Your Mercedes-Benz comes equipped with an advanced navigation system to help you easily find your destination. But like other technology, maps can become outdated over time as new roads are built, businesses open or close, and addresses change. That’s why it’s important to periodically update the maps on your Mercedes navigation system to ensure you have accurate directions and points of interest.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Mercedes map updates including:
- How Often Maps Need to Be Updated
- Benefits of Updating Your Mercedes Maps
- Types of Mercedes Map Updates Available
- Overview of the Map Update Process
- Cost to Update Mercedes Navigation Maps
- How to Install Your New Map Update
- FAQs About Mercedes Map Updates
- DIY vs Professional Installation
Let’s get started!
How Often Do You Need to Update Mercedes-Benz Maps?
Mercedes-Benz recommends updating your maps at least once per year to ensure optimal performance from your COMAND or MBUX navigation system. Maps that are multiple years out of date run the risk of having inaccurate speed limits, missing points of interest, improper exit information, and unreliable ETAs.
While an annual update is recommended, some owners choose to update every 6 months for maximum accuracy. Areas that are rapidly developing with new roads and businesses may benefit from biannual updates.
Major map updates are generally released each spring and fall from Mercedes. Keep an eye out for notifications from your local dealership or authorized repair shop when the latest map update is available.
Benefits of Keeping Your Mercedes Maps Up-to-Date
Updating the maps on your Mercedes navigation system provides several key benefits:
More Accurate ETAs
Fresh maps contain the latest available traffic data and routing information which helps your Mercedes more precisely calculate trip duration and arrival times. Outdated maps can result in your COMAND or MBUX system providing unreliable ETAs which could make you late.
Improved Voice Guidance & Directions
When you update your Mercedes maps, you’ll have better voice-guided turn-by-turn directions during your trip. Updated maps correct issues around improper freeway exit instructions, changed traffic patterns, and missing streets that may exist in old maps.
New Points of Interest
Maps degrade over time as businesses open or close and POIs change. Current maps have new restaurants, shops, attractions and other destinations that won’t show up in old nav systems. Upgrading lets you search for the newest POIs.
Latest Updated Addresses
As areas develop over time, new roads are added and address numbers can change. If you are trying to navigate to an address with outdated maps, you may end up in the wrong location or on a road that dead-ends. Updated maps have the most recent addresses.
Avoid Speeding Tickets
Your Mercedes navigation system shows speed limits on the map display. But these limits can change over time, meaning outdated maps show incorrect speed info. New maps have the right speed limits so you can avoid unwittingly speeding.
See New Roads & Highways
Maps go through extensive changes each year as new roads, bypasses, bridges and highways are constructed. Without updated maps, your Mercedes will not have these new routes available to navigate you to your destination in the fastest way possible.
Improved Lane Guidance
Updated maps provide enhanced lane guidance for complex intersections, exits, and merges. This helps you confidently navigate challenging driving scenarios and busy highway interchanges.
Enhanced Voice Command Recognition
Streets, neighborhoods, and points of interest may have new or changed names that are not reflected in outdated maps. Fresh maps improve voice command recognition so MBUX and COMAND respond better.
Retains Memory Locations
Even after the update, your Mercedes will retain saved addresses like Home and Work, as well as previous destinations and favorite places you have navigated to before.
Latest Software Improvements
Map updates also install upgraded Mercedes navigation software for a smoother, faster user experience. You’ll benefit from the newest tech enhancements.
Optimized Dynamic Route Guidance
Mercedes’ dynamic route guidance automatically adapts your route based on real-time traffic and road conditions. Updated maps optimize this helpful feature during your drive.
As you can see, the benefits of updating your Mercedes maps each year are tremendous, from more accurate ETAs and directions to new POIs and proper speed limit info.
Overview of Mercedes-Benz Map Update Options
Mercedes-Benz owners have a choice between several different types of map updates for the COMAND and MBUX navigation systems:
Regional Map Updates
Cover a portion of a country and are ideal if you mainly drive in a certain state/province or area. Regional maps cost less than full updates.
National Map Updates
Provide complete coast-to-coast mapping data for the whole country. Choose national updates if you travel long distances.
Global Map Updates
Include maps for multiple countries around the world. Global updates are necessary if you plan to drive your Mercedes outside of your home country.
Annual Map Updates
Mercedes releases new maps each year. Annual updates contain all changes made over the past 12 months. Choose them to keep your nav system up-to-date.
Biannual Map Updates
Some owners opt for semi-annual updates in spring and fall to have the freshest maps possible. Biannual updates work well if you live in a rapidly changing area.
In addition to the map data, updates may also include improved navigation software and UI changes. The update version will be based on the latest maps and software Mercedes has released. Consult with your dealership if you aren’t sure which update is right for you.
Cost to Update Maps on Your Mercedes-Benz
Cost for a Mercedes-Benz map update will depend on the year, model, and type of update needed for your specific vehicle’s COMAND or MBUX system. Here are some general guidelines on pricing:
- Regional updates: $149 – $249
- National updates: $199 – $349
- Global updates: $249 – $399
Dealerships may also offer package deals if you purchase annual map updates in advance. Expect to pay $100-150 more for a biannual update.
Please Visit MBnaviupdates.com to get a discount, Here price was $109.99 – $209.99.
Pricing also tends to increase each year as the maps add more details. Some authorized Mercedes service centers may offer discounts on map updates depending on your warranty status.
While map updates are not cheap, they are important for optimal performance and reliability from your Mercedes navigation system. Given how frequently new roads are added and businesses change, the price is reasonable for keeping your maps maximally up-to-date.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Your Mercedes Map Update
Once you have your map update, it’s easy to install it in your Mercedes yourself. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Purchase Update
You can buy your Mercedes map update at your local dealership, authorized service center, or reputable online retailer. Make sure to select the proper update for your vehicle’s navigation system and model year.
Copy Update Files to USB Drive
The map update will come as a package of files that need to be loaded onto a blank USB flash drive. Copy all of the updated files over to the root (top) folder of the USB.
Insert USB in Car
Turn on your Mercedes and insert the USB drive containing the update files into the USB port. This is usually located in the center console or glove box.
Follow On-Screen Instructions
COMAND or MBUX will automatically recognize the map update on the USB and launch the installation process. Follow the prompts on your navigation screen.
Installation Takes About 30 Minutes
It usually takes around 30 minutes for the Mercedes update process to fully complete. Your navigation system will reboot a couple of times during the installation.
Remove USB When Done
Once installation is finished, eject the USB drive containing the map update. Do not remove it early or turn off the car mid-install as this can interrupt the process.
That’s all there is to it! The update will automatically load the next time you start your Mercedes. You’ll right away notice improved navigation and directions.
Should You Have Mercedes Map Update Professionally Installed?
While the USB installation process is straightforward for most owners, you may prefer having your Mercedes map update professionally installed by the dealership service center.
Benefits of professional installation include:
- Technicians will handle everything from start to finish
- Maps are guaranteed to load correctly
- Service center can confirm the right update for your car
- Installation takes less than an hour at the service center
The main downside is cost, as most dealerships charge 1-2 hours of labor ($150-$250) for map update installation on top of the price of the update. So don’t worry Please visit the MBnaviupdates website to get a discount on the map and also avoid dealership costs.
If you are not very tech-savvy or want total peace of mind, professional installation may be worthwhile. But for most DIY-capable owners, buying the update and installing it via USB yourself can save hundreds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mercedes Map Updates
Here are answers to some common questions about keeping the navigation system in your Mercedes-Benz up-to-date:
How do I know if my maps are out of date?
Clues your Mercedes maps need an update include inaccurate speeds or street names, missing new roads/neighborhoods, and POIs that no longer exist. If your maps are over a year old, an update is a good idea.
Will a map update improve voice guidance?
Yes, updated maps provide significantly improved voice guidance and turn-by-turn directions during navigation. Fixes issues like improper freeway exits that may exist with old maps.
Do maps updates affect other Mercedes technology?
Beyond navigation, fresh maps also optimize performance of other tech like the Dynamic Route Assist system. Updates lead to a better overall driving experience.
Will I lose my saved addresses if I update?
No, your saved home address, favorite destinations, and previous routes will all still be retained after updating your Mercedes maps.
How do updates work for the MBUX system?
Maps are updated via USB just like on COMAND models. The installation process is fully automated on MBUX-equipped Mercedes models.
Do I need an update if I use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
Yes, you should still keep your Mercedes navigation maps updated even if you primarily use smartphone integration. This ensures optimal performance if you switch between navigation systems.
Can I update maps myself or do I need a dealer?
You can easily install map updates yourself by following the USB update instructions. No need to pay the dealer for installs unless you prefer the convenience.
How long does a map update take to install?
The installation process takes about 30 minutes as the system updates itself and reboots a couple of times. Simply follow the on-screen prompts after inserting the USB.
How do I get the latest map updates?
You can purchase Mercedes map updates at your local dealer, authorized service center, or online retailers that sell OEM updates.
Do navigation updates work for older Mercedes models?
Yes, map updates are still available for Mercedes cars dating back over a decade. Check with your dealer or the online retailer to find your specific car’s update.
Can I install an update if my COMAND screen is cracked?
Yes, the map update process will still work even if your COMAND display is damaged. The installation is handled by the internal navigation computer.
What’s the best brand of USB drive to use for Mercedes updates?
Any name-brand USB should work fine, like SanDisk or Samsung. Use a 16GB or 32GB drive formatted to FAT32 for reliable installs.
Keeping the maps up-to-date on your Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND or MBUX system is important for safe, reliable directions. While updates cost over $100, they are worth it for accurate maps and navigation. Follow the steps in this guide to easily install your new Mercedes map update.
Conclusion
Having inaccurate, outdated maps in your Mercedes-Benz COMAND or MBUX navigation system can lead to missed turns, unreliable ETAs, and frustration in finding new destinations. That’s why it’s recommended to install fresh map updates at least annually, if not biannually.
The benefits of updating include more accurate routing and traffic data, new points of interest, proper speed limits, and software improvements. While map updates cost $150-$400, they are crucial for optimizing your Mercedes navigation experience.
Purchasing and installing your new Mercedes map update is easy thanks to the detailed steps outlined in this guide. With a USB drive and 30 minutes, you can handle the update yourself rather than paying the dealer. Just be sure to get the proper regional, national, or global update for your vehicle’s model year and nav system.
So don’t drive around with outdated maps! Follow this definitive guide on Mercedes-Benz map updates to upgrade your COMAND or MBUX system each year. Your navigation system will work like a dream with the latest maps from Mercedes. Drive confidently anywhere knowing your directions are accurate and reliable.