Software updates?

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mart

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Oct 20, 2009
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Location
runcorn
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clk 320
Just booked my c class into Inchcape for a service opted for the express service, I was then contacted and told I needed a safety software update as well which would be free but could take up to 4 hours. I then asked what the update was and was told NOx emissions I said I did not think this was a safety recall and would not have time for this at the moment which is why I opted for the express service, was then told they could not remove this from the service sheet and if I did not have it done my car could go into limp mode. Has anybody else had this problem car is 2 years old.
 
Do not have it done .

Emssions software fix debacle increases operation of egr to reduce NOx , more egr means more soot & driving loses , more soot , more dpf regenerations , and more bearing wear !

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Isn’t it marvellous when owners have purchased cars based on performance criteria and mileage ability and after a massive court case where the manufacturers were fined billions the next step is to forcibly change software on the cars dropping off performance and impacting mileage ability.
 
It’s a bit mad that they’re straight up lying about it going into limp mode. Crazy.
 
1. There's an assumption among members here that the mandatory software update for Diesel engines is related to the 'Dieselgate' scandal and that it imposes more stringent emissions at the expense of some bhp and mpg. This may very well be true.

2. Said that, no one knows for sure, and it's not impossible that they weren't lying and that the update also fixed a bug that could cause your car to go into limp mode at some point in future - without seeing the WIS document for this software update it's impossible to tell what the update actually does.

3. You are correct that it is not a safety recall.

4. It does not take 4 hours to update the engine management software, more like 30 minutes. I suspect that the 4 hours you were quoted actually relates to the availability of a service bay with STAR and a tech with the suitable training.
 
My C300h is in for service next week and that also has the software update waiting to be done.
 
The more suspicious of us will never be convinced that this type of thing is not 'them' changing the software on as many cars (cars they no longer own but are the private property of individuals in many cases) as they can - worldwide - before the axe falls. it is inconceivable to think that 'defeat' software was only thought of and implemented by VW alone.

They were all at it. I would suspect that a knowledgeable driver will notice a difference in the way their car behaves, uses fuel etc after this 'safety' recall.
 
The more suspicious of us will never be convinced that this type of thing is not 'them' changing the software on as many cars (cars they no longer own but are the private property of individuals in many cases) as they can - worldwide - before the axe falls. it is inconceivable to think that 'defeat' software was only thought of and implemented by VW alone.

They were all at it. I would suspect that a knowledgeable driver will notice a difference in the way their car behaves, uses fuel etc after this 'safety' recall.

I've seen the news speculation over the years which seem to always refer to German manufacturers. Is this specific to German cars?
 
At the moment , yes. But why would Honda, KIA, JLR Hyundai , PSA etc allow themselves to get left behind ? It could be that the heavier more 'prestige' German cars were struggling to meet the emissions criteria while the possibly lighter less prestige cars could hit the figure without cheating. :dk:

The way VW did it was bloody genius, but they didn't think the FBI and US government would ever let their dogs loose on them...when they did - and were caught - VW were torn to bits.
 
My car is due a service in April so I suspect this will apply to my car which is a 2016 E350 Bluetec.

I have a service contract so not viable to go outside the dealership network plus I have Mercedes purchased warranty, if I refuse this software update could or would this invalidate any warranty claim?

Thoughts anyone?

Robin


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As far as I'm aware, I don't think you can refuse it. If they plug your car in the do the service, which they will, it will apparently 'do it automatically'. It's not optional/voluntary.

Ultimately, it's not the end of the world, and there may be no difference on your car. Focus on the fact that your car will be kinder to our lungs :)
 
Can't see why not having it would invalidate .

Trouble is they'll try to slip it in any which way :D and even claim it was by accident and not even reverse .
 
The only people who will do this to your car are Mercedes Benz dealers. No other garage on earth will have the necessary knowledge (programme) to change something that is 'not there'.....your call.
 
Took my wife’s A Class in for a B service.
When booking it in I asked about the update, He checked the paperwork and there at the back was a piece of paper stating it needed the update. I asked what it was for and he said he wasn’t sure but it would be done, just picked it up so not sure yet if it will make any noticeable difference.
 
Makes a change for MB to do an update without you requesting it!! My SLK was maintained by the MB main dealer that supplied it for the first 6-7 years of its life for the first owner (2008-14/15), second owner had it "local specialist" serviced), I wanted to update the maps but had to pay Comand.co.uk to install the 09/29 firmware update that should have been done for free by MB at some time (don't know when that update became available) but was then able to install the latest/last 2019 maps - and it asked if I wanted to update from V1, so had not been done since purchase in 2008!! Thankfully the update done by Comand.co.uk allowed the map update to go ahead and complete, so the satnav on my SLK is now as up to date as it will ever be as apparently MB will not issue any further updates for NTG2.5.
 
...I have a service contract so not viable to go outside the dealership network plus I have Mercedes purchased warranty, if I refuse this software update could or would this invalidate any warranty claim?...

The manufacture *might* try it on, I do not know, but if it gets to court (or Ombudsman etc) then MB will need to prove that the software update that you refused to accept would have improved the reliability of the engine / reduced wear / issued a warning message etc etc.

I.e. they can't withdraw the new car warranty as a 'punitive' measure for an action that you took and that they are not happy with.There will have to be a reasonable causal connection between the action that you took and the warranty claim.

As for extended warranty, this is essentially a commercial contract so they can have various stipulations, however again unless the extended warranty contract clearly states that it is a condition of the warranty that you must accept any software update offered by the dealer, then they will not be able to use this as a way to avoid a pay-out.
 
Mine was updated last November. What I’ve noticed so far (S212 250D):
1. Engine seems to warm up more quickly. I’ve been watching this for the last 2 months as at first I thought I was imagining it. I do the same journey from Cardiff - Bristol a few times a week and in all temperatures it heats up quicker. The temp gauge starts moving after about a mile, where before it wouldn’t start moving until I got on the motorway (3 miles away).
2. Engine seems to get to over 40MPG more quickly. I find I’m up to mid 40MPG quite a bit sooner than it used to before. The overall MPG hasn’t been effective as far as I can tell. I’m still getting around 50MPG (46 in the very cold weather) on my commute.

all this is completely unscientific but I’ve always kept an eye on these two things and they have definitely changed. The engine warming up more quickly would tie in with the MPG getting higher more quickly. Time will tell if there are any effects on the DPF. I’ve noticed no change in power so far.
 
I guess a warm engine will produce less pollutants hence the reason for faster warm up time.
 

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