Mercedes Me and a 2012 car

[markjay]

that’s what my dad has been saying too, but he wants to be sure it actually needs an upgrade because it’s not like we can just ask Mercedes all they said to him is it’s “costly” nothing else

Updating the firmware on tbe Audio20 unit will cost £50-£60 in labour charges at your dealer. It's best to get it done when the car is being serviced, because it is cheapest for them (the car is already booked-in and will be connected to STAR) so the quote is more likely to be on the cheap side. That said, I doubt he'll see any visible differences.

The BMP firmware update can be done DIY on your PC.

 

[Deleted member 156087]

If you are keeping the Becker Map Pilot, then there are 3 separate downloads for it:

- The download manager software, which is free.

- Firmware upgrade, which updates the navigation software on the Becker Map Pilot unit (but not the maps), it is free but require registration with BMP online.

- Maps update, Speed camera database, and Tunnel module, all of which are chargeable and need to be purchased from BMP online.

BMP isn't the most advanced satnav out there, but just keep in mind that it's the only original MB offering that includes speed cameras support. All other satnav variants available from MB, do not have native support for speed cameras (it can be added via third party solution but it's clunky).

my father does not mind removing/changing the Becker’s system into a new one but it has to be made by Mercedes or Mercedes certified and not for example those Chinese/android systems that can be put in. As long as it’s a Mercedes certified parts upgrade he will consider it

 

[Deleted member 156087]

If you are keeping the Becker Map Pilot, then there are 3 separate downloads for it:

- The download manager software, which is free.

- Firmware upgrade, which updates the navigation software on the Becker Map Pilot unit (but not the maps), it is free but require registration with BMP online.

- Maps update, Speed camera database, and Tunnel module, all of which are chargeable and need to be purchased from BMP online.

BMP isn't the most advanced satnav out there, but just keep in mind that it's the only original MB offering that includes speed cameras support. All other satnav variants available from MB, do not have native support for speed cameras (it can be added via third party solution but it's clunky).

We had to buy the BMP system on the internet (eBay) for £180. It came with the latest software and the latest map pack pre installed.

The dealership service costs about £440!? My dad being a ex mechanic in some point of his working life does the service himself at a friends garage

 

[markjay]

my father does not mind removing/changing the Becker’s system into a new one but it has to be made by Mercedes or Mercedes certified and not for example those Chinese/android systems that can be put in. As long as it’s a Mercedes certified parts upgrade he will consider it

The only MB upgrade path is retrofitting COMAND NTG4.5. But I wouldn't recommend it.

I have done just that, and for the same reasons (I wanted an original system), but that was a few years back when COMAND NTG4.5 was still a current system.

COMAND NTG4.5 was introduced in 2010, and knowing what automotive development cycles are like, it would have been in development since 2008/2009.

I wouldn't fork-out a 4-figure sum in 2020 for 12 years old technology - it's just not worth the cost. And it's not a DIY job either (you guessed it - it requires STAR).

 

[markjay]

On balance I would say that you father should keep the Audio20 system, just get the firmware updated when he gets a chance.

 

[markjay]

We had to buy the BMP system on the internet (eBay) for £180. It came with the latest software and the latest map pack pre installed.

The dealership service costs about £440!? My dad being a ex mechanic in some point of his working life does the service himself at a friends garage

Most people who use dealer servicing opt for the Service Care Plan, which reduces servicing cost.

That said, you could opt for a reputable independent specialist instead, there are two forum sponsors not too far away from you, MSL Performance in Birmingham and Mercland in Nuneaton.

Of course, if he's OK with DIY, he can do this himself. You can generate the checklist from here:

Mercedes-Benz UK | Electronic Service Sheet

 

[Deleted member 156087]

On balance I would say that you father should keep the Audio20 system, just get the firmware updated when he gets a chance.

The only MB upgrade path is retrofitting COMAND NTG4.5. But I wouldn't recommend it.

I have done just that, and for the same reasons (I wanted an original system), but that was a few years back when COMAND NTG4.5 was still a current system.

COMAND NTG4.5 was introduced in 2010, and knowing what automotive development cycles are like, it would have been in development since 2008/2009.

I wouldn't fork-out a 4-figure sum in 2020 for 12 years old technology - it's just not worth the cost. And it's not a DIY job either (you guessed it - it requires STAR).

Your right, four figures is too much for a 12 year old system. I will try and persuade him to just get the software updated through MSL rather than retrofit a “new” system.

 

[Deleted member 156087]

Most people who use dealer servicing opt for the Service Care Plan, which reduces servicing cost.

That said, you could opt for a reputable independent specialist instead, there are two forum sponsors not too far away from you, MSL Performance in Birmingham and Mercland in Nuneaton.

Of course, if he's OK with DIY, he can do this himself. You can generate the checklist from here:

Mercedes-Benz UK | Electronic Service Sheet

I will look into the service care plan and pass the information on to him but I doubt he will get them to service it. He likes to do it himself. We will call MSL and see what they can do for us in terms of the software update and I will ask about the service costs too. I will see the checklist and pass the information onwards.

 

[CreepyCoupe]

As a heads up. There are two different apps under the Mercedes Me banner. For older cars you want the one the look like this. At the top of the screen