3G -> 4G update?

[Prophetuk]

Hello forum,
I have had my W238 2018 for over a year and I am in Tech I wondered if anyone has heard anything about the 3G Module being updated for over-the-air updates? I did try to get an answer from the Merc dealer but nothing. if you are in the UK the 3G network is planned to be shutdown something in 2024.

 

[jysi]

If you have 3G (codel 360) you need to change the module to get to 4G (code 362). Mercedes has been telling it is impossible but that is not the whole truth for all models since for 213/238 both options were available at the beginning of production. When the network goes down the 3G module will start to use 2G - connection will be slower, not real time, and you can not extend the Mercedes.me "Remote Package" subscription. Other subscriptions can be extended (but they will be slower).

There has been some speculation about mandatory update for all cars and who will pay for it (in EU it is mandatory accessory for road traffic since some date, or car models type approved after some date) but the bureaucracy is slow and outcome is uncertain.

Individual car owners have started to replace 3G modules with LTE and it is possible ifi your car had the LTE option available, with wiring changes for some other models too. You need someone who has the VeDoc access to change the module information in the server end. After the update the Remote Services subscription can be extended (at least if the old subscription did not expire before the upgrade).

The VeDoc policy varies country by coutry - somewhere the official shops do it, somewhere they don't and somewhere the import company has the control over VeDoc and they prohibit even the 3rd party shops with official Xentry subscription from doing it. It does not make any sense but that's how things are.

 

[momosam]

Hello forum,
I have had my W238 2018 for over a year and I am in Tech I wondered if anyone has heard anything about the 3G Module being updated for over-the-air updates? I did try to get an answer from the Merc dealer but nothing. if you are in the UK the 3G network is planned to be shutdown something in 2024.

Could you provide you VIN to see if your module is capable for update?

 

[Prophetuk]

If you have 3G (codel 360) you need to change the module to get to 4G (code 362). Mercedes has been telling it is impossible but that is not the whole truth for all models since for 213/238 both options were available at the beginning of production. When the network goes down the 3G module will start to use 2G - connection will be slower, not real time, and you can not extend the Mercedes.me "Remote Package" subscription. Other subscriptions can be extended (but they will be slower).

There has been some speculation about mandatory update for all cars and who will pay for it (in EU it is mandatory accessory for road traffic since some date, or car models type approved after some date) but the bureaucracy is slow and outcome is uncertain.

Individual car owners have started to replace 3G modules with LTE and it is possible ifi your car had the LTE option available, with wiring changes for some other models too. You need someone who has the VeDoc access to change the module information in the server end. After the update the Remote Services subscription can be extended (at least if the old subscription did not expire before the upgrade).

The VeDoc policy varies country by coutry - somewhere the official shops do it, somewhere they don't and somewhere the import company has the control over VeDoc and they prohibit even the 3rd party shops with official Xentry subscription from doing it. It does not make any sense but that's how things are.

So does this suggest you can upgrade to any LTE provider and switch from say Vodaphone?

 

[jysi]

No, this is about the HW upgrade to keep the car capable to connect to LTE after 3G is gone.

There is an e-SIM inside the Hermes box and the provider selection is a contract issue between Mercedes and a provider.

 

[kenaj23]

Unfortunately, the HW update to LTE is not possible because communication in mopf with LTE takes place via Bluetooth.
So the conversion is not profitable. We'll have to wait and see because a plag and play module is already available for the truck.

King regards.

 

[jysi]

Well I don't get the point about Bluetooth.
If the car is from beginning of 2018 it has HU55 Comand using WLAN connection to HERMES. It can have 3G or LTE from factory, and it is upgradeable using standard parts. 3G option was removed middle of 2018.
MOPF has always LTE.

 

[satmonster321]

Hello, I swapped my UMTS 1.0 Hermes to Hermes LTE 1.5 in A238. Was nearly plug&play means mechanically it fits without problem.
The swap included change of the head unit from NTG5 to NTG5.5 and bigger 12 inch display (see my post about it).
In this particular car the old Hermes used USB connection to communicate with the head unit, the new Hermes wanted WLAN. Fortunately new NTG5.5 head unit supports WLAN communication with Hermes.
Lot of work, lot of manually settings transfer using Monaco Tool. You also need change your equipped coding from 360 to 362 and do online SCN coding in order to get new Hermes working because it has to be registered by Mercedes backend.
My Hermes is still not working (can't go online) because I want do online SCN coding (registration at backend) during my regular workshop visit for service (have paid warranty ) Let see whether they will do it...

 

[Prophetuk]

Hello, I swapped my UMTS 1.0 Hermes to Hermes LTE 1.5 in A238. Was nearly plug&play means mechanically it fits without problem.
The swap included change of the head unit from NTG5 to NTG5.5 and bigger 12 inch display (see my post about it).
In this particular car the old Hermes used USB connection to communicate with the head unit, the new Hermes wanted WLAN. Fortunately new NTG5.5 head unit supports WLAN communication with Hermes.
Lot of work, lot of manually settings transfer using Monaco Tool. You also need change your equipped coding from 360 to 362 and do online SCN coding in order to get new Hermes working because it has to be registered by Mercedes backend.
My Hermes is still not working (can't go online) because I want do online SCN coding (registration at backend) during my regular workshop visit for service (have paid warranty ) Let see whether they will do it...

Thanks for the info, very interesting. Did you ever get the service? Have they updated the software?

 

[Richard]

Thanks for the info, very interesting. Did you ever get the service? Have they updated the software?

If you are in UK (I assume you are by your username) - talk to [ Log in or register now to view this content ] who have done the upgrade on a few cars