Software upgrade debacle
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 792
Likes: 23
From: Atlanta
06 E55 Black
Software upgrade debacle
I took the car in to fix a rattle and I was informed that a software upgrade was required I believe due to the current recall.
The factory installed head unit wouldn't take the software download so Germany said replace the head unit.
The head unit was replaced. The software download was delayed due to a final module not loading properly. That eventually worked.
In the course of finalizing everything the technician entered the wrong odometer reading. Odometer inputs are locked down and not permitted to be corrected by the technician and must be referred to Germany.
Germany is unable or refuses to fix the odometer reading and suggests a new head unit be ordered. Presumably they don't want to be on the hook for any odometer rollback issues.
Once the new head unit is installed the process will repeat. I haven't heard back on how long it'll take to get a new head unit in.
The factory installed head unit wouldn't take the software download so Germany said replace the head unit.
The head unit was replaced. The software download was delayed due to a final module not loading properly. That eventually worked.
In the course of finalizing everything the technician entered the wrong odometer reading. Odometer inputs are locked down and not permitted to be corrected by the technician and must be referred to Germany.
Germany is unable or refuses to fix the odometer reading and suggests a new head unit be ordered. Presumably they don't want to be on the hook for any odometer rollback issues.
Once the new head unit is installed the process will repeat. I haven't heard back on how long it'll take to get a new head unit in.
Last edited by regor60; Jun 15, 2026 at 11:47 AM.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 33,312
Likes: 6,607
I took the car in to fix a rattle and I was informed that a software upgrade was required I believe due to the current recall.
The factory installed head unit wouldn't take the software download so Germany said replace the head unit.
The head unit was replaced. The software download was delayed due to a final module not loading properly. That eventually worked.
In the course of finalizing everything the technician entered the wrong odometer reading. Odometer inputs are locked down and not permitted to be corrected by the technician and must be referred to Germany.
Germany is unable or refuses to fix the odometer reading and suggests a new head unit be ordered. Presumably they don't want to be on the hook for any odometer rollback issues.
Once the new head unit is installed the process will repeat. I haven't heard back on how long it'll take to get a new head unit in.
The factory installed head unit wouldn't take the software download so Germany said replace the head unit.
The head unit was replaced. The software download was delayed due to a final module not loading properly. That eventually worked.
In the course of finalizing everything the technician entered the wrong odometer reading. Odometer inputs are locked down and not permitted to be corrected by the technician and must be referred to Germany.
Germany is unable or refuses to fix the odometer reading and suggests a new head unit be ordered. Presumably they don't want to be on the hook for any odometer rollback issues.
Once the new head unit is installed the process will repeat. I haven't heard back on how long it'll take to get a new head unit in.
How did they mess up the odometer, imagine them doing a bank transfer and entering an additional digit, don't they verify before pressing ok?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 792
Likes: 23
From: Atlanta
06 E55 Black
Yes I couldn't believe that there isn't apparently some kind of red light flashing to double check the entry of the odometer before it is locked in because in effect it bricks the unit absent Germany being willing to adjust and send the files which apparently they're not willing to do.
And of course I'm not happy that they're dismantling the dash assembly twice now and I emphasized my concern that this dismantle and install process doesn't itself introduce noises and that they make sure every clip is secure and so forth.
The original noise to be addressed was a vibration in the headliner above the rear window, which the service advisor said they were addressing by installing insulation in that area
I'm also going to verify before I drive off that the odometer reading is within a reasonable mileage reflective of test driving of the car when I put it in the shop .
And of course I'm not happy that they're dismantling the dash assembly twice now and I emphasized my concern that this dismantle and install process doesn't itself introduce noises and that they make sure every clip is secure and so forth.
The original noise to be addressed was a vibration in the headliner above the rear window, which the service advisor said they were addressing by installing insulation in that area
I'm also going to verify before I drive off that the odometer reading is within a reasonable mileage reflective of test driving of the car when I put it in the shop .
Last edited by regor60; Jun 16, 2026 at 01:44 PM.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 33,312
Likes: 6,607
Yes I couldn't believe that there isn't apparently some kind of red light flashing to double check the entry of the odometer before it is locked in because in effect it bricks the unit absent Germany being willing to adjust and send the files which apparently they're not willing to do.
And of course I'm not happy that they're dismantling the dash assembly twice now and I emphasized my concern that this dismantle and install process doesn't itself introduce noises and that they make sure every clip is secure and so forth.
The original noise to be addressed was a vibration in the headliner above the rear window, which the service advisor said they were addressing by installing insulation in that area
I'm also going to verify before I drive off that the odometer reading is within a reasonable mileage reflective of test driving of the car when I put it in the shop .
And of course I'm not happy that they're dismantling the dash assembly twice now and I emphasized my concern that this dismantle and install process doesn't itself introduce noises and that they make sure every clip is secure and so forth.
The original noise to be addressed was a vibration in the headliner above the rear window, which the service advisor said they were addressing by installing insulation in that area
I'm also going to verify before I drive off that the odometer reading is within a reasonable mileage reflective of test driving of the car when I put it in the shop .
Member
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 118
Likes: 18
W214 E350
Head unit replacement was somewhat common; I know a few of us had it done. What sucks for you is the slip-up of the technician fat-fingering by entering the wrong ODO reading.
Hope they gave you a decent loaner in the meantime!
Hope they gave you a decent loaner in the meantime!
