SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: New R231 Member - Wifi

Old Mar 23, 2018 | 01:54 PM
  #1  
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Exclamation New R231 Member - Wifi

Hi guys,

I am new to this forum but not to Mercedes Benz.
We have owned over 30 Mercedes cars over the past 20 years, and we cannot get enough from them.
Since 2010, I started realizing my dream in making an SL collection, and so far I have nailed an all original early 67 250SL, an 82 280SL and a 2013 SL350, all Euro and matching numbers/original. I live in the Middle East.

Since today was a weekend day in this part of the world, I tried to tinker for the first time today with the head unit of my 2013 SL350, and specifically with the data connection.
My aim is to try to update the maps and the HU software in general... and was able to connect temporarily by downloading the trial version of the BlueDUN software (Bluetooth)... but the extent of it was simply a partial connection to COMAND Mercedes and that was it.

While googling, they mention the WIFI module in the Settings, which I couldn't find at all. And while connecting through my phone, tried to access hotmail, gmail, ebay, etc... and the HU would give me "unsecure connection" thingy and that's it.
Downloaded COMAND Touch app from playstore on my phone, but never worked and asked me to have the Wifi enabled in my car. What am I missing here? It is not in Settings or anywhere else...

Haven't seen such a weak system in a modern car, compared to BMW and Audi.

Any help? Just need to open Hotspot on my Android phone and have my car HU connect to it via Wifi.
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Old Mar 26, 2018 | 06:07 PM
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Smile Welcome to the forum Silver Spear !!

I have not updated my 2013 SL550 , but will look to update the navigation maps in the near future.
For US models, the process is straightforward through the dealerships. I believe that the charge is around $250 to $300.
My factory bluetooth will easily pair with phones and ipads, etc. for audio. The built-in Wi-Fi system is embarassingly slow.
I'm not aware of the Wi-Fi module that you mentioned, but it might be involved with Embrace , by subscription.
I think that Embrace is worldwide..but I hear that your phone is significacantly faster.
Maybe some other members are aware of your issue and can assist. Anyway, welcome!!
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Old Mar 27, 2018 | 07:00 AM
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What I meant, when I go to "Settings" in my HU, I have no "Wifi" option to choose there.
Not sure what to do about this...
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Old Mar 27, 2018 | 07:55 PM
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New R231 Member -Wi Fi


My Import/Export Data is grayed out and there is no mention of "Wi-Fi" anywhere in the menu. I'd need to dig deep into the manual to try to activate the menu... I agree ...the system is cumbersome and weak....
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Old Mar 28, 2018 | 02:50 AM
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I have exactly the same thing.
If you google the Wifi thing in 2013 mercedes, most of them you can see in this same drop down menu the term "WIFI".
I suspect our units are not WIFI capable maybe.
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Old Mar 28, 2018 | 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Silver_Spear
I have exactly the same thing.
If you google the Wifi thing in 2013 mercedes, most of them you can see in this same drop down menu the term "WIFI".
I suspect our units are not WIFI capable maybe.
I would agree with that. I have a '16 and have never seen WiFi anywhere on any of my screens.
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 12:01 AM
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Here we go...

Systems differ between the US and other markets in the world, especially when it comes to Internet access, hotspots, Mbrace, etc.

Here are a couple of pics from the 2017 system (US). I believe that Wifi hotspots were available earlier on Europe models but I never bothered to check when driving them...
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 06:37 AM
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Damn... who knows about these units other than someone who works for Mercedes.
Maybe there is a programmable hardware unit that can be added to the system to make it WIFI capable.
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Silver_Spear
Hi guys,

I am new to this forum but not to Mercedes Benz.
We have owned over 30 Mercedes cars over the past 20 years, .
Impressed...... 1.5 new MB every year! With that kind of money, I'd pay somebody to fix it
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 11:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Silver_Spear
Damn... who knows about these units other than someone who works for Mercedes.
Maybe there is a programmable hardware unit that can be added to the system to make it WIFI capable.
Hotspot/Wifi vary by country as the systems are different. Instead of using google, have you looked in your printed manual? You should have a leather pouch with all manuals and a CD as well. If you have it, you can check if there is any reference to it. Which country did this car come from?
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 08:53 AM
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Originally Posted by rorywquin
Impressed...... 1.5 new MB every year! With that kind of money, I'd pay somebody to fix it
Its called flipping cars for a profit...
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 08:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
Hotspot/Wifi vary by country as the systems are different. Instead of using google, have you looked in your printed manual? You should have a leather pouch with all manuals and a CD as well. If you have it, you can check if there is any reference to it. Which country did this car come from?
Good idea, didn't bother looking inside the pouch. Thought it is something straightforward, either there is or isn't.
Besides, I think manuals are general taking into consideration that cars have all options until a specific year if not mistaken.

My car is for the Gulf market.
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Old Apr 1, 2018 | 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Silver_Spear
Its called flipping cars for a profit...
Well done! Do you sell used cars?
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Old Apr 3, 2018 | 11:32 AM
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Originally Posted by rorywquin
Well done! Do you sell used cars?
Well... yes and no.
I always aim towards special Mercedes with rare options. People simply ask me if I am willing to sell and will accept most of the time.
At one point in time, I had a Brabus kitted 1992 E300 imported from Belgium. Not sure if the engine was modified though, but the car seemed faster than normal black engined E300's.
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