on to kids)
Originally Posted by superswiss
Ah, yours is a pandemic car. There was a shortage of the communication modules during the pandemic chip shortage, so many cars were built without it. Your car may be missing other modules as well. The chip shortages affected a bunch of features. Looks like your car was supposed to have it. Mercedes offered a retrofit for affected vehicles once the supply was available again and I know here in the USA affected owners were contacted and got the module installed. In your case since the module is currently effectively non-functional, MB isn't gonna spend the money to retrofit it. You might be able to get them to install it once Mercedes me is officially available in Saudi Arabia.
It might of been a “pandemic” car but I was lucky to get all the features others have complained not getting such as Ambient Light, Massage Seats, Energizing, etc. Nothing was missing.
But regarding the Communications Module, assuming dealer won’t pay for retrofit, is it technically doable (at a reasonable cost)? I’m willing to pay, I just need to known if it’s actually retrofittable?
PS How did you assume its a “pandemic” car? From the ‘SAK’ code?
PS How did you assume its a “pandemic” car? From the ‘SAK’ code?
Yes, the SAK code. The module is technically retrofittable given that MB themselves retrofitted them on affected vehicles. You could contact some of the remote coders such as RJ Automotive to see if they offer it as a retrofit.
2021 S500 (Mojave Silver), MB S400 (wife), BMW 750Li (passed on to kids)
Originally Posted by superswiss
Yes, the SAK code. The module is technically retrofittable given that MB themselves retrofitted them on affected vehicles. You could contact some of the remote coders such as RJ Automotive to see if they offer it as a retrofit.
I’m in Saudi so RJ Automotive probably can’t help.
But couldn’t the MB Dealer do it?
Also, if SAK code is for “affected” vehicles aren’t they obligated to retrofit?
The main issue is the service itself for your specific car. Almost all cars sold in your region don’t have the module or were sold with no intentions to ever offer the service. Hence, the new service when it becomes available would likely only support the newer W223 facelift with MBUX Gen-3 anyway. It might be a waste if time to even think about retrofitting it when the service itself isn’t even available, and likely won’t be available later for 1st gen W223 in your region.
I’m in Saudi so RJ Automotive probably can’t help.
But couldn’t the MB Dealer do it?
Also, if SAK code is for “affected” vehicles aren’t they obligated to retrofit?
RJ Automotive ships worldwide and the coding is done remotely. They'll send you an adapter to connect to the OBD port of the car and your laptop and then they do the required coding from their end. You will have to install the hardware yourself, though, or find somebody who can install it for you.
MB isn't obligated to anything unless it's a safety related issue that resulted in a recall. This is all voluntary on their part.
2021 S500 (Mojave Silver), MB S400 (wife), BMW 750Li (passed on to kids)
Originally Posted by superswiss
RJ Automotive ships worldwide and the coding is done remotely. They'll send you an adapter to connect to the OBD port of the car and your laptop and then they do the required coding from their end. You will have to install the hardware yourself, though, or find somebody who can install it for you.
MB isn't obligated to anything unless it's a safety related issue that resulted in a recall. This is all voluntary on their part.
1) It begs the question, how was the recall done in the US for missing “pandemic” parts/chip shortages you referred to in previous post, if wasn’t safety related?
2) What does option code SAK stand for? Might help me with dealer.
3) If I have to order the Communications Module, would anyone happen to know parts/numbers?
1) It begs the question, how was the recall done in the US for missing “pandemic” parts/chip shortages you referred to in previous post, if wasn’t safety related?
2) What does option code SAK stand for? Might help me with dealer.
3) If I have to order the Communications Module, would anyone happen to know parts/numbers?
Apologies for all the specific questions.
Why don't you post the VIN of your car, forum members could check if you have any hardware missing, no need to speculate so much about that.
I'm guessing the HW is present and if it wasn't, it would not help to retrofit the HW if the local MB organisation does not want to support your car. No car hacker can activate the service on the MB servers.
2021 S500 (Mojave Silver), MB S400 (wife), BMW 750Li (passed on to kids)
Originally Posted by Diesel Benz
Why don't you post the VIN of your car, forum members could check if you have any hardware missing, no need to speculate so much about that.
I'm guessing the HW is present and if it wasn't, it would not help to retrofit the HW if the local MB organisation does not want to support your car. No car hacker can activate the service on the MB servers.
OK, I was wrong again. The car does not have the communications module. The option code SAK is for this, never seen that code before.
PS. I cannot see why the module could not be retrofitted equally to many workshops now upgrade an existing 3G communications module to a 4G one. The activation of the module and the service is the issue.
Last edited by Diesel Benz; Jan 28, 2024 at 06:25 AM.
2021 S500 (Mojave Silver), MB S400 (wife), BMW 750Li (passed on to kids)
Originally Posted by Diesel Benz
OK, I was wrong again. The car does not have the communications module. The option code SAK is for this, never seen that code before.
PS. I cannot see why the module could not be retrofitted equally to many workshops now upgrade an existing 3G communications module to a 4G one. The activation of the module and the service is the issue.
Does anyone know what SAK stands for? Might help me with dealer. I’m wishfully hoping it means was not installed due to shortage :-)
Activation/service I’ll deal with later since dealer “promised” would do when available in country.
Now I just need all the part numbers/nomenclature required.
Does anyone know what SAK stands for? Might help me with dealer. I’m wishfully hoping it means was not installed due to shortage :-)
Activation/service I’ll deal with later since dealer “promised” would do when available in country.
Now I just need all the part numbers/nomenclature required.
Thanks in advance!
I wonder if you ask the MY2021 GLC thread if their build sheets said SAK and if they received the Hermes module a year later when they came back in stock. I recall a decent amount of GLC owners not receiving Hermes, receiving a $300 credit because of the missing part, and then recieved a letter about a year later about Hermes availability and installation. Other alternatives to RJ Automotive for coding are @EleBest (Singapore) and BenzNinja.
Does anyone know what SAK stands for? Might help me with dealer. I’m wishfully hoping it means was not installed due to shortage :-)
Activation/service I’ll deal with later since dealer “promised” would do when available in country.
Now I just need all the part numbers/nomenclature required.
Thanks in advance!
SAK is just an internal factory code denoting the deletion of the communication module. It doesn't have a particular meaning. It's just an option code. As said above, the deletion of these standard options during the pandemic due to parts shortages came accompanied by a credit against the MSRP of the car. Then later the affected owners were contacted that they can bring their car in to retrofit the module. However, the communication module deletion was the only deletion that had a later retrofit option. All other deletions that happened during the pandemic were permanent deletions.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
. No, the splash screen doesn't necessarily mean the hardware is installed. The hardware is essentially just a mobile Wi-Fi gateway. You'll still get that splash screen even if MBUX doesn't actually have an Internet connection. It's pretty easy to find out what hardware is installed, though. You just need the build sheet for your car. Your dealership should have no problem pulling this up if you don't have a copy yourself. I requested it for my car back when I placed the order. In the W223 the module isn't called HERMES anymore. It's a newer generation, but I forgot what the new acronym is. It should still say communications module something. You can also try one of the online VIN decoders such as lastVIN.com, but many of them seemed to have stopped working with newer VINs, but they used to show the complete list of options installed for a particular VIN.
