Mercedes Map Update Guide

One of the most common upgrade-paths for a Mercedes-Benz car is to update the navigation, and now it's easier than ever using MBRetrofit Tools!

All you need to do is enter your VIN into any form on our website, or below.. and then we have specific guides for every single NTG version!

"NTG" is basically the term used for your car's built-in infotainment system (head unit, COMAND Online, etc)

Video tutorial

Prefer to watch before you start? This runs through the whole process end to end, from making the USB to entering the code in the car.

The 4 steps

1. Download DLM. The official Mercedes-Benz Download Manager.
2. Make the USB. Pick the right NTG, region, version, and filesystem.
3. Insert it in the car. Start the update and wait for the Map License Key prompt.
4. Generate the code below. Enter your VIN and the map details, pay, paste into the car.

Or read the full guide here...

Check what your car needs

Create the USB first. The code matches a specific map version and region. Generate it before the car prompts you and you risk paying for the wrong key.

How to update your Mercedes Map

• Create the USB using the DLM and the guide for your NTG generation. Download Mercedes Download Manager (DLM)

• Insert the USB into your car and it should prompt for a new software update.

• Purchase a map code. Create a free account at mbretrofit.it, then enter your 17-digit VIN, your region (read it off the data card, not your country) and your NTG version. Pay securely and the code is generated instantly for most NTGs — usually under two minutes. Start right here:

  VIN

  Generate Map Code

  (you should see a prompt like this to enter the code in the car)

• Follow the steps on your car and enter the code when it prompts for the Map License Key.

• That's it! It's installing now :)

Common errors when updating Mercedes maps

Most failed updates trace to one of:

• "Not enough space". USB or system drive too small. Check both.
• USB not recognised. Wrong filesystem. Let DLM reformat for your NTG.
• "License key invalid". Code doesn't match VIN, map version, or region. Recheck on the car screen before generating.
• "Update cancelled". Engine off or car asleep during install. Keep the car running. Can take 60+ minutes on NTG6 and NTG7.

Each generation has its own quirks too — check the guide for your NTG for model-specific fixes, or the DLM guide for USB and download errors.

Different error? Contact support with a photo of the error and the car screen, and we'll help troubleshoot.

Map coverage

See the Map Coverage page for the latest map version per NTG generation and region.

What is a Mercedes navigation code?

A Mercedes navigation code unlocks new map data for your COMAND or MBUX. Also called a map license key, map activation code, or Navi PIN. The code is tied to one VIN, one map version, and one region. You can't reuse it on another car.

When you run a manual map update from USB, the car reads the data, then asks for the code. No code, no install.

You can get the code from your Mercedes dealer (€250–€500), or generate it yourself with MBRetrofit Tools (for much cheaper!). The car doesn't care where the code came from, only that it matches the VIN, region, and map version.

Why Mercedes charges so much for a map update

Mercedes pays a licensing fee for the map data, then resells the activation through dealers. The €250–€500 dealer price is mostly margin and labour. The license cost is a fraction of that.

Older COMAND and MBUX cars (NTG3.5 through NTG6) don't get free over-the-air updates. A manual USB update is the only way to get the latest map. NTG7 and Gen20x update over the air on newer cars, but only while the map-data subscription is paid up.

If your car prompts you for an activation code, you're on the manual path. This page covers it.

What a map update costs

Map update prices range from "free" YouTube tutorials to €500+ dealer charges. What's different:

• Dealer (€250–€500). Staff time, no DIY effort. Same code under the hood.
• eBay or Amazon SD-card sellers (€60–€150). Preloaded SD with a single-use code bound to one VIN.
• MBRetrofit Tools. Generate the code yourself, instant delivery for most NTGs. You bring the USB stick and run DLM.

The map license itself costs money. The activation work is what you do yourself.

Pick your NTG generation

• Gen20x — MBUX 3 (2024+)
• NTG7 — MBUX Gen 2 (W223 / W206 / W214)
• NTG6 — MBUX Gen 1 (W177 / W247 / W167)
• NTG5.5 — W213 / W222 / W205 facelift
• NTG5s1 — W205 / W253 / W447
• NTG5s2 — W213 / W222 / W205 facelift
• NTG4.5 — W204 / W212 / W166
• NTG3.5 — W212 / W221 / W164
• Aston Martin NTG5s2
• Aston Martin NTG5.5

Pricing

The Map Coverage page lists the latest compatible version per NTG and region. Your firmware caps the max version you can install.

Supported Mercedes models

MBRetrofit Tools covers the full COMAND and MBUX fleet from 2009 on. Common chassis:

• A-Class. W176 (NTG4.5), W177 (NTG6)
• C-Class. W204 (NTG4.5), W205 (NTG5/5.5), W206 (NTG7/Gen20x)
• E-Class. W212 (NTG3.5/4.5), W213 (NTG5.5/6), W214 (NTG7)
• S-Class. W221 (NTG3.5), W222 (NTG5.5), W223 (NTG7)
• GLE / M-Class. W164 (NTG3.5), W166 (NTG4.5), W167 (NTG6/7)
• GLA / GLB. W156 / W247 (NTG6)
• G-Class. W463 (NTG4.5/6)
• Vito / V-Class. W447 (NTG5/5.5)
• EQS / EQE / EQ. V297 / V295 (Gen20x)
• AMG GT / SL. R190 / R232 (Gen20x)

Chassis not listed? The VIN check detects supported generations.

Frequently asked questions