S580 Rear Tablet Not Connecting to Car – Fix
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Supercharged CLK500,ML500,S580
S580 Rear Tablet Not Connecting to Car – Fix
I performed a factory reset on the MBUX console after a map update and the rear tablet no longer connected to the car; I have a 2021 S580 with a Gen 1 rear tablet. I took it to the dealer to have it looked at and they updated the car with the latest MBUX firmware 2.6.1 (I was waiting for this update, my old firmware was from 2023), asked me to update the firmware on the tablet and connect my car to the internet (I connected the car to my phone's WiFi hot spot). My car now connects to the car and MBUX/tablet has all the latest software/apps.
The steps are listed in NHTSA report LI82.85-P-074392, PDF is attached to this post. The NHTSA report doesn't mention that the car needs to be connected to the internet for the initial setup handshake between the car and the tablet. Below is the summary of the NHTSA procedure with the internet connection steps added:
Prerequisites:
The steps are listed in NHTSA report LI82.85-P-074392, PDF is attached to this post. The NHTSA report doesn't mention that the car needs to be connected to the internet for the initial setup handshake between the car and the tablet. Below is the summary of the NHTSA procedure with the internet connection steps added:
Prerequisites:
- Ensure the tablet has the latest software update (Settings → System Update).
- Make sure the car’s MBUX firmware is up to date (dealer usually does this, they updated my car to version 2.6.1).
- Car must have temporary internet access (either via a data plan or your phone’s Wi-Fi hotspot).
- Connect the car to the internet (e.g., enable your phone’s hotspot and pair it in the car’s Wi-Fi settings).
- Restart the tablet completely.
- Place the tablet into the cradle while it’s restarting.
- Let the tablet boot up and perform its initial sync, you should now see it connect properly to the car.
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Joined: Jun 2025
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From: USA
Excellent post. This is crucial info that's missing from the official bulletin. The internet connection for that initial handshake is the key that most owners and dealers miss. Without it, the tablet and car cannot communicate to complete the pairing after a reset. Your detailed steps with the prerequisites are spot on and will save others the dealership trip. Thanks for sharing the solution.
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