Updating the electronics on a E220 (2011)

[Sip]

Hi

I have just bought my first MB, which is a E220 CDi on a 61 plate. It has been owned by the same gentleman until now, and is in “showroom” condition with only 66k. It has been fully serviced etc. within its life, but I do not think it has had any updates to maps and the “operating system” in this period. As I have never owned one before, I have looked through this forum for info on the SatNav and audio side, but not sure exactly what I should looking for. Any pointers on what can be updated and how, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Philip

 

[NotAnumber]

Am I right in presuming thats a W212 pre facelift rather than a later registered W211. Can you clarify ? (There have been several cars with a E220 cdi badge on the bootlid since the tun of the century)

The first advice would be to get your car's VIN number decoded (a quick search on here and/or Google will show a number of suitable links to do this). Look for the lines that describe audio & satnav. For instance mine has a code '525 CONNECT 20 HIGH (NTG7)' . I then asked around and found out this translates to an Audio 50 setup (as oppossed to the more popular Audio 20 or the full COMAND) and it has NTG4 menus (yellow background when selecting a radio station).
It also has '537L GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND' which designates the type of map update that would be needed for the sat nav.

When you know what you have, you will know what update/ upgrade options are available.

In my case I did update the maps but as the updates for mine only went as far as I think 2017 the sat nav still amuses by showing Im offroad when im on some roads that were built several years ago. As there are no affordable options Ive now opted to grasp the nettle and buy a compatible aftermarket unit which supports Google Maps etc, has a significantly larger screen and phone integration.
Iceboxauto maybe worth a look if you want to go down this route. Other sellers are available.

 

[DSM10000]

Hi

I have just bought my first MB, which is a E220 CDi on a 61 plate. It has been owned by the same gentleman until now, and is in “showroom” condition with only 66k. It has been fully serviced etc. within its life, but I do not think it has had any updates to maps and the “operating system” in this period. As I have never owned one before, I have looked through this forum for info on the SatNav and audio side, but not sure exactly what I should looking for. Any pointers on what can be updated and how, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Philip

Philip

Welcome to the forum.

The Satnav on the older Mercedes was never very good with limited postcode searching etc . Do you know which model of head unit /infotainment system you have?

Upload a photograph if able and hopefully there will be members that can advise regarding any updates.

 

[Sip]

Thank you both for the replies. I have not had chance as yet to go through the Vin decode, that’s my next job. However, in the log book under type, it lists it as 212….does this identify the model??? The radio stations are as you say, black text on a yellow background. I have been through the menus, and while it lists DAB among the other wavelengths, when selected it says that it is not available, our words to that effect. I can connect the phone by Bluetooth, but no audio streaming. Also the maps are WAY out of date, as I drove past a roundabout that has been in situ for at least 8 years and it just shows a straight road. There is a socket in the centre console that has two cables which can be plugged in. One has a 3.5mm jack socket on the end and the other has a USB socket. Not sure what either are for.

Thanks

Philip

 

[Gollom]

Thank you both for the replies. I have not had chance as yet to go through the Vin decode, that’s my next job. However, in the log book under type, it lists it as 212….does this identify the model??? The radio stations are as you say, black text on a yellow background. I have been through the menus, and while it lists DAB among the other wavelengths, when selected it says that it is not available, our words to that effect. I can connect the phone by Bluetooth, but no audio streaming. Also the maps are WAY out of date, as I drove past a roundabout that has been in situ for at least 8 years and it just shows a straight road. There is a socket in the centre console that has two cables which can be plugged in. One has a 3.5mm jack socket on the end and the other has a USB socket. Not sure what either are for.

Thanks

Philip

A pic of the front of the audio unit itself would be more useful for identification

 

[Sip]

A pic of the front of the audio unit itself would be more useful for identification

Here is the front photo.

 

[DSM10000]

W212 is the model designation.

Bluetooth is only set up for telephone connection, there is no Bluetooth music streaming
The 3.5nm jack socket is for an Auxiliary connection with your 'phone etc. Presumably the USB is for another connection although I am not expert in these!

It looks like an early version of head unit and quite limited in terms of upgrade or functionality.

 

[Sip]

W212 is the model designation.

Bluetooth is only set up for telephone connection, there is no Bluetooth music streaming
The 3.5nm jack socket is for an Auxiliary connection with your 'phone etc. Presumably the USB is for another connection although I am not expert in these!

It looks like an early version of head unit and quite limited in terms of upgrade or functionality.

Thank you DSM10000 for your reply. I was doubtful that anything could be updated infotainment wise. However the car is lovely to drive and suits all other needs. I guess I’ll just have to skirt-round the satnav/audio issues.

 

[DSM10000]

Thank you DSM10000 for your reply. I was doubtful that anything could be updated infotainment wise. However the car is lovely to drive and suits all other needs. I guess I’ll just have to skirt-round the satnav/audio issues.

There are alternative head units available. Some Chinese versions have mixed reviews but Pioneer etc may have something?

 

[DSM10000]

Unsure but you might be able to play music via the USB port with a flash drive?. The manual should hopefully detail this?

As for Satnav. Google maps or Waze on your mobile 'phone would be far superior to any Mercedes offering!

 

[Sip]

Unsure but you might be able to play music via the USB port with a flash drive?. The manual should hopefully detail this?

As for Satnav. Google maps or Waze on your mobile 'phone would be far superior to any Mercedes offering!

You are correct. The manual does make reference to this, however, I cannot seem to get it to work. I formated a thumb drive as instructed and put some music on it. I connected it to the USB that connects by cable to the interface, but none of the selections on the control panel produce results. I have a USB Bluetooth adapter, which I also tried to connect for wireless streaming, but that’s useless too. Re Satnav, I think I will use my phone, as you say.

Thanks

 

[ALFAitalia]

I use a USB stick to the connector in the glovebox via cheap copy adapter cable I bought from eBay....works a treat. Go to "Audio" then "multimedia" and it just autoplays. Got about 2000 tracks on it.


And by the way my 2010 model WILL stream music from my phone via the Bluetooth.....so I cant imagine they deleted that function a year later. Go to "Audio" then "Bluetooth" then hit play on the phone.

 

[Sip]

I use a USB stick to the connector in the glovebox via cheap copy adapter cable I bought from eBay....works a treat. Go to "Audio" then "multimedia" and it just autoplays. Got about 2000 tracks on it.


And by the way my 2010 model WILL stream music from my phone via the Bluetooth.....so I cant imagine they deleted that function a year later. Go to "Audio" then "Bluetooth" then hit play on the phone.

Thanks for your reply.
What format have you used for the stick? I have used both FAT and FAT 32, as described in the manual, but it does not play anything. The connection for mine is in the centre console compartment, but I think it’s the same type that some have in their glovebox. I do not have an “Audio” option on mine, but I do have an “AUX” setting, which gives me three options. 1 is CD, 2 is the port in the centre console and 3 is unknown. None of them will play music via a usb. As well as a usb socket on a lead, there is an audio cable connecter to the media interface, which I think connects to a regular headphone output jack.
Re your 2010 model, If I do select Bluetooth, the only thing that happens is the phone connects (which it does perfectly) but there is no audio streaming whatsoever or however I try going through the menus.

Thanks

 

[ALFAitalia]

Its the media interface I use via a cable....which is in the glovebox on mine....nothing in my centre console.....AFAIK! TBH I've no idea which format........I just plugged the USD into my PC and dropped the albums I wanted across into it.

 

[NotAnumber]

There are various leads available to connect from the media interface in the armrest to 3.5mm aux plug, to USB to play mp3s or bluetooth dongle.

If you PM me your address I'll post you my spare combined USB and bluetooth one so long as you cover the postage. It defaults to bluetooth and you push it's button to switch over to USB. I wont need it any more. Theres some slight signal noise on bluetooth but it's free..

The yellow background in your photo revealls yours has the NTG4.0 menu system same as mine.

I had a slightly newer ML for a while recently with COMAND which wasnt a major leap forward but a slightly better satnav, reversing camera and larger screen.
Coming back to the S212 E class, which i greatly prefer driving Ive decided not to put up with it's infotainment limitations so am currently in the process of upgrading to Apple Play & Android Auto with DAB+ and a 10.25" screen in place of the original 5.8". It will be good to be able to use Google Maps or Waze on a larger screen and see the parking space Im reversing into when i get there.

 

[Gollom]

There are various leads available to connect from the media interface in the armrest to 3.5mm aux plug, to USB to play mp3s or bluetooth dongle.

If you PM me your address I'll post you my spare combined USB and bluetooth one so long as you cover the postage. It defaults to bluetooth and you push it's button to switch over to USB. I wont need it any more. Theres some slight signal noise on bluetooth but it's free..

The yellow background in your photo revealls yours has the NTG4.0 menu system same as mine.

I had a slightly newer ML for a while recently with COMAND which wasnt a major leap forward but a slightly better satnav, reversing camera and larger screen.
Coming back to the S212 E class, which i greatly prefer driving Ive decided not to put up with it's infotainment limitations so am currently in the process of upgrading to Apple Play & Android Auto with DAB+ and a 10.25" screen in place of the original 5.8". It will be good to be able to use Google Maps or Waze on a larger screen and see the parking space Im reversing into when i get there.

That's good of you.

A write up with pics when you install the new one would be good please - may help others. That's one of the strengths of this forum