W211 - upgrade to 7 digit postcode

[4 Strings]

I think I know the answer, but can I update the Navigation function on COMAND in my 2006 (pre-facelift) from the useless 5 digit postcode limitation to accept 7 digit postcodes by upgrading the firmware?

As I understand it I have NTG 1 but need NTG 2.5, but this is something that will require a new COMAND console, not just software. I am spending a lot of time trying to find out but still not clear.

Thanks

 

[fabes]

You'll need a new unit (and it then coding to your car if it will accept it) - sorry....

Stock answer is to talk to the Command team for best advice

 

[David404]

That's my understanding too, that even if you update the firmware and map data you still don't get full post code mapping. However suspect somebody from Command on line will be along to advise & give definitive answer.

 

[4 Strings]

This is what I thought. Thanks for the answers.
Is this the least useful sat nav system there is? I have to say I'm very disappointed with it.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

It's not the least useful 2006 Satnav system

It's a 2006 Satnav system. You're judging it by the standards of 11 years later. If you look at the Satnav systems in other 2006 cars you will find them inferior or struggling to match the MB system

A 2006 Satnav gets you 99% of the way there. A smart phone on loudspeaker mode will get take you the last mile to your destination.

A 2006 Satnav cost a couple of thousand quid when new. If you want to install a 2017 Sat Nav system, there are plenty of fantastic quality latest technology systems that can be installed for less than a thousand pounds. It'll be a straight grand out of your pocket, you won't add a grand to the value of your car, but if you want a 2017 system, that's what a 2017 integrated solution costs.

If you want to be halfway between these two systems, there's a huge range of options based on using the amazing capabilities of your Smartphone. Many are happy just to screen mount an iPhone, or use the normal iPhone / earbuds. Add in voice activation and music options and it's an impressive mix.

By 2018, the current 2017 systems will seem equally outdated. By 2018, the new systems will probably be driving your car all the way to its destination, even while you sleep in the back.

 

[David404]

I don't find myself going to many places where I need a sat nav but on the occasions I have used the system (I have NTG 1 with 2008 maps) it has done the job.

Got my old TomTom in the boot as reserve but only used it once and that was because it had a custom POI installed I wanted to use.

Toyed with map update but its quite expensive at around £150 so not gone there yet.

 

[bob6600]

I think manufacturers were slack back in those days, MB included. We have an A6 in the family (2008) and that still has 4 digit postcodes. Disappointing to say the least if not embarrasing.

I purchased a Pioneer Avic X1R in around 2003 and it gave full postcodes from day one. The mapping was always good and got better a few years later when they moved to tomtom maps IIRC. Unfortunately they stopped updates in 2014 or 15 but I still use it because it is very good

 

[4 Strings]

Hi, thanks for coming back.

Postcodes haven't changes since 2006, this sat nav system didn't work in the UK then and doesn't now and so is useless no matter to what it's compared. I can't believe MB have got away with it, as I understand they produce one with zip codes for the US, one for Japan etc, unbelievable with the amount sold in the UK that it doesn't accept UK postcodes.

Even typing in road names I have been restricted in choice of the next letter and so not been able to put the road name in. I can get 99% of the way there without a sat nav (because I've never had one before and so generally know where I am and where to go) the main real use for it is that last little bit to get the actual road. I've tried to use it but each time knocked back so now I don;t even consider it.

Sorry, it's crap and this is not relieved by those on other fantastically expensive cars also being crap. Very disappointed, it's just a software change, even the sat nav in a Skoda actually works.
How have people paid 10s of £ks for these cars and accepted that something as basic as the satnav doesn't work.

In fact, the whole COMAND thing itself is not up to it. The radio works fine, (well done MB for making a radio that works) but the DVD thing is completely pointless, the i-pod player doesn't charge the i-pod (which eventually runs down and needs recharging elsewhere) and there is no pause button for anything. Listening to a talking book a complicated bit of navigation/driving means switching from i-pod to radio and turning down the sound so to not to miss the story. 1st world problems I grant you but if I'd paid money for a new car I'd be furiously disappointed a such nonsense.

Apart from the useless COMAND, it's a great car!

 

[Alps]

How old is your map disk?

apart from full postcodes, i think the system works well. its a PITA to get used to it but once you have its well thought out.

you could always upgrade to a aftermarket unit which has full postcode support!

 

[Alfie]

I think I know the answer, but can I update the Navigation function on COMAND in my 2006 (pre-facelift) from the useless 5 digit postcode limitation to accept 7 digit postcodes by upgrading the firmware?

As I understand it I have NTG 1 but need NTG 2.5, but this is something that will require a new COMAND console, not just software. I am spending a lot of time trying to find out but still not clear.

Thanks

The NTG1 system you have in the car first appeared in late 2002 in the W211. It was designed in the late 1990's and rolled out as I say in 2002. It supports five digit postcodes because thats what they use in Germany and the USA. They didnt think anyone would possibly need more. Perhaps the UK should have adopted a zip code like structure rather than the system we have, who knows.

To judge such an old system by modern day standards is meaningless. In its day it was good as witnessed by the hoards of people who bought the cars and paid the £2k for the option. Granted by todays standards it isnt great. Upgrade to NTG 2.5 and it gets a lot better.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

.......
Sorry, it's crap and this is not relieved by those on other fantastically expensive cars also being crap. Very disappointed, it's just a software change, even the sat nav in a Skoda actually works.
How have people paid 10s of £ks for these cars and accepted that something as basic as the satnav doesn't work.......
Apart from the useless COMAND, it's a great car!

You forgot to mention that the E Class (and the BMW 5 series) doesn't have proper voice activation, 4g internet to SIRI with live traffic update to Google maps, with SIRI controlling every function including Apple CarPlay and music streaming from Spotify.

Heck, the car doesn't have crosswind assist, road surface scan, magic body control, or even the "active perfuming control" of the Air Balance system. Features we take for granted on showroom cars now

If you want 2017 tech, go to Halfords and get yourself a £700 Alpine or Kenwood unit. That's what tech- enthusiast owners of BMW's and Mercedes do. It looks a bit naff, but it can be removed on sale.

Strangely 2017 cars still don't have technology in them which will be common in the most expensive new cars in 2022.

It's not rocket science. It's time travel

 

[markmifsud]

I think the point was that back in the day, the likes of TomTom etc all had 7 digit postcode but it has taken until now for MB to catch up.

 

[whitenemesis]

German post codes only have 5 digits I believe...

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Back in 2006

I think the point was that back in the day, the likes of TomTom etc all had 7 digit postcode but it has taken until now for MB to catch up.

Back in 2006, BMW, Mercedes and most manufacturers offered 5 digit postcode.

You can cherry pick functionality and say "but the 2006 Tom Tom had 7 digit postcodes," but it didn't have all the other integration features that go into an expensive multifunctional in-car system. In car systems, from BMW, Audi and Mercedes, include a host of functions and inter-connectivity which have a longer development cycle than an individual satnav.

Sadly your car will never be able to offer the same wonderful innovations that come out with the latest Iphone.

If you need 7 digit postcodes, just put in an excellent Alpine box.

 

[markmifsud]

The OP asked specifically about getting 7 digit post codes which lesser satnav systems did include long before his HU was designed and built.
I suspect the reason for the lack of 7 digits is more to do with Peter's comment that the German market only needed 5 digit post codes so thats what was applied to the UK market.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Five digit satnavs

The OP asked specifically about getting 7 digit post codes which lesser satnav systems did include long before his HU was designed and built.
I suspect the reason for the lack of 7 digits is more to do with Peter's comment that the German market only needed 5 digit post codes so thats what was applied to the UK market.

Your theory doesn't explain why American, Japanese, French, and British satnavs of that era only used five digit postcodes either. Google Lexus five digit postcode to see the discussion.

If any market set the initial focus on 5 digit zip codes it was the USA, whose GPS systems were being used - but whatever it was a global, not German issue.

For a discussion of In-car Satnavs see this article from Lexus which notes, in passing that the 2008 Lexus (and Toyota) still didn't have full postcode search. Toyota were producing eight million cars a year back in 2008. (Yes, that's SIX times more than the annual production at Mercedes) :

History of Lexus navigation systems - Lexus

But the point remains - a standalone satnav such as the TomTom, can be brought to market in less than a year. A in-car fully integrated "Comand" infotainment system is designed and brought to market in something more like five to seven years - to then have a production life of another five or six years, and cannot be turned on a sixpence like an ad hoc piece of specialised consumer electronics, and cannot foresee what consumer technology will be common in ten years time in all consumer markets right across the globe.

It's not just about the length of the code, or the depth of the indexing, it's about the complexity, interconnections, storage technology, speed of processing, and anticipation of consumer trends. People just can't forecast the importance of new tech accurately enough, whether it's video disk, analogue / digital TV CD, DVD, Dual DVD, 4g, or Cloud storage and cloud streaming.

 

[markmifsud]

I think your still missing the OP's point, he doesn't give two hoots about how long it takes manufacturers to bring new tech to market, he is just trying to find a way to get 7 digit post codes

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

if you want 7 digit postcodes

..........

If you want 2017 tech, go to Halfords and get yourself a £700 Alpine or Kenwood unit. That's what tech- enthusiast owners of BMW's and Mercedes do. It looks a bit naff, but it can be removed on sale.

As was said before...just buy a different infotainment system. You can replace your existing £2000 comand system with a wide variety of systems from £500 and upwards.

It'll be cheaper than a new set of wheels and tyres. Nothing lasts for ever.

Kenwood DMX-7017DABS CarPlay & Andr...

 

[4 Strings]

You forgot to mention that the E Class (and the BMW 5 series) doesn't have proper voice activation, 4g internet to SIRI with live traffic update to Google maps, with SIRI controlling every function including Apple CarPlay and music streaming from Spotify.

Heck, the car doesn't have crosswind assist, road surface scan, magic body control, or even the "active perfuming control" of the Air Balance system. Features we take for granted on showroom cars now

If you want 2017 tech, go to Halfords and get yourself a £700 Alpine or Kenwood unit. That's what tech- enthusiast owners of BMW's and Mercedes do. It looks a bit naff, but it can be removed on sale.

Strangely 2017 cars still don't have technology in them which will be common in the most expensive new cars in 2022.

It's not rocket science. It's time travel

What are you talking about? MB should make a sat nav that works even in 2006! One that doesn't accept postcodes, no matter when it was made, is useless and that's not expecting anything more than it working!
Doesn't matter how old, you'll be saying the engine not starting is not expected in a car made before 2005.
Nothing has changed, there were plenty of sat nav around in 2006, goodness, they were even fitted as standard in cars for years before. Just those fitted to an expensive MB don't work in the UK. Which is ridiculous!

But the dvd does. Oh good.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I have the same issues when I use my PC that's running Windows '95, just ridiculous these jokers don't think far enough into the future.