Latest COMAND sat nav DVD

[Marque]

I notice that a new version of the MB sat nav disc is out, labelled "DVD COMAND APS 2008". This is version 8.0 for some models (such as my E-Class) and version 9.1 for others.

I'm not sure how much these DVDs normally retail for, but I found that either one is available from a Mercedes-Benz Dealer for £138.00, which sounds pretty good. This price doesn't include delivery and might not include VAT. (I didn't ask and they didn't say.)

My car still has the original version (4.1) so I think I will get the new DVD. Do I need to have the COMAND firmware upgrade too?

[masqueraid]

I would recommend it but make sure you you have all the dealer firmware updates (free) installed too. The firmware will remove access to the Engineering Tools menu but does allow the ETA to be diaplayed at the bottom of the screen when using the Nav.

Some history of firmware updates and which you need here (http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=38260)

[C43AMG]

Give Alfie a call first.

[Alfie]

I notice that a new version of the MB sat nav disc is out, labelled "DVD COMAND APS 2008". This is version 8.0 for some models (such as my E-Class) and version 9.1 for others.

I'm not sure how much these DVDs normally retail for, but I found that either one is available from a Mercedes-Benz Dealer for £138.00, which sounds pretty good. This price doesn't include delivery and might not include VAT. (I didn't ask and they didn't say.)

My car still has the original version (4.1) so I think I will get the new DVD. Do I need to have the COMAND firmware upgrade too?

The new V8 for E/CLS/SL etc is out.

If you want to go to it from version 4 then you will need the updates to the headunit and the NAV. These should be done free if your car is under warranty. If not they may charge.

If you come to the midlands GTG at Jays fine establishment, we can do them for you free of charge.

[DieselE]

I notice that a new version of the MB sat nav disc is out, labelled "DVD COMAND APS 2008". This is version 8.0 for some models (such as my E-Class) and version 9.1 for others.

I'm not sure how much these DVDs normally retail for, but I found that either one is available from a Mercedes-Benz Dealer for £138.00, which sounds pretty good. This price doesn't include delivery and might not include VAT. (I didn't ask and they didn't say.)

My car still has the original version (4.1) so I think I will get the new DVD. Do I need to have the COMAND firmware upgrade too?

It does include VAT but postage is £5. Mind you that's next day special delivery so not too bad.

http://shop.mercedes-benzofmiltonkeynes.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=140&products_id=996

[Rory]

It does include VAT but postage is £5. Mind you that's next day special delivery so not too bad.

http://shop.mercedes-benzofmiltonkeynes.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=140&products_id=996

Actually, they're very good prices for the DVD's (although the V9.1 for C Class etc says not to order as there are supply issues and a new one is coming in June). The DVDs where previously around the £250 mark. I wonder if MB have had a policy change or if that's just a low price from the dealer featured?

I still think it's bonkers that, even at £138, you can buy a whole stand-alone nav system for the price of a Merc upgrade disk - £50 or so would be more reasonable and I'll bet many people would upgrade every time for that rather than only upgrading when they really feel it's necessary.

[Marque]

Actually, they're very good prices for the DVD's (although the V9.1 for C Class etc says not to order as there are supply issues and a new one is coming in June). The DVDs where previously around the £250 mark. I wonder if MB have had a policy change or if that's just a low price from the dealer featured?

I still think it's bonkers that, even at £138, you can buy a whole stand-alone nav system for the price of a Merc upgrade disk - £50 or so would be more reasonable and I'll bet many people would upgrade every time for that rather than only upgrading when they really feel it's necessary.


I agree! I had a perfectly good TomTom that also worked well as an in-car hands free system with my Bluetooth mobile phone. New maps were around £30-£40. (It has been donated to the Mrs.) However, I do like the full integration of everything with COMAND, so I will pay the MB price just this once. I thought the price would be £250-£300, so I'm not too displeased.

[SargeBenz]

The new V8 for E/CLS/SL etc is out.



Alfie,

Do you know what the differences are between v7 and this new v8 for the UK ? From the limited search I have done, it appears Spain and Portugal are updated.

Thx, SargeBenz

[glojo]

I notice that a new version of the MB sat nav disc is out, labelled "DVD COMAND APS 2008". This is version 8.0 for some models (such as my E-Class) and version 9.1 for others.

I'm not sure how much these DVDs normally retail for, but I found that either one is available from a Mercedes-Benz Dealer for £138.00, which sounds pretty good. This price doesn't include delivery and might not include VAT. (I didn't ask and they didn't say.)

My car still has the original version (4.1) so I think I will get the new DVD. Do I need to have the COMAND firmware upgrade too?The biggest change you will notice is the activation of TMC ;)

£138 is amazing and Pioneer were charging far more for there upgrade DVD.

Good luck
Regards
John

[Mike Harding]

Typical! not only have I just spent (16/04/08) £206.05 on a V7 disc from Command on Line (I was upgrading from a 4.1) but had I waited for only four weeks it would only have been £138 for a V8!! (and before you say it yes I did ask if a new version was imminent but was told it was the 2007/2008 disc so a new version was not likely.) That moan aside; for the benefit of those planning on doing any travelling in Western Europe using the V7 Disc, I have just returned from a 4K mile trip through France Spain and Portugal. V7 Disc worked OK but was frequently showing ‘off road’ in North Western and Central France, and often in Spain when using some of the newer roads travelling North West from Granada in to Portugal. I guess these up dates will be included in the new V8 disc. It seems both France and Spain have commissioned a considerable number of new roads over the past 12 to 18 months that are understandably not on the old V7 disc.
Mike Harding

[Marque]

Typical! not only have I just spent (16/04/08) £206.05 on a V7 disc from Command on Line (I was upgrading from a 4.1) but had I waited for only four weeks it would only have been £138 for a V8!! (and before you say it yes I did ask if a new version was imminent but was told it was the 2007/2008 disc so a new version was not likely.) That moan aside; for the benefit of those planning on doing any travelling in Western Europe using the V7 Disc, I have just returned from a 4K mile trip through France Spain and Portugal.

At least you had a good reason to get the disc when you did. Otherwise, you would have been "off road" a lot more in France and Spain with version 4.1. Apparently, coverage in Spain and Portugal is much improved in version 8.0.

The version 8.0 disc was added to the MBofMK Online Shop Catalogue on 26 April 2008, after your purchase date.

[Mike Harding]

Marque,
You clearly have a more up to date MK on line shop ref, as the date on the MK on line shop page referred to by DieselE above also says Wednesday 26 April, but 2006 not 2008. I also note the review from a gentleman in Gibraltar was dated November 2007. I guess the URL I used for the MK on line shop page needs an update.
Mike Harding

[crockers]

Typical! not only have I just spent (16/04/08) £206.05 on a V7 disc from Command on Line (I was upgrading from a 4.1) but had I waited for only four weeks it would only have been £138 for a V8!! (and before you say it yes I did ask if a new version was imminent but was told it was the 2007/2008 disc so a new version was not likely.) That moan aside; for the benefit of those planning on doing any travelling in Western Europe using the V7 Disc, I have just returned from a 4K mile trip through France Spain and Portugal. V7 Disc worked OK but was frequently showing ‘off road’ in North Western and Central France, and often in Spain when using some of the newer roads travelling North West from Granada in to Portugal. I guess these up dates will be included in the new V8 disc. It seems both France and Spain have commissioned a considerable number of new roads over the past 12 to 18 months that are understandably not on the old V7 disc.
Mike Harding

with V4.1 you may have ended up lost in the Pyrennes...:D

[Mike Harding]

You’re quite right Crockers. I am also delighted that I am no longer constantly told that I’m ‘off road’ and to ‘please follow the arrow on the display’ when using the Semington by-pass en route to Trowbridge!
Mike Harding

[Marque]

You clearly have a more up to date MK on line shop ref, as the date on the MK on line shop page referred to by DieselE above also says Wednesday 26 April, but 2006 not 2008. I also note the review from a gentleman in Gibraltar was dated November 2007. I guess the URL I used for the MK on line shop page needs an update.


I guess I saw what I expected to find, not what was there! If you enlarge the image you will see that it is in fact a picture of the version 4.0 DVD and case. Clearly, the catalogue entry is being reused and they just change the version number and some of the description. It is possible, therefore, that version 8.0 is more recent than I said.

[Marque]

I just received an e-mail from TomTom inviting me to purchase map updates. The price is £60 for Western Europe and £40 for just Great Britain and Ireland. I think I took advantage of a discount offer last time, which is why I thought it was lower. TomTom maps include full UK postcodes, which have to be licensed from Royal Mail. But given the smaller user-base, wider country coverage and TMC licensing of the MB map, something around £90 would seem a fair price to me.

[ckember]

don't MB give away the updates under warranty?


We give our customers new software releases for free if they are under warranty or have a contract our packages cost a couple of £K

[DieselE]

I guess I saw what I expected to find, not what was there! If you enlarge the image you will see that it is in fact a picture of the version 4.0 DVD and case. Clearly, the catalogue entry is being reused and they just change the version number and some of the description. It is possible, therefore, that version 8.0 is more recent than I said.

Well it was certainly available on 2 May because that's when I ordered it. Like others I read 26 April as being 2008 but having gone back to the link it is 2006.

[DieselE]

don't MB give away the updates under warranty?


We give our customers new software releases for free if they are under warranty or have a contract our packages cost a couple of £K

I got an update from V4 to V4.1 under warranty and I think the same happened to people who bought cars with V5, free upgrade to 5.1. Mind you I think this was because of known problems with V4 & V5. So I think the answer is they will update if the original purchase was found to have problems.

[Alfie]

Typical! not only have I just spent (16/04/08) £206.05 on a V7 disc from Command on Line (I was upgrading from a 4.1) but had I waited for only four weeks it would only have been £138 for a V8!! (and before you say it yes I did ask if a new version was imminent but was told it was the 2007/2008 disc so a new version was not likely.) That moan aside; for the benefit of those planning on doing any travelling in Western Europe using the V7 Disc, I have just returned from a 4K mile trip through France Spain and Portugal. V7 Disc worked OK but was frequently showing ‘off road’ in North Western and Central France, and often in Spain when using some of the newer roads travelling North West from Granada in to Portugal. I guess these up dates will be included in the new V8 disc. It seems both France and Spain have commissioned a considerable number of new roads over the past 12 to 18 months that are understandably not on the old V7 disc.
Mike Harding

I can honestly say that the instant we knew that V8 was out we stopped selling V7. With the DVD's we are not given advance notice they are coming out. The Teleatlas Cd's, we do get advance warning.;) I am sorry the timing of your purchase has left you feeling annoyed. I'll PM you with an offer;)

EDIT: I cant PM you so i've sent you an email.

[Mike Harding]

Alfie,
Thank you for taking the trouble to respond to this thread and for your e-mail.
Yes, I was disappointed when I learned that a later version had been released so soon (a matter of a few weeks at most) after my purchase of V7, particularly as I had contacted Command on Line specifically to establish whether or not a later version was due. Indeed during my discussion with your representative – which was early on the evening of the 16th of April, I was told that if he knew of one then he would certainly tell me. On that assurance I made my purchase. You have again confirmed that you had no advance knowledge of this upgrade and for the benefit of you and others now following this thread, I accept what you say. That is that Command on Line did not know at the time of my enquiry of the impending withdrawal of V7 and the issue of V8.
From what you say, your suppliers of CD’s offer a superior service to that offered by your DVD suppliers by giving their distributors advance notice of their intentions and here lies the potential for a lesson. It might benefit your DVD suppliers to know what potential harm they are doing by failing to provide their distributors with advanced notice that newer versions are imminent. Other hardware and software suppliers manage to achieve this. Indeed some withdraw software/ hardware in advance and make customers wait for the new version and some even offer to replace software for a small handling/postage charge if it is upgraded within a certain time frame after purchase of and earlier version. I hope you will find an opportunity to convey to your DVD suppliers just how much improvement in their customer facing service they need to make. It cannot be to the benefit of the customer or firms’ reputation to keep such immanent changes a secret. That, is in my view very bad practice.
Thank you too for your kind offer of a discount on further purchases. I doubt I will have cause to take advantage of this offer of recompense but it is important for others to know the level of integrity you are endeavouring to achieve when conducting your business.
The rest of my earlier post was aimed at suggesting to potential travellers that it would not be wise to continue using V7 for a protracted Western European journey as many road changes had taken place. What I did not mention in my first post was that throughout my travels my passenger was using a Via Michelin 980XT New Edition portable Sat Nav. device with the latest maps and camera information in it. I purchased that device a month or before my Command disc up grade. The intention was to use the Michelin Guide aspects of the device for Hotels, Restaurants, Points of Interest (I had preloaded WiFi Hotspots, speed camera positions etc) but in reality it was on and used throughout the journey for navigation and traffic up date duties as well. The Michelin performed well and the traffic up dates were more specific than the Command – this, presumably because it has a text to speech facility which enables it to warn verbally about high winds on certain roads, blockages to certain parts of carriage ways and the length of potential traffic jams etc. Some of this information was available from Command but only in text form. Incidentally Michelin are no longer in the business of producing any more Sat Navs. They ended that business just after Christmas. Nevertheless I purchased the 980XT as I wanted the Michelin Guide facility which will continue to be up dated.
Thank you again Alfie for taking the trouble to put the record straight. I hope my additional suggestions will be of use. My apologies to those who feel I have hijacked this thread.
Kind Regards
Mike Harding

[WJR]

I notice that a new version of the MB sat nav disc is out, labelled "DVD COMAND APS 2008". This is version 8.0 for some models (such as my E-Class) and version 9.1 for others.

I'm not sure how much these DVDs normally retail for, but I found that either one is available from a Mercedes-Benz Dealer for £138.00, which sounds pretty good. This price doesn't include delivery and might not include VAT. (I didn't ask and they didn't say.)

My car still has the original version (4.1) so I think I will get the new DVD. Do I need to have the COMAND firmware upgrade too?

I bought an 8.0 DVD for my 2005 E Class to-day from Mercedes dealer at Temple Fortune for £137.55 inc VAT. My previous version was 4.1, and the new one worked straight away without any upgrades, but overall it took around an hour for the dealer to work out which was the appropriate disc.

[Soltan]

Just on the phone to MB Birmingham, they are saying that the sale of this v8.0 has been "Blocked" as there is a fault with it that causes some street names to disappear! They will not sell me the disk. Apparently there is a workaround but they are only doing it for cars within warranty (not mine).

[Soltan]

Quick update, had a call back from the parts department, they phoned around and think the block may be lifted as they can source me a disk from one of their other sites. I'm due to go in on Friday so will have a chat with them and see it if works in my car. Will post when I have more news.......

[Marque]

I took my car in to my local MB Dealer (Watford) today to fix the non-opening luggage cover on my E220 Estate. At first, they didn't seem to know about the version 8.0 map DVD. Later, I got a call saying that they could supply me with the DVD for £152 and it didn't need an upgrade to the COMAND head unit or NAV software. (I am on version 4.1 of the map DVD at the moment.)

Surely, the price should be the same at all MBUK dealers! Are they just ripping me off? So, I said "no thanks". Anyway, they basically refused to update the COMAND software, despite my car being under warranty. The luggage cover is now working, and they cleaned the car, which I guess is not bad for a free visit.

Please let us know what experiences you have with the new DVD.

[richard]

The prices are confused at the moment. I think MB UK has it V8.0 (for E/CLS/SL/SLK) priced wrongly in the database, as it went from V7.0 @ £237.50 to V8.0 at approx £137.50

£137.50 is a significant discount to MB German retail, and i've found no other MB products apart from the current range of map disks that is ever at a discount to MB Germany retail.

I suspect theres a bunch of dealers who had stock at the 237.50 price, and then MB changed it, so are selling it at a different price to the MB computer, and of course it may have got corrected and gone back up.

V9.1 for A/B/C/CLK/ML/GL/R is allegedly also same price, but it is not actually available in the UK. And as the rest of Europes pricing is much higher. (i.e like the previous versions) it will still cost around £200

I suspect that the next versions of the map disk may go back up again, or maybee it will suddenly go back up - but who knows for sure.

I recommend A/B/C/CLK/ML/GL/R use 9.0/9.1 - yes, its missing some UK street names, BUT, its so much more complete then the 8.0 release that MB UK say use instead. I havent found another 9.1 source in UK apart from www.comandonline.co.uk

On E/CLS/SL/SLK going from 4.1 to 7.0 or later needs a nav processor s/w disk inserted first - unless it has already been done at some point previously as part of a service.

Cheers

Richard

[Marque]

On E/CLS/SL/SLK going from 4.1 to 7.0 or later needs a nav processor s/w disk inserted first - unless it has already been done at some point previously as part of a service.

What MB Watford actually said was that version 7.0 of the map DVD needs the COMAND software updates but version 8.0 doesn't. This can't be right, surely, but they seemed to be quoting from some internal MB literature.

[richard]

That is technically possible and I suspect it is true. The update disk goes in the DVD nav drive, and it loads it like any new map disk, you then remove the disk & power and put V7 into it. So, the update could well be part of the V8 disk. Given the update came out after V7, I suspect it was a 'didnt test that one as our test NAV unit had all gone from V4.1 to V5 and onward'

I havent tried it though, so I guess time will tell.

If you buy V8.0 from comandonline.co.uk and it doesnt work, then i'll ensure you get lent an update disk to do the update .. If it does work then you can post here and we'll all know.

Richard

[richard]

Ive looked for the official documents, and they seem to have been last updated in June 2007 and say

"If the navigation processor was operated with navigation DVD 3.0 (SW 07/04), the DVD is not detected when the maps are updated to navigation DVD 6.0. The problem is related to a software error"

[Rory]

What MB Watford actually said was that version 7.0 of the map DVD needs the COMAND software updates but version 8.0 doesn't. This can't be right, surely, but they seemed to be quoting from some internal MB literature.

I would guess that *might* be because the MB information assumes that people update the disks sequentially - so you get V7 and apply the update, therefore V8 doesn't need it.

On the price difference (£152 vs £138) - that seems like a normal spread for different retail outlets. There's huge margin on parts and I assume every dealer is free to charge their own price - price fixing being illegal of course. Give or take a few pence, 10% off £152 brings you more or less to £138.

[migabc]

What MB Watford actually said was that version 7.0 of the map DVD needs the COMAND software updates but version 8.0 doesn't. This can't be right, surely, but they seemed to be quoting from some internal MB literature.

This is because the NAVTEQ version 8.0 also includes all the intermediate sw updates for the navigation processor in the trunk to recognize newer version navigation DVDs.
NAVTEQ version 7.0 did not include those sw updates (there was a separate update disk for that - W211 589 15 22 00).

Can someone please post the part number for NAVTEQ version 8.0?

[Marque]

Can someone please post the part number for NAVTEQ version 8.0?


According to Comand Online (http://www.comandonline.co.uk), the part numbers are A211 827 15 65 & B6 782 3886. I've just ordered my copy from them. Let's hope it works!

[migabc]

According to Comand Online (http://www.comandonline.co.uk), the part numbers are A211 827 15 65 & B6 782 3886. I've just ordered my copy from them. Let's hope it works!

Thanks. I'm going to order it from my dealer.

[C43AMG]

Thanks. I'm going to order it from my dealer.


Alfie is best. Keep it in the family ;)

[migabc]

Alfie is best. Keep it in the family ;)

Does he ship to Portugal?
How much?

[verytalldave]

It would be handy if you buy a UK only disk for a much reduced price. I dont know how many UK drivers ACTUALLY drive abroad with their own cars, but I doubt its that many. Less then 10%?
A UK only nav disk with a price of £25ish would be a good buy and many more UK owners would update on much more regular basis than they do now.
I know I would.

Are you listening Mercedes ? ? ? ? ?

[columb]

Are you listening Mercedes ? ? ? ? ?


No. :p

[Marque]

It would be handy if you buy a UK only disk for a much reduced price. I dont know how many UK drivers ACTUALLY drive abroad with their own cars, but I doubt its that many. Less then 10%?
A UK only nav disk with a price of £25ish would be a good buy and many more UK owners would update on much more regular basis than they do now.
I know I would.

Only if it includes full UK postcodes! The last time I checked, licensing the full UK postcode database from Royal Mail costs just under £500 (for a single copy). Of course, sat nav companies negotiate a reduced unit price because they sell many copies, but even so, licensing is the main production cost. I doubt MB could do it for less than £50 after paying for the map data, postcodes and TMC licences. So that's at least £90 with retail mark up.

European maps aren't much more expensive to produce because the licence holders recognise that most users won't need their data, and so reduce the unit price accordingly. For example, let's say the map data for Greece is normally priced at 40€ per user. MB explains that less than 2% of its customers need these data, and so a licence price of 1€ per unit sold is negotiated. The licence holder gets a bit more revenue and the overall cost of the sat nav disc is only a little more than it would be for a single-country version.

The latest TomTom maps retail at £60 for Western Europe and £40 for Great Britain and Ireland. These prices are lower than MB's mainly because TomTom sells many, many times more units and almost all copies are downloaded.

The only commercial justification for MB to produce a UK-only sat nav disc would be if they could charge more for it by including full UK postcodes and TMC (and by not including these data on the European discs).

Be careful what you wish for!

[verytalldave]

How can the Royal Mail justify charging those sort of fees for putting postcodes onto a disk? Thats nothing short of robbery.
Typical of this countries mindset though and I shouldnt really be surprised.

However, dont other satnav makers put full postcodes onto their systems?
Surely if they can, then why not Mercedes?

I hardly ever use postcodes to program my COMAND anyway, I nearly always just use the map display pointer to mark my destination.

[Alfie]

Does he ship to Portugal?
How much?

Yes he does ;)

[Marque]

How can the Royal Mail justify charging those sort of fees for putting postcodes onto a disk? Thats nothing short of robbery.


They can charge what they like because they have a monopoly. It's the only part of Royal Mail that makes a healthy profit!

[Alfie]

How can the Royal Mail justify charging those sort of fees for putting postcodes onto a disk? Thats nothing short of robbery.
Typical of this countries mindset though and I shouldnt really be surprised.

However, dont other satnav makers put full postcodes onto their systems?
Surely if they can, then why not Mercedes?

I hardly ever use postcodes to program my COMAND anyway, I nearly always just use the map display pointer to mark my destination.

The disks are not made by Mercedes. They use teleatlas (not NAVTEQ) data and are either made by blaupunkt (CD's) or Becker (DVD's). It is not Mercedes who dictate what goes on the disks. However, I'm sure if they exerted some pressure on Blaupunkt and Becker that may well change.

[Marque]

If you buy V8.0 from comandonline.co.uk and it doesnt work, then i'll ensure you get lent an update disk to do the update .. If it does work then you can post here and we'll all know.

I received and installed version 8.0 today. There is an update procedure that has to be followed, which I think first installs some new navigation software. The whole update took five minutes. Everything seems to be working fine now. (I haven't actually used it to navigate anywhere yet.)

The instructions on the back of the case say:

"*COMAND Software-Update 30/06 (W/S211, C219, R171) and SW 22/06 (W/V220, C215, R230) is required. Please consult your Mercedes-Benz retailer."

However, the asterisk may mean it is needed for TMC coverage in France only (because there is also an asterisk next to the F symbol in the TMC coverage list). Presumably, anyone who wants to use TMC in France should get the update.

[richard]

Yes, that was a requirement for TMC in France. No idea why France was different to everywhere else, probably some licencing issue

R

[Soltan]

Bought v8 from the dealers this afternoon, got the servicing dept to bung it in while they were trying to sort out my servicing interval. It updated in just a few minutes apparently, no other updates required.

Used it to navigate home, apart from a TMC symbol in the bottom right corner, couldn't actually see any difference from my original v4.0.

Will have a play with it when I get a chance, might be taking a run down to London tomorrow, so might see it in action then.

[DieselE]

Used it to navigate home, apart from a TMC symbol in the bottom right corner, couldn't actually see any difference from my original v4.0.



Did you have the Distance to Destination and ETA showing on the bottom of the screen?

If V8 has the software updates others have referred to I would expect you to see this. I installed those updates some time ago so installing V8 didn't produce a change in display (apart from improved graphics compared to V5.1).

[television]

Surely the population density must influence the price, I have the Sweden,Norway and Denmark maps that was not expensive. If you mix all 3 coutries together you still have network of only 25% the size of the UK

[TomTanderson]

There is an update procedure that has to be followed, which I think first installs some new navigation software.

I missed that - is there something specific you have to do? I just bunged the disk in.

[WJR]

Bought v8 from the dealers this afternoon, got the servicing dept to bung it in while they were trying to sort out my servicing interval. It updated in just a few minutes apparently, no other updates required.

Used it to navigate home, apart from a TMC symbol in the bottom right corner, couldn't actually see any difference from my original v4.0.

Will have a play with it when I get a chance, might be taking a run down to London tomorrow, so might see it in action then.

One difference I've noticed is that in certain traffic jams the road on the screen has lots of little red cars on it, presumably to indicate congestion.

I'd be interested to know how you get ETA & Distance to Destination at bottom of screen.

[masqueraid]

I'd be interested to know how you get ETA & Distance to Destination at bottom of screen.

Soft buttons from Map
Press Display
Then MAP
Then select what you want to see displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Edit:
You wont see ETA as an option unless you have the service update (W211 589 13 22 00) installed

[richard]

Did you have the Distance to Destination and ETA showing on the bottom of the screen?

If V8 has the software updates others have referred to I would expect you to see this. I installed those updates some time ago so installing V8 didn't produce a change in display (apart from improved graphics compared to V5.1).

DieselE - the head unit updates are different to the Navigation processor updates - the map disks can only contain nav processor updates.

Head unit updates are done with a disk in the main Comand DVD drive.

- and its the head unit update that gives the ETA on mainscree option which was introduced in MY07 cars. The A/B/C/CLK series of units had that for a while before.

There was an issue with going straight from V3 to V6 and missing out the intermediate versions (although I also thought there was an issue from going straight from V4 to V7) with the navigation processor which required a nav processor update. Sounded to me like a 'mess up' because they never tested it and the new map V8 is apparently fixed. (sorry if repeating earlier comments on this thread)

Cheers

Richard

[Marque]

I missed that - is there something specific you have to do? I just bunged the disk in.

According to the insert I found in my DVD case, you should first switch on COMAND and press the NAV button. Then remove the old navigation DVD and insert the new DVD. The COMAND display will show software update progress bars. When the basic navigation menu reappears, the software update is complete. Now, to reinitialise COMAND, remove the ignition key, lock the car and wait for two minutes. That's it.

Edit: I don't have ETA, so it looks like I need the head unit service upgrade to get this.

[w124coupe]

Marque, as your car is pre-facelift, the dealers will not apply the ETA update FOC and some parts depts will insist the update disk is "not for your car".

Its part number 211 589 13 22 00 "SW-Rel 21.090 SW 30/06" and about a tenner. 10 mins to install yourself.

Or some say its small enough to be emailed as a zip file and works from a CD-R....

[glojo]

According to the insert I found in my DVD case, you should first switch on COMAND and press the NAV button. Then remove the old navigation DVD and insert the new DVD. The COMAND display will show software update progress bars. When the basic navigation menu reappears, the software update is complete. Now, to reinitialise COMAND, remove the ignition key, lock the car and wait for two minutes. That's it.

Edit: I don't have ETA, so it looks like I need the head unit service upgrade to get this.Your right :)

You need the update CD and the install is NOT done from the Navigational Player :o

Regards
John

[corned]

Hi all. My 2005 E320CDI has COMAND with V5.1 in the boot. I have no access to the nav menus via the head unit. I don't have ETA on the display but I do have TMC.

If I were to purchase the V8 disc, what should I expect? I know the sellers on Ebay usually state that they will also provide a firmware upgrade disc as part of the deal, but is this necessary in my case (if I choose to go down this route)?

Would I get ETA displayed with only the mapping disc updated, or is this part of the separate firmware upgrade?

I'm thoroughly confused.

As an aside, what are the chances of getting the service dept to facilitate multi-region playback on the DVD player, being as how I can't get in there myself?

Cheers,


Corned

[television]

Do take care on Ebay disc as so many do not work as they are not original

[glojo]

DieselE - the head unit updates are different to the Navigation processor updates - the map disks can only contain nav processor updates.

Head unit updates are done with a disk in the main Comand DVD drive.

- and its the head unit update that gives the ETA on mainscree option which was introduced in MY07 cars. The A/B/C/CLK series of units had that for a while before.Hi Richard,
Thanks very much for clarifying as when I read a few posts it was giving the impression that the COMAND update was somehow built into version 8:o :o It could well have been me but at least folks will now realise that ETA in screen on older screens of this model COMAND will need this upgrade. On newish vehicles the ETA will be there by default and no need for any upgrading.

Is there anyone that knows the exact date that the ETA was displayed by default on this version of COMAND?

It's blooming frustrating when we read about the different variants :mad: :o :o For example why is the R-class different from the E??:mad: :mad:

regards
John

[DieselE]

Hi all. My 2005 E320CDI has COMAND with V5.1 in the boot. I have no access to the nav menus via the head unit. I don't have ETA on the display but I do have TMC.

If I were to purchase the V8 disc, what should I expect? I know the sellers on Ebay usually state that they will also provide a firmware upgrade disc as part of the deal, but is this necessary in my case (if I choose to go down this route)?

Would I get ETA displayed with only the mapping disc updated, or is this part of the separate firmware upgrade?

I'm thoroughly confused.

As an aside, what are the chances of getting the service dept to facilitate multi-region playback on the DVD player, being as how I can't get in there myself?

Cheers,


Corned

See the clarification given by Richard in post #51. The firmware upgrade disc only costs £10-12 and the instructions that come with it are easy to follow.

[mas66]

Hi Guys

Im picking up a new ML this week from the stealer and just wondered if someone could give me a definative on what version disc I should expect with it and should I be looking for any particular version of firmware/software on the Comand unit itself ? I ask this as I know that they have had the vehicle in group stock for at least a couple of months.

thanks in advance

Mark

[richard]

Hi Guys

Im picking up a new ML this week from the stealer and just wondered if someone could give me a definative on what version disc I should expect with it and should I be looking for any particular version of firmware/software on the Comand unit itself ? I ask this as I know that they have had the vehicle in group stock for at least a couple of months.

thanks in advance

Mark

My guess you'll get 9.0 or if your lucky 9.1. If the dealer has been really diligent he may have swopped the 9.0 for 8.0 - but personally i'd hope he hasnt.
Dont worry about the firmware on the Comand itself - you can't see what will have changed, and nothing much as for a while on the ML.

Enjoy the ML !!

Richard

[richard]

Is there anyone that knows the exact date that the ETA was displayed by default on this version of COMAND?

W211/W219/SLK - MY07 - so cars with 807 in the option code list


It's blooming frustrating when we read about the different variants :mad: :o :o For example why is the R-class different from the E??:mad: :mad:

Cost I think - 4 different 'versions' (and map disk types) have happened

NTG1 - E/CLS class, 2004-SL, SLK, 2004-W220 S, 2004-W215 CL) (seperate hu, agw, nav)
NTG2 - cheaper A/B/C/CLK/ML/GL/R (all in one box, first seen in 05 C I think)
NTG3 - W221 S / W216 CL (all in 1 box & internal hard disk)
NTG4 - new W204 C class and I think all MY08 cars - so probably cheaper than NTG3

So things moved on as models were released.

R

[glojo]

W211/W219/SLK - MY07 - so cars with 807 in the option code list


Cost I think - 4 different 'versions' (and map disk types) have happened

NTG1 - E/CLS class, 2004-SL, SLK, 2004-W220 S, 2004-W215 CL) (seperate hu, agw, nav)
NTG2 - cheaper A/B/C/CLK/ML/GL/R (all in one box, first seen in 05 C I think)
NTG3 - W221 S / W216 CL (all in 1 box & internal hard disk)
NTG4 - new W204 C class and I think all MY08 cars - so probably cheaper than NTG3

So things moved on as models were released.

RHi Richard,
Thank you very much indeed for the usual very informative post. It beats me how Mercedes decided tgo put the cheaper COMAND in the R-class but especially the GL?

Regards
John

[Alfie]

Hi Richard,
Thank you very much indeed for the usual very informative post. It beats me how Mercedes decided tgo put the cheaper COMAND in the R-class but especially the GL?

Regards
John

I think they did it so they could then sell the Rear Entertainment package separately.

[mas66]

My guess you'll get 9.0 or if your lucky 9.1. If the dealer has been really diligent he may have swopped the 9.0 for 8.0 - but personally i'd hope he hasnt.
Dont worry about the firmware on the Comand itself - you can't see what will have changed, and nothing much as for a while on the ML.

Enjoy the ML !!

Richard

Thanks Richard

They actually supplied 8.0 ! but for the amount I will actually use it I'm sure it will be fine.....

As for the ML ... all I can say is SUPERB :) ... its nice to be back in a Merc after 2 Audi's !

Thanks

Mark

[gmatj]

Typical! not only have I just spent (16/04/08) £206.05 on a V7 disc from Command on Line (I was upgrading from a 4.1) but had I waited for only four weeks it would only have been £138 for a V8!! (and before you say it yes I did ask if a new version was imminent but was told it was the 2007/2008 disc so a new version was not likely.) That moan aside; for the benefit of those planning on doing any travelling in Western Europe using the V7 Disc, I have just returned from a 4K mile trip through France Spain and Portugal. V7 Disc worked OK but was frequently showing ‘off road’ in North Western and Central France, and often in Spain when using some of the newer roads travelling North West from Granada in to Portugal. I guess these up dates will be included in the new V8 disc. It seems both France and Spain have commissioned a considerable number of new roads over the past 12 to 18 months that are understandably not on the old V7 disc.
Mike Harding


You are lucky my friend that you found the most of your destinations.
Last week I just retrofited comand APS on my 2007 E200K Ava. , spent 3000 Euros forn the whole project - Got the v8-2008 DVD NAV and next week I want to travel to ITEA (a big port/town next to DELPHI ) and it is not there !!!!

So I have to stick my MIO PDA with Destinator 7 to my car's screen. What a sight !!!!

I am furious and angry with Mercedes. And I will explain why . I asked my Partner who drives a BMW with Navi (far superior to ours) to try to find this town - Well he found it as well as a lot of other places I could not find (Athens is Ok but lots of times woud tell you to turn in places that is forbidden).

The funny thing is that BMW uses as well NAVTEQ/Teleatlas map data. And when you go to Navteq the only car that they will not sell upgrade maps is Mercedes - They just send you to your nearest MB dealer!! (to buy the DVD with then obsolete maps, one version behind all the other car makers)

I do not expect maybe to have the best graphics/ 3d views etc , but I deamnd to have the latest MAP data

Why on earth should I pay for upgrade DVD that all of you people find cheap at GBP230 and over ?? It is not cheat , it is bl.... expensive for what it is and I feel that MB people are loughing at all of us here !!!!

[gmatj]

Alfie,
Thank you for taking the trouble to respond to this thread and for your e-mail.
Yes, I was disappointed when I learned that a later version had been released so soon (a matter of a few weeks at most) after my purchase of V7, particularly as I had contacted Command on Line specifically to establish whether or not a later version was due. Indeed during my discussion with your representative – which was early on the evening of the 16th of April, I was told that if he knew of one then he would certainly tell me. On that assurance I made my purchase. You have again confirmed that you had no advance knowledge of this upgrade and for the benefit of you and others now following this thread, I accept what you say. That is that Command on Line did not know at the time of my enquiry of the impending withdrawal of V7 and the issue of V8.
From what you say, your suppliers of CD’s offer a superior service to that offered by your DVD suppliers by giving their distributors advance notice of their intentions and here lies the potential for a lesson. It might benefit your DVD suppliers to know what potential harm they are doing by failing to provide their distributors with advanced notice that newer versions are imminent. Other hardware and software suppliers manage to achieve this. Indeed some withdraw software/ hardware in advance and make customers wait for the new version and some even offer to replace software for a small handling/postage charge if it is upgraded within a certain time frame after purchase of and earlier version. I hope you will find an opportunity to convey to your DVD suppliers just how much improvement in their customer facing service they need to make. It cannot be to the benefit of the customer or firms’ reputation to keep such immanent changes a secret. That, is in my view very bad practice.
Thank you too for your kind offer of a discount on further purchases. I doubt I will have cause to take advantage of this offer of recompense but it is important for others to know the level of integrity you are endeavouring to achieve when conducting your business.
The rest of my earlier post was aimed at suggesting to potential travellers that it would not be wise to continue using V7 for a protracted Western European journey as many road changes had taken place. What I did not mention in my first post was that throughout my travels my passenger was using a Via Michelin 980XT New Edition portable Sat Nav. device with the latest maps and camera information in it. I purchased that device a month or before my Command disc up grade. The intention was to use the Michelin Guide aspects of the device for Hotels, Restaurants, Points of Interest (I had preloaded WiFi Hotspots, speed camera positions etc) but in reality it was on and used throughout the journey for navigation and traffic up date duties as well. The Michelin performed well and the traffic up dates were more specific than the Command – this, presumably because it has a text to speech facility which enables it to warn verbally about high winds on certain roads, blockages to certain parts of carriage ways and the length of potential traffic jams etc. Some of this information was available from Command but only in text form. Incidentally Michelin are no longer in the business of producing any more Sat Navs. They ended that business just after Christmas. Nevertheless I purchased the 980XT as I wanted the Michelin Guide facility which will continue to be up dated.
Thank you again Alfie for taking the trouble to put the record straight. I hope my additional suggestions will be of use. My apologies to those who feel I have hijacked this thread.
Kind Regards
Mike Harding

Hi Mike
I would not suggest that you travel to Greece with your PDA even with v8 DVD on your Merc )see my other post to see why !!!
Keep your Michelin 980XT in a safe place !!!

[Mike Harding]

Clearly a frustrating experience for you GMATJ and one for which I am unable to offer any solution apart from suggesting that you provide appropriate feed back to your dealers on the inadequacy of the Command data for your part of the world.
As this item in the thread has been resurrected and as it too suggested feed back might be of benefit for future users, I wonder Alfie, ( I am sure you read these threads) did you take up my earlier suggestion and tell your ‘DVD suppliers [to know] what potential harm they are doing by failing to provide their distributors with advanced notice that newer versions are imminent.’?
I made this suggestion in both my private communication to you and my post on this board ‘I hope you will find an opportunity to convey to your DVD suppliers just how much improvement in their customer facing service they need to make. It cannot be to the benefit of the customer or firms’ reputation to keep such immanent changes a secret. That, is in my view very bad practice.'
GMATJ’s recent posts remind me that I’ve heard / seen nothing since my proposal and I remain wondering whether you found the time to point out to your suppliers that deceit of the type adopted earlier this year is unsound business practice and if you did what was their response – have the committed to take the message on board?
Mike Harding

[Alfie]

Clearly a frustrating experience for you GMATJ and one for which I am unable to offer any solution apart from suggesting that you provide appropriate feed back to your dealers on the inadequacy of the Command data for your part of the world.
As this item in the thread has been resurrected and as it too suggested feed back might be of benefit for future users, I wonder Alfie, ( I am sure you read these threads) did you take up my earlier suggestion and tell your ‘DVD suppliers [to know] what potential harm they are doing by failing to provide their distributors with advanced notice that newer versions are imminent.’?
I made this suggestion in both my private communication to you and my post on this board ‘I hope you will find an opportunity to convey to your DVD suppliers just how much improvement in their customer facing service they need to make. It cannot be to the benefit of the customer or firms’ reputation to keep such immanent changes a secret. That, is in my view very bad practice.'
GMATJ’s recent posts remind me that I’ve heard / seen nothing since my proposal and I remain wondering whether you found the time to point out to your suppliers that deceit of the type adopted earlier this year is unsound business practice and if you did what was their response – have the committed to take the message on board?
Mike Harding

We did communicate this back to the supplier but as ever when dealing with huge organisations such things tend to fall on deaf ears.

I agree with your points but there is little we can do to change the situation sadly.

[Mike Harding]

Alfie,
Many thanks for the update and thank you too for taking the trouble to pursue the matter.
I hope that your supplier does take your input seriously as to fail to must surely be to its detriment. Whilst to them you may not appear be the largest of their customers, the excellence of service and facilities you strive to provide through this forum alone clearly indicates you have a customer base of both size and influence. I suggest you have a little more clout than you credit yourself with.
Mike Harding

[gmatj]

Hi everybody

This morning I was told by Mercedes in Greece that in the end of August MB has released v9 of NAVI DVD for E-Class (NTG1)– which will be available in Greek dealers mid October.

Have you heard anything about this in your country ?? Can you cross-check with your sources ??
Thanks and Regards
George

[Duncan Beaumont]

I have recently bought an '08 registered March 1st 2008, E Class 220CDI Avantgarde with COMAND.

The DVD says on it:- Navigation DVD COMAND APS 2007/2008
A 211 827 10 65
B6 782 38 55
1844.741
Version 7.0

The screen does display The ETA and distance to destination.

Am I right in thinking that this is not the latest version?
What are my chances of getting an update from MB?

[Marque]

Version 7.0 was the latest version on 1st March 2008, I believe, so that's what came with the car. Version 8.0 was released later that month.

You won't automatically get upgrades, but there's no harm in asking. ;)

I'm surprised you don't have the ETA display. That comes from the head unit software, not the APS DVD. The ETA functionality has been around for at least a year (or two). I would definitely ask for a free upgrade. (The service part only costs £10 and it takes about 5 minutes to load.)

[Alfie]

I have recently bought an '08 registered March 1st 2008, E Class 220CDI Avantgarde with COMAND.

The DVD says on it:- Navigation DVD COMAND APS 2007/2008
A 211 827 10 65
B6 782 38 55
1844.741
Version 7.0

The screen does display The ETA and distance to destination.

Am I right in thinking that this is not the latest version?
What are my chances of getting an update from MB?

V8 is the latest but at least your head unit seems to have had all the latest firmware fixes applied. Otherwise you wouldnt be getting ETA.

Although your car is a 2008 one the Comand unit could have been manufactured sometime last year!

We could sell you a V8 at a discount but to be honest if you are on V7 you might aswell wait for the next one to come out. Unless of course you can convince your dealer to upgrade you for free. Worth asking.

[Duncan Beaumont]

To confirm. I DO have ETA.

Do the latest versions have 7 (8)? digit postcode search, rather than the inadequate 5 digit postcode?

[Branko]

My April 2006 CLS (purchased by me June 2008) has a version 8.0 disc in the boot (upgraded from 7.0 to 8.0 - both show ETA and have TMC). What I find really odd about Comand (my 2003 E class didn't have Comand) is that it does not take the full postcode - the last two digits/letters are always left off and this appears common across the board.

My TomTom 510 was much better in this respect and it also had all the speed camera locations. I have now found my old Road Angel and had that updated - the TomTom sits in the wife's Touran.

[DieselE]

Do the latest versions have 7 (8)? digit postcode search, rather than the inadequate 5 digit postcode?

No unfortunately, V8 is the same as earlier versions as far as postcodes are concerned.

[gmatj]

Hello everybody

I can confirm there is a new NAV DVD for W211 and this is

v9 Europe 2008/2009 Navi DVD for NTG1 B6 782 38 87

Regards
George