pmercury

iTrader: (2)

Update Your Mercedes Module Software

Automobiles have always been comprised of a complex system of parts that work together to allow it to function appropriately; this is especially true of vehicles today. Over time, the evolution of cars has progressed into the age of technology. The most advanced vehicle technology, as seen in high-end luxury automobiles and performance autos alike, allows drivers to experience technology in their everyday commutes. Mercedes-Benz is one of the top vehicle manufacturers in the country that employs the most recent technological advances in their automotive engineering and design. Although computers have existed in Mercedes automotive engineering for decades, vehicle functioning and performance is now reliant upon computers and technology more so than ever before. Therefore, just as it is necessary to update your computer at home in order for it to function at its best, Mercedes owners must also commit to updating their vehicle computer software too. It helps to understand why updating your Mercedes software is important, so here’s a little more information on how technology contributes to your vehicle’s functioning:

Systems that Software Potentially Affects

Most of us don’t realize how many of the systems in our vehicle are monitored or controlled with technology; just know that there are more than we can name! Of course the obvious software-controlled systems like radio controls, navigation, and temperature control have made their way into the digital age and need updates from time-to-time in order to function at their best. Beyond these obvious systems, you might be surprised to hear that your Mercedes relies on software to effectively manage emission controls, powertrain functions, Engine Management, Transmission and even safety systems like anti-lock brakes and airbags. Furthermore, vehicle manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz have encountered problems that have lead to other recall issues related to the vehicle’s computer and software. It is critical to stay abreast of any recalls related to your particular Mercedes, and you can do this by directly contacting your vehicle manufacturer.

Here a usual case today where I updated 5-6 modules OFFLINE, engine, cluster, some Sam's and more with my system and a custom database on a W221
R230, W220 and W215 often have very important updates for Engine, CGW, ESP, Transmission and +













This is a fact

chad500sl

Can a R230 (2005) be upgraded to the latest module programming using a C3 multiplexer?

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

to latest no
problem is not the C3 but that C3 only runs Das or Xentry up to 2015

Seven Out

My 10/2008 software can do it with a C3.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

not with a database later than 2008
question was "Can a R230 (2005) be upgraded to the latest module programming using a C3 multiplexer?"

sivikvtec

Can you explain the difference between online and offline programming in basic layman’s terms?

I keep hearing this terminology and have an idea of what it probably means but it would be nice to completely understand.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

Sure, with Xentry/Das only, in simple words
modules contain firmware, firmware options codes and Variant coding settings
if you have a important module dead, you would need SCN coding online to get the right data back in it with correct options
Offline coding is upgrading a module's firmware from a local database instead of connecting online and pay, it is also possible to set some options codes offline, depending car and year

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

Here the same car but online coding







https://mybestdealers.com

Seven Out

What is the date of the most current firmware for the engine on a 2005 SL500? I reckon that would be for ME2.8

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

Sincerely, I have a personal database with 15GB containing them all up to 2019 but never looked up dates. the firmware does not show the date when you upgrade, just a long number.
please look up you engine ecu sticker and send me a picture, I will lookup as this is always interesting. I have a friend who developed a special lookup dos tool recently. Occasion to try it out
or if you have Xentry/Das, go to the ecu page ECU info and paste me that.

Seven Out

If you do not know the date of the file, then how can you possibly know whether or not I can flash the file?

From Windows Explorer you can see the date of the file.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

1 its automated
2 you can not trust the dates as it is a custom database

this tool I have is supposed to find the compatible firmware


see here, a example folder for 2.8 AMG
several updates all dated 2014 500KB each, My database is 15GB

Seven Out

It's true that the date of the firmware and the file are often different, but they do not differ by more than a few months. But never mind that. What you do is open the firmware file in Windows Notepad and in the header you will see the date of the firmware.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

no, look at my edit above
I you go on denying everything I say I will stop the conversation here. I don't need to prove anything.

Seven Out

Pardon me if I neglect to scroll up to read an edited response.

You can open each of those files you show in Windows Notepad and read the date of the firmware in the header. That header will also reveal the system to which the firmware belongs.

Oh, and Chad's car is not an AMG car. So do look at a .cff file for his car.
.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

yes
you are right, forgot that





problem is that then you'll have to go search all the CCF's many dates are the same there too

but something I never worked on is that maybe I can test modifying DAS 2008 or other C3 versions to accept read newer databases and so create a installer for you using these versions
problem with this is that I do not have a non updated ECU for testing and see if automation works

I would need a volunteer with old DAS and never updated ECU then remotely test with anydesk

chad500sl

Can someone give a quick tutorial about how to check module versions and update them using DAS? Nothing too detailed, just what menus to look at. I have a working 2012 DAS setup. Although old, it may have many updates for my 2005 car. I expect others are in the same situation, C3 with an old car. If I found the right 2015 version, I could conceivably get 10 years worth of updates.

I think there are many people who value DIY. DIY includes understanding and running the software yourself.

Seven Out

It's said that a good lawyer never asks a question he doesn't know the answer to...

The most recent firmware for a 2005 SL500 engine is February 4, 2008. So, my free 10/2008 Star Diagnosis software could flash that firmware to Chad's 2005 SL500 using a C3 multiplexer.

It's really quite simple. If there is a need, later this week I'll make a video.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

MBCO

As most MB enthusiasts know, MB vehicles produced in this century are for the most part mobile networks of fiber optic, copper wire, wireless communications, with layered Computers, sensors, relays, switches and software driven modules. No doubt, thousands of lines of code are needed to create this mobile environment AND, linking to databases with as-built configuration part serial numbers in the MB datacenters to support our machines. This environment can scare many away, but I admit, it was one of the characteristics that made me buy. 50 years in business relating to software, computers, networks gives a unique perspective, admittedly.

My 2 experiences:

2007 R230 SL550 30k miles purchased 2 years ago. Dealer maintained on “calendar cycle” not mileage. Clean Carfax. Drove 2 years before purchase of MB Star DAS. Besides, ABC flush and other diagnostics that indicated only old stored fault codes, I discovered a very clean car. In addition I discovered the Star system has the capability to assess the current level of the vehicle’s software and provides the upgraded “drivers.” We all have smartphones and computers that get upgraded software, why not MBs? Took the plunge, and amazed at the difference in performance. 3 modules had updated versions available: Engine, Transmission and ABC suspension. Outcome after update: More torque in all gears. Higher RPM shift points. SMOOTH up and down the gears. This 13 year old car got new found youth.

2012 W221 S550 4-matic 100 k miles purchased 9 months ago. 1 owner dealer maintained, pristine condition mechanically and cosmetically. Again, DAS indicated few stored faults and software updates available. I updated the ECU and transmission. For the first 50 miles I experienced moderate but noticeable improved throttle response. All was well until CEL light came on for the first time ever under my ownership. OK, DAS shows MED 177 Fuel injection control unit fault. Here is the GREMLIN. The computer is looking for the Trim Codes (unique serial number of the injector) so that it can “tune the ignition/fuel delivery” to the as-built engine components. Very good if that data existed. The MB central databases do not contain these serial numbers (at least for my VIN). So, to cure this, I need to remove the fuel rail and each injector and note the injectors’ serial number and enter that into DAS for the cylinder to which it resides. LESSON to share with those who upgrade FI firmware, note the serial numbers of the injectors before you upgrade software. You will need these after the upgrade.

So, I would like feedback from the forum: Should you upgrade or not? Why don’t MB dealer service departments do this as a matter of course? (Yeah, gremlins, I know, things they want to avoid).

Would greatly appreciate advice on Fuel injector removal. Have WIS instructions, just need to know if any tips and techniques are in the forum.



See post #16 for details on this MBworld link, definitely worth a read: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-involved.html

bobterry99

I would probably update a 722.9 transmission, particularly if I was less than thoroughly pleased with its shift behavior. As for engine, I have a 2003 '55 and a 2003 '500, and I am not going to update either. By 2003 the M113 engine had been in production for 4 or 5 years, and it seems to me any firmware update could be related to emissions and diminish performance ever so slightly. I'm reminded how the early M120 engine made over 400 horsepower but for emissions full-throttle enrichment was reduced and horsepower fell to c. 389.

danmm7

My car has a tuned ECU and TCU + smaller SC pulley. The tune was done by Race IQ and I am very happy with the results.

What will happen to my tune if I proceed to update the software in my SL55?

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

it probably won't upgrade and tell you there is no upgrade
depends on if they put a custom firmware
this can be the case for good tunes
not recommended to try update on tunes I always refuse
maps are in a separate eeprom

for the rest, I have upgraded douzens of SL's 2004-2009
all had 100% positive feedbacks as more power and better shifting
other modules like ABC are corrections probably to avoid damage

don't even dream of doing this with the chinese Xentry software

MBCO

Thanks for sharing. I was not un-pleased with anything on my SL (sorry for double negative). To me, it was a decision based on risk/reward. New software drivers on my phone and computer have always improved things. Automobile software has the same promise. Unfortunately for auto software engineers, not as many use cases, scrums and releases in the auto world. They prefer to move on to Hardware/Software (Command versions) re-engineered for obsolescence on "older platforms"

In the end, I think it will be worth the upgrade, I'll work around the issues and hope for the best. Just like every time I hit the yes on "update Now?" on my other software driven devices.

Bobterry99, how would you know to avoid a system upgrade offer (Engines you site and the plethora of other MB engines out there)? If offered a menu of update, you would pass because????

bobterry99

First, let's clear be clear about one thing: The topic is software updates, and an update is not necessarily an upgrade. As I explained in my prior post, the update to the M120 software in the early '90s robbed that engine of c. 20 or 30 horsepower. With a growing emphasis among auto manufacturers toward reduced emissions, I think an engine ECU update is as likely to be deleterious as beneficial.

I definitely would not risk an ABC upgrade. For MY2007 and later the ABC firmware is calibrated for improved handling presumably at the expense of comfort. I don't want that, and an update to an '03 plausibly may do just what I don't want.

One might be inclined to update a module based on the experience of another member. I believe this is a mistake. In many instances related to automotive performance a driver can not resolve small differences, though they believe they can. Couple that fact with the Placebo Effect and you have a recipe for notoriously unreliable subjective evalutation. This reminds me of a member named Omeyhomey and his infamous pulley.

Omeyhomey offered the forum a much-lightened pulley which he claimed to improve fuel economy by 2-3 MPG and increase horsepower by c. 10%. The forums received his product enthusiastically. One member had purchased one and reported that his "butt dyno" could really feel the improved acceleration. But I and others were skeptical. Once you knew the diameter of the pulley and the masses of the original and lightened pulleys it was an elementary exercise in physics to prove the gain in horsepower. In the case of Omeyhomey's pulley under the most favorable circumstances the gain was an insignificant .4 (4/10ths) of a horsepower.

Finally, have you ever had your car in service at the dealer and known them to miss an opportunity to sell you something your vehicle needs? Of course not. Now, when was the last time a service advisor recommended that you update the firmware of your vehicle?