Mercedes Remote Services - SN82.85-P-0001-52S

Model All (CAR) 

Updates to over-the-air software 

With the market launch of the new STAR3 model series, Mercedes-Benz is enhancing the compatibility with over-the-air (OTA) software updates of the Mercedes me connect communication module, map data for the navigation system and the entire MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, adding the option to carry out convenient software updates over the air for additional important control units. This requires the prior consent of the owner or a suitably authorized user.

For this purpose, the existing processes and the back-end system landscape have been expanded, while the required on-board scopes have also been refined to ensure that the vehicle software updates are available with the same standard quality as at Mercedes-Benz workshops.

In addition to comprehensive car IT security measures and easy-to-understand user guidance for the entire process of a software update, adjustments to the entire system chain and corresponding management of software update campaigns have had to be developed.

Targeted production breakpoint control on a campaign enables software updates to be allocated to individual vehicles, groups of vehicles and vehicle fleets with roll-outs staggered appropriately.

Both the update rate and feedback from the field are checked during an update campaign to ensure the quality of the customer's update experience. In the case of vehicle fleets in particular, various challenges arising from market-specific characteristics or variants need to be taken into account and to be simulated and validated in advance in the back-end systems.

At the point of contact with the customer, information is provided about the availability of an update alongside specific details regarding its content. An update can begin once certain prerequisites on the vehicle that may be required depending on the component to be updated (windows closed, safe parking position etc.) have been established via appropriate user guidance.

Update process 

MercedesBenz OTA software updates are based on a two-stage process.

• The first step involves the software being downloaded via the communication module installed in the vehicle. The download can be interrupted and resumed at any time during this step of the process and it is therefore not susceptible to interrupted downloads or connectivity issues.
• Only in the second step, when the software has been fully buffered in the vehicle, is the new software actually installed in the vehicle.

  Customers can view all updates via the Mercedes me connect front ends (app, web portal). These include outstanding and completed updates as well as further information such as the time at which installation was completed.

  In addition to quality and car IT security software updates, customers can be provided with new functions throughout the vehicle's service life to ensure that the vehicle is kept up to date even after delivery.

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Over-the-air software update workflow