TMC Update

[glojo]

Finally got the TMC working in the 'stretched limo'. All I need to do now is figure out how it works and the benefits of having it.

Regards,
John

 

[saorbust]

Hi John,

Would be curious to hear how you got on. I have TMC in the CLK (CD based version before everyone jumps), but...

1; Only works on Motorways (DVD version gets over this I hear)
2; Requires you tune into Classic FM (Carrier) for reception - ie, listen to CD's !
3; Very slow to pick up data (could be the system I don't know)
4; Didn't actually make much difference to the route unless the road showed as being closed. ie, no time sensitive information seemed to be relayed to the head unit (in that a 50 minute delay meant a re route had value)

I know some of the above is fixed in the DVD version, but I'm hoping all of it is.

JTC

 

[tvcam]

TeleAtlas 2005 TMC coded CD Navigation Disc

Hmm - TeleAtlas have put up the price of their own brand Mercedes Comand Navigation CD containing TMC coding and Active Route Guidance feature to £160, but you can still buy the non TMC version from them for £92. BIG DIFFERENCE THOUGH..!!

Here is the link for the M Class, its called the Travel Pilot DX (Last two on the list). http://www.navshop.com/directsales/catalog/default.php?cPath=3_311_395_455_105&sort=1a&page=2

Navteq or Navtech or Navigation Technologies (its all the same company) still dont produce their own DVD disc with TMC coding, neither do Mercedes-Benz.

DONT BUY THE NEW DVD COMAND..!! or if you have like me, write a letter of complaint to Milton Keynes asking for your money back for the Comand unit £1650. They should offer you 50% (£850) plus a free first service, total worth about (£1100). But they still leave you with the working Comand..!!

Still no fix from Mercedes with the fault causing wrong Roundabout AUDIO instructions from the DVD Comand. Visual commands are ok..!!

 

[saorbust]

Has anyone else had any success with refunds ?

 

[lil.smartie]

Might be worth a try, we have the DVD comand as fitted in the c class and also have the same problems, I find myself shouting at the unit at roundabouts! But seeing as it is fitted in a Smart Forfour, factory fitted, I have to deal with Smart who seem to know nothing about the unit or it's operation!
Fingers crossed!
Kate

 

[tvcam]

Anyone who wants a copy of my letter from Mercedes Benz I will be happy to send it by PM and email address. It reads....

" I am writing reference to our recent telephone conversation. Obviously I was disappointed to learn of your dissatisfaction with the command (they spelt it wrong not me) system on your new Mercedes, but I can fully appreciate the frustration that this has caused.

As agreed please find enclosed a cheque for £850 (50% of the command system) in full and final settlement of your claim regarding this system. As an additional gesture of goodwill I would also like to offer that we carry out the first service on your vehicle free of charge (this offer is for the service only and excludes any items that may require attention such as brake pads etc).

I shall raise your issues relating to the Command system with Mercedes and keep you informed of any developments relating to your concerns.

In closing please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this situation has caused.

Peter Jiggins
Aftersales Manager
Mercedes-Benz London"

I am now on their case again to get the roundabout audio fault repaired. It was suppose to be given a V.O.R. status in October last year

Steve

 

[saorbust]

Ah so you didn't write to the MB HQ in Milton Keynes ? But the dealership head ? I wrote to the MB Office.

 

[tvcam]

I did write to MB Milton Keynes Legal Department... They instructed my local dealer to offer compensation and fix the faults.

The cheque was drawn from a Mercedes Benz UK account and not the dealers bank account.

If I can be of any more help please ask

 

[saorbust]

Ah okay Steve thanks. I'll try the same tactic in response to the letter they sent me ! In for a penny, in for 850 pounds !

 

[tvcam]

good luck... let me know how you get on..

steve

 

[paulrstaylor]

May be of interest....

Read this today.....

ITIS on same wavelength as Germans

TRAFFIC information specialist ITIS has secured a three-year
deal that will see its radio traffic message channel help
Mercedes drivers avoid getting stuck in jams.

The contract with DaimlerChrysler UK, Mercedes-Bent's parent
company, means every car manufactured with a satellite
navigation system will also have ITIS's traffic detection
service as standard.

The latest deal is the 16th the Altrinchaan-based firm has
sealed with major car manufacturers for the product,which enables
drivers to receive up-to-the-minute traffic information that
helps to re-route them away from traffic congestion.

ITIS chiefexecutive, Stuart Marks,said he was delighted with the
coup, adding that getting Mercedes on board meant the company had
now struck deals with all the major German car manufacturers.

He said: "This is the last of the big German players after Porsche,
BMW and Volkswagen for us, so it is strategically important to us.
We are also pretty confident that Jaguar will come through soon too."

Mr Marks said he is now waiting for an increase in the volume of
the product's usage as satellite navigation becomes a more common
facility in new cars.

"As satellite navigation becomes cheaper or becomes standard we hope
tosee revenues increase."

The company posted a £4.6m turnover for the six months to September
and increase of £31.4m on the previous year.

And it is predicted to finish the year with a turnover of £1O.1m, with
a loss of around £1.5m.

 

[tvcam]

Wow..

good news..

can't wait to see it working..

do you think they have been reading our posts

silly thought i know..!!

 

[glojo]

Wow..

good news..

can't wait to see it working..

but hang on, that article is dated june last year... so what has happened to the service...

why have we not got it..

Isn't it the silly American dating system. Month day year

 

[lil.smartie]

think the date is in US format ie 6/1/05 if not it's not due out till June this year!
Kate

 

[garystu1965]

Oh dear stop it everyone - I'm gadget crazy
Does this TMC then just need an updated CD and works with all COMAND systems ?

 

[tvcam]

Just found this on the ITIS web site which confirms PAULRSTAYLOR posting

http://corporate.itisholdings.com/news/pdf/mercedes050105.pdf

nice find PAULRSTAYLOR.. top man..!!

 

[glojo]

This is where I hope to be proved wrong.

My money is on us having to buy an 'upgrade' disc at a rediculously extortionate price!

I have just tried my COMAND and it states 'No TMC Reception'

Please someone tell me I'm wrong, and Mercedes-Benz is going to give me the service that my equipment can receive when I am in Europe.

Regards,
John

 

[tvcam]

John

It will probably happen like this...

When you buy you next map disc you will be given the option for a non TMC or a TMC version. This is what TeleAtlas have been doing for the year. Their price difference is £92 for the non TMC, and £160 for the TMC coded version.

You wont have to go back to the dealer with your MB, just pop in the new disc and let it load the configuration for your car (you may have to tell it if you have new or part worn tyres though)

So if Mercedes Benz are going to run the show, prob add another 50% to those figures and thats prob what your choice and costs will be..

You could of course just keep you present disc, then nothing will change on your Comand.

The interesting thing now.. will TeleAtlas still be allowed to keep selling their own TMC branded disc..

So in summary John, hopefully you will have the choice to upgrade when you buy your next mapping disc (but of course that wont be next week)

This years 2005 Jan disc has just been released, so the next scheduled disc with the MERCEDES TMC coding could be the April/May map update disc, or there could be a special edition to launch the service..

dont hold your breath though

Does this help..

Steve

 

[saorbust]

On another topic, I've actually met Stuart Marks. He's a top guy.

Glad to see the news.

Don't forget Steve - we are talking about the DVD version of the discs, not the CD version which you are refering to.

Clarky.

 

[glojo]

John

It will probably happen like this...

When you buy you next map disc you will be given the option for a non TMC or a TMC version. This is what TeleAtlas have been doing for the year. Their price difference is £92 for the non TMC, and £160 for the TMC coded version.

Does this help..

Hi,
I'm afraid I'm not convinced on your theory, the reason being that if I travel into Europe my COMAND will receive TMC broadcasts. The authority is already wrote on the DVD.

I also have a Pioneer DVD Navigation system and all it needed to pick up the TMC signal was version 3 of the software, NOT version 3 with TMC, just version 3. This had the TMC authorisation wrote on it and the next thing I had to have was a dedicated aerial to pick up Classic FM. Now this is fitted the system works perfectly. The Pioneer navigation software is also wrote by Navtech (or Navteq)

My guess is still down to having to buy a DVD upgrade, but this guess is only for the 211/S class DVD system as I have absolutely no knowledge about the other models.

I am still hoping to be proved wrong though.

Thanks for the input.

We ought to have a sweep and also the price of the upgrade (£379 including VAT) would be my guess.

Regards,
John