Hey guys, I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on this and I'm thinking about buying a pre-owned one. Can anyone tell me if I can flash firmware updates to the older model to being it up to date with the latest model?

TIA

I do believe mine has a USB port for firmware upgrades, but can't confirm what is and isn't compatible...

What does the new firmware get ya?

Yes Scott, you can ...

here is the changelog for the R230 module "STLBMZ1"

http://www.mods4cars.com/m4cupdate/i...BMZ1#cl_anchor


here is a "how to" from the manufacturer on updating
http://www.mods4cars.com/m4cupdate/manual/en.php

Is the used one pretty cheap? I have bought them for $265 (new, including shipping) from Roger at "motivemods" in las vegas (3 of them at that price on separate occasions).

Cheers,
Chris

Hey Chris, I tried to get it from Roger but unfortunately he won't budge on price. The used one I can get would cost me $200. I'll check out the changelog and see.

Roger's website (http://www.motivemods.com/Mods4Cars-...4c-stlbmz1.htm) lists it for $284 which is 5% below list (5% below list is the lowest price that any smarttop dealer is allowed by the manufacturer to advertise for as it turns out). The price I quoted may be a special price that Roger gave me because of my dealings with the smarttop developer Stefan Wilhelmy (previously, I had pointed out some issues that required a software update on their R170 smarttop module and I pointed Stefan in the direction of a great deal on a part he needed for one of their in-house "test mules").

Having said all that, $200 is probably a fair price for a used unit. These modules are fairly bullet-proof, particularly the R230 unit which works exclusivly through the CANBUS with only 2 wires needing connections (plus 12v and ground) .... as opposed to some of their other modules (for other MBZ models) which had a multitude of connections , required cutting wires and an external relay, etc


Cheers,
Chris