j68

Just purchased 2008 SL550. Went to MB dealer to have software update, and they indicated hardware module was bad and needed to be replaced. Total installed cost ~$1,850. What options do I have to acquire replacement module for less than $1,360 (part only)? Thanks!

pdjv

It might help if you could provide a little more detail. Why did you think it needed a software update? Which module/system was tested and found defective?

j68

mbrace said software update required; may have to do with move from tele-aid to mbrace (separate 3rd party provider). When taken to MB dealer, they spent three hours trying to update software, then concluded, together with techs from MB, the hardware module was bad and needed to be replaced. From pics I've seen, it appears module is either from Motorola or Continental. Part alone via dealer is ~$1,350

pdjv

How odd. I doubt the move from Tele-Aid to mBrace had anything to do with it. It's possible the selling dealer did an update on my CPO 2008 SL55, but all I had to do to make the change was agree to the service terms and pay the fee. $1350 sounds pretty high - I'd try for a second opinion.

Does your car have a bluetooth module? If that's the problem, and not something buried deep in the console, you can get a replacement for under $400 - do a search online.

kensan

when i bought my 2009 SL63 and purchased the MBrace subscription, they also had to do a software update. it was to change from Tele-Aid to MBrace (Tele-Aid, i believe was On-Star Service, MBrace is Hughes Telematics (someone else might be able to confirm this)). if you just purchased it, i would push for the dealer to replace the module... was it CPO?

fournote

When I bought the lifetime Mbrace deal, I had to get the TeleAid to Mbrace software updated on my 2007 SL550. This is a free update, but when I took it to the dealership, they said they were having trouble communicating with my car because of issues with the front SAM unit on my car. They eventually got it to work so the whole update was no cost to me. I later had the same issue with another problem which resulted in me getting the front SAM unit replaced.

DNewton

I have a 2008 SL600 while on warranty there was a update required, it was provided at no cost. It seems to me it was related to the MBrace-Tele-Aid change.