Retrofitting Blind Spot & Adaptive Cruise Control

[teh0wner]

I've noticed (and confirmed by my dealership) that all GLA 2023 trims don't include the "Driver Assistance Pack" (blind spot assist, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, etc.). Can anyone recommend how/where I could get these retrofitted (in London)? I've had both of these on my old Fiesta and were extremely useful features that I'd like to somehow get on my new GLA.

Thanks in advance

 

[whitenemesis]

If anyone can do it these are the guys, highly recommended

Mercedes Parts Specialists

Mercedes Comand, Reversing Camera, Bluetooth Phone, Navigation and Audio Specialists

www.commandonline.co.uk

 

[st13phil]

ISTR reading that Mercedes-Benz have clamped down on the coding required to retrofit safety-critical things like Distronic, so you may be out of luck.

Please let us know if you find out differently.

 

[Benz17]

It will be very costly, and I believe Richard @ comand will be unable to add these retrofit do the data card, as merc Germany are not allowing some retrofits. Had this issue with my multi beams.

 

[Benz17]

ISTR reading that Mercedes-Benz have clamped down on the coding required to retrofit safety-critical things like Distronic, so you may be out of luck.

Please let us know if you find out differently.

We posted at the same time

 

[tonysmb]

Even if it's physically possible, you might wish to check with your ins company before committing to anything as they might have a view on a non-MB system that can effectively 'control' the car, ie Distronic, being fitted. It may, or may not, be a problem.

 

[malluboy77]

(DISTRONIC PRO) - Mercedes Adaptive Cruise Control Retrofit

LIMITED TIME OFFER 5 CODING CREDITS FREE WITH THIS SERVICE. Models Supported: A Class 2018+, B Class 2019+, CLA 2019+, C Class 2018+, GLC 2019+ GLA 2020+, GLB 2020+,GLE 2018+, EQC 2018+, EQA 2020+, G Wagon 2018+ NOTE: for international customers, on the customs form we only declare the value of...

rjautomotive.net

Had Distronic coded on our 2018 A Class. Job done in 10 minutes and 5 minutes of driving for the camera to calibrate. Blindspot assist may be PITA to retrofit as the sensors, additional loom, mirrors, modules and coding required. Kufatec do kits for some models but not sure who would do the work.

 

[teh0wner]

Got in touch with RJAutomotive and they mentioned fitting the Adaptive Cruise Control shouldn't be a problem, so that's a positive. However, retrofitting the Blind Spot Assist as many of you have mentioned already sounds like a PITA. Was wondering if anyone has had experience with any after-market BSA in this case and who would be able to install one? I'm not very good with DIYing on cars myself.

 

[Benz17]

Got in touch with RJAutomotive and they mentioned fitting the Adaptive Cruise Control shouldn't be a problem, so that's a positive. However, retrofitting the Blind Spot Assist as many of you have mentioned already sounds like a PITA. Was wondering if anyone has had experience with any after-market BSA in this case and who would be able to install one? I'm not very good with DIYing on cars myself.

Keep us updated on how you get on with the adaptive cruise control, and cost, could be useful for others.

#2 post would be best bet for BSA, but if my recollection is correct, you would require new rear bumper, and new wing mirrors, plus other wiring and looms, for me it wasn’t worth it, I never had BSA, so not something I miss, and have never had a near miss.

 

[teh0wner]

Keep us updated on how you get on with the adaptive cruise control, and cost, could be useful for others.

#2 post would be best bet for BSA, but if my recollection is correct, you would require new rear bumper, and new wing mirrors, plus other wiring and looms, for me it wasn’t worth it, I never had BSA, so not something I miss, and have never had a near miss.

Will do - Got in touch with command to see if they can do BSA as well.
One thing that's not very clear to me (first time owner) is this whole card business. If RJAutomotive/Command manage to retrofit these features, how would they add this to the "VIN Card" ?

 

[st13phil]

If RJAutomotive/Command manage to retrofit these features, how would they add this to the "VIN Card" ?

COMAND always update the car's data card (they pay handsomely for licensed access to the MB systems to do so) for factory functionality retrofits thus guaranteeing that they never get borked by any future dealer software updates. Obviously this doesn’t apply to aftermarket accessories that add functionality, such as the plug-in CarPlay units.

From what we have heard from another member who posted about RJ Automotive, they don’t update the cars data card but that could be a misunderstanding. If you choose to deal with them you should ask the specific question as it has a bearing on what effect dealer software updates will have in the future.

 

[Benz17]

I would be very surprised if RJ Automotive are able to update the data card, and as have been said earlier some retrofits MB themselves won’t allow for updates on data card.

 

[Alfie]

Updating the datacard is crucial because if its not done then when the car next gets serviced there will be all sorts of problems. not least, the option will disappear.

Mercedes will not facilitate updating the datacard with any option that affects the speed or control of the car. This includes adaptive cruise etc.

Yes it is possible to 'hand code' these options but those who do are almost certainly invalidating your insurance and warranty. Ask yourself whether the insurance company will pay up if you claim for an accident and you have an undocumented/unauthorised modification that affected the control of the car? Then imagine someone is injured and claims against you personally as a result.............

Blind spot assist can be retrofitted but its a huge job. It requires numerous new parts including a custom made loom.

 

[stompa]

Updating the datacard is crucial because if its not done then when the car next gets serviced there will be all sorts of problems. not least, the option will disappear.

Mercedes will not facilitate updating the datacard with any option that affects the speed or control of the car. This includes adaptive cruise etc.

Yes it is possible to 'hand code' these options but those who do are almost certainly invalidating your insurance and warranty. Ask yourself whether the insurance company will pay up if you claim for an accident and you have an undocumented/unauthorised modification that affected the control of the car? Then imagine someone is injured and claims against you personally as a result.............

Blind spot assist can be retrofitted but its a huge job. It requires numerous new parts including a custom made loom.

That is interesting re the insurance position.
in my case the car was built with features & they are no longer operational.

I bought the car from a reputable nationwide seller which listed those features, if I have the features coded back to what the car was shipped from factory with am I modifying it especially if the VIN decoders still list those systems as part of the car?

What about pay as you go features? if I add something via PAYG am I modding the car?

 

[pikapika33]

Was thinking the exact same thing. Is it worth just waiting for an eqc that has the driver pack and a tow bar to come up at the right price?

 

[rf065]

My SLC300 at 4 years old, blind spot assist, distronic etc all stopped working because the radar unit behind the rear bumper needed replaced. Over £600 to fix.
My C Class at 7 years old, same story, the radar units in the rear bumper get hit with all the crud in bad weather and stop working. I would not spend a lot of money adding that to any car only to find it only lasted a short while before needing an expensive repair.

 

[Petrol Pete]

Sounds like more trouble than it's worth to me, just my opinion of course.