Bluetooth SAP v4 module - do I need one?

[sgregory124]

Hi all,

Question: Can someone tell me what the Bluetooth SAP module actually is please?

I just bought a C63S and obviously have paired it with my iPhone for phone calls etc. Now, I know that COMAND has some internet type integration which requires a rSAP enabled mobile to use, which of course the iPhone is not. However, I noticed that by enabling the personal hotspot on the phone I can use some (not tested much just the browser) of the connected features that need web access.

In my previous car (an Audi A6) I had an onboard SIM which gave me various features without needing to connect a phone at all if I didn't want to, I was kind of hoping the Merc would have the same feature, but it appears not. But then I saw the aformentioned module which seems to give that same functionality, all be it in a separate plug-in module, either directly plugged into a socket in the centre console which mine doesn't seem to have or via USB cable (which I do have 2 of).

From what I can tell the module is basically an expensive cellular modem, am I correct? If so, do I even need one if I can use the hotspot on my phone? (assuming I have enough data provision etc.)

Hopefully that makes sense!

Any info gratefully received etc etc....

Simon

 

[Diesel Benz]

The BT SAP module is a cellular phone without user interface (display/keyboard) and SIM-card reader (it uses your phone SIM via bluetooth).

You should not need the BT SAP module and if you do not have the connector for it, you could not use it. Never heard of one connected to the USB connector.

What are you lacking if you have hands free directly from your radio and your head unit gets internet connectivity via your phone (is it not via bluetooth PAN instead of WIFI?).

Cannot remember when the C-class got the Hermes unit, internal internet connectivity. The 213 from 2017 has it.

 

[sgregory124]

The BT SAP module is a cellular phone without user interface (display/keyboard) and SIM-card reader (it uses your phone SIM via bluetooth).

You should not need the BT SAP module and if you do not have the connector for it, you could not use it. Never heard of one connected to the USB connector.

What are you lacking if you have hands free directly from your radio and your head unit gets internet connectivity via your phone (is it not via bluetooth PAN instead of WIFI?).

Cannot remember when the C-class got the Hermes unit, internal internet connectivity. The 213 from 2017 has it.

Thanks for the reply. I suppose what i'm really wondering is how is the car connected to Mercedes Me without its own SIM card? Or does it actually have one hidden somewhere?

My Audi would use the SIM for Google Traffic and Earth, News, Twitter, Fuel Pricing and Nav POI's so I was expecting the C63 to be the same...

 

[Diesel Benz]

Mercedes does not use a customer provided SIM card, I'd say unfortunately. The car has an internal modem for internet connectivity, must have a modern software SIM in the module. Mercedes takes care of the subscription and Mercedes also controls which features are available (paid for).