SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: mbrace control module

Old Jun 26, 2013 | 10:27 AM
  #1  
j68's Avatar
j68
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeland, MS
S550, E400, 560SL
mbrace control module

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!
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2013 | 02:58 PM
  #2  
pdjv's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
2011 E550, 2008 SL55 AMG
Lots of modules

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?
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2013 | 05:20 PM
  #3  
j68's Avatar
j68
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeland, MS
S550, E400, 560SL
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
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2013 | 10:02 PM
  #4  
pdjv's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
2011 E550, 2008 SL55 AMG
Originally Posted by 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
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.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2013 | 05:18 PM
  #5  
kensan's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
2009 SL63
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?
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2013 | 10:18 AM
  #6  
fournote's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
SL550
Mbrace Software

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.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2013 | 11:14 AM
  #7  
DNewton's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Tacoma, WA
2008 SL600, 1971 Chevrolet Pickup, 2016 Corvette ZO6 Convertable
MBrace Software

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.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:37 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE