Mercedes Diesel software update.

[TeddyRuxpin]

I’m sorry if I sound like a broken record but I have been informed by several people at MB that it is not optional. The ‘voluntary’ aspect refers to MB’s action to volunteer to update the software on their Diesel engines in order to avoid being sued/fined by the German automotive authority.

The service contract (that must be signed before any service work takes place) incorporates the ECU update so you can’t sign the contract and also ‘not accept’ the update. By signing the service contract you give them permission to do the update.

 

[Tony Dyson]

I’m sorry if I sound like a broken record but I have been informed by several people at MB that it is not optional. The ‘voluntary’ aspect refers to MB’s action to volunteer to update the software on their Diesel engines in order to avoid being sued/fined by the German automotive authority.

The service contract (that must be signed before any service work takes place) incorporates the ECU update so you can’t sign the contract and also ‘not accept’ the update. By signing the service contract you give them permission to do the update.

No need to apologise, I understand there's a lot of speculation and personal opinion out there, often interpreted as 'Official' when MB are so secretive about subjects they don't want to put out there into the Public Domain, this is why I have obtained written confirmation from the dealership they will not install the Emissions Update while they have my car next week, if they do, against my specific instructions, I will consider my options at that time, I will know on the day as interrogating the ECU with a scanner has revealed the current ECU software version.
My MB Service Care Master Contract doesn't mention software updates of any nature and if you're referring to the service waiver usually thrust under your nose when they pick the car up, I've already considered this and will be looking out for any references to Software Updates, I took out a two Year service plan at a time when I needed to get to know the car better before I attempted my own servicing and maintenance work and this current service is the last on the current contract after which I fully intend to start looking after it myself so I will most certainly not be signing any documentation agreeing to any software updates. Time will tell if all goes to plan next week!

 

[Srdl]

interrogating the ECU with a scanner has revealed the current ECU software version

I suggest you take a photo of that result in case you need the hard evidence!

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

I'd just be sure that it doesn't have a more open ended clause in the service contract such as 'signing this gives us permission to do what we want to the car/anything we see fit', which would be signed after the first contract.

 

[Tony Dyson]

I suggest you take a photo of that result in case you need the hard evidence!

The iCarsoft MB V2 has a very handy Live Data Recording and Reporting function, I'll be recording a lot more information over the weekend!

 

[Tony Dyson]

I'd just be sure that it doesn't have a more open ended clause in the service contract such as 'signing this gives us permission to do what we want to the car/anything we see fit', which would be signed after the first contract.

Appreciate your advice, I have worked as a Senior Contracts Manager for several Years in the development of Free Zone Scheme Documentation and in the M&E (Construction) Industry and feel confident that if a clause exists I will find it! That said, a friend of mine often reminds me "The best laid plan of mouse and man, can often gang agley" That's my escape clause by the way

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

Oh, that's great, do let us know how it goes!

 

[Botus]

Diesels weren't very popular 30 years ago (in cars), either. They've only had the big boom since the ~2009+ government backed 'lower CO2' craze.

I'd disagree with that, they were already popular.

The Ford Escort 1.6 L diesel was developed in Dagenham and introduced in August 1983. Turbos arrived in the late 80's with the Fiat Croma TD-i.d 1987 and the Audi 100TDI 1989 both with turbo charged direct injection diesels. Austin-Rover had the MDi unit in 1988 and this engine is still in production as a marine engine. It used a 'Perkins Prima', who have designed and built high-speed diesels since the 1930s.

Diesels steadily gained in acceptance with private buyers in the 1970s and into the 1990s. European diesel sales increased steadily and had already reached 17.3 per cent of the overall European market by 1992

 

[Tony Dyson]

I'd disagree with that, they were already popular.

The Ford Escort 1.6 L diesel was developed in Dagenham and introduced in August 1983. Turbos arrived in the late 80's with the Fiat Croma TD-i.d 1987 and the Audi 100TDI 1989 both with turbo charged direct injection diesels. Austin-Rover had the MDi unit in 1988 and this engine is still in production as a marine engine. It used a 'Perkins Prima', who have designed and built high-speed diesels since the 1930s.

Diesels steadily gained in acceptance with private buyers in the 1970s and into the 1990s. European diesel sales increased steadily and had already reached 17.3 per cent of the overall European market by 1992

My first diesel was a B reg 1984 Escort Estate! One of only two cars I've ever bought new!

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

Not sure where that figure is from but 17% isn't popular (in my opinion), and is that number for private passenger vehicles or does it include trucks/vans, lorries, etc?

And the number was 52% in Europe in 2015 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44687784) - now that's popular. Now it's dropping/dropped again, for obvious reasons.

I'd rather have been breathing London air in 2015 than in 1992, personally.

Edit: Again, we're off topic. Perhaps a mod could tidy up these posts? (Including mine!)

 

[Botus]

Not sure where that figure is from but 17% isn't popular (in my opinion),

28 years ago across Europe 2 out of every 10 private passenger cars isn't common...

 

[LostKiwi]

28 years ago across Europe 2 out of every 10 private passenger cars isn't common...

It's like saying a Ford Focus isn't common and there's probably less than 2 in 10 of them.....

 

[Tony Dyson]

Oh, that's great, do let us know how it goes!

So the MB Stratstone driver turned up this morning to pick the car up for it’s service and as expected thrust the waiver/worksheet doc under my nose for a signature, after a browse and only finding my instructions with ref to the software update to them listed twice within the doc, “Customer does NOT require the software update!” I duly signed and the car went off to the workshop, I received the usual video and PDF of the 32 point healthcheck all with green pass indicators and no advisories, they called and confirmed the work on the car had been completed and everything went well as expected with the driver already on his way back to me with my car, after checking the fluid levels I took it out on a test drive and everything was behaving perfectly normal, smooth and fluid gear changes up and down the box, both driving steady and at speed, Economy mode changes into 7th gear at around 60 MPH, nothing has changed, got back home, plugged the scanner in and found at first glance the ECM Software Status numbers hadn’t changed, so at least, Stratstone MB in Leeds do NOT consider the current Emissions Software Update Mandatory.

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

Excellent, congratulations

 

[ioweddie]

would my car be more desirable with or without the update?

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

Uh.... without.

 

[Blobcat]

would my car be more desirable with or without the update?

Depends if the prospective buyer knows what it does...

 

[Tony Dyson]

It can be installed at a later date if the prospective buyer so wishes but popular opinion suggests it cannot be rolled back once installed.

 

[400ixl]

Be interesting if the car is on PCP or Finance, what they require as far as taking this update. They own the car until they are fully paid off. Do they require all manufacturer updates and recalls to be complied with?

As for more or less desirable, to most having an outstanding recall would be less desirable, but how many check for this?

 

[Grandpaw]

So the MB Stratstone driver turned up this morning to pick the car up for it’s service and as expected thrust the waiver/worksheet doc under my nose for a signature, after a browse and only finding my instructions with ref to the software update to them listed twice within the doc, “Customer does NOT require the software update!” I duly signed and the car went off to the workshop, I received the usual video and PDF of the 32 point healthcheck all with green pass indicators and no advisories, they called and confirmed the work on the car had been completed and everything went well as expected with the driver already on his way back to me with my car, after checking the fluid levels I took it out on a test drive and everything was behaving perfectly normal, smooth and fluid gear changes up and down the box, both driving steady and at speed, Economy mode changes into 7th gear at around 60 MPH, nothing has changed, got back home, plugged the scanner in and found at first glance the ECM Software Status numbers hadn’t changed, so at least, Stratstone MB in Leeds do NOT consider the current Emissions Software Update Mandatory.

I found a german Daimler web page:
https://www.mercedes-benz.de/passen...and-repair/altfahrzeug-ruecknahme.module.html
that allows you to enter a chassis number (find "Fahrzeug-Identifizierungsnummer" mine WDD205.....) and this gives a reply in German whether the update is "voluntary" or a "recall". The message I received was written in german so I pasted it into Google translate & it read:
"Your vehicle (FIN WDD205..Deleted..) is part of the voluntary customer service measure. You will receive further information on the specific process from us as soon as the measure begins. Your Mercedes-Benz service partner is prepared for the measure and will be happy to answer your questions." It seems that for my car the action is "voluntary" not mandatory & hopefully I will not have to cancel my service contract.