2021 Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras Not Activated TSB

Owners of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT may encounter an issue where their Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras, previously known as Mercedes me services, cannot be activated following the replacement of a communication module. This problem is specifically addressed by Mercedes-Benz Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) L182.85-P-078473, issued on November 20, 2024.

The TSB indicates that this issue can occur after replacing either the N112/9 control unit for telematics services (HERMES) or the N112/2 control unit for telematics services (RAMSES). When this happens, a specific diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B15CE00 will be active or stored in the vehicle's system.

Symptoms

If your 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is affected by this issue, you may observe several distinct symptoms related to the Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras not activated condition:

• Instrument Cluster Message: In vehicles equipped with the N112/9 HERMES control unit, the instrument cluster may permanently display the message "SOS - service not activated".
• Activation Status Error: For both N112/9 HERMES and N112/2 RAMSES control units, the actual value for the activation status under "Registration status" will show "Error when replacing certificate (CEP.36)".
• Control Unit Log Errors: The control unit log for the N112/9 HERMES module may record a registration error stating "CEP Invalid VIN/UniqueID combination". Similarly, the N112/2 RAMSES module's log might display "CEP_VIN_UNIQUEID_INVALID".

These symptoms collectively point to a failure in activating the Digital Extras services after a communication module replacement.

Fault Codes / DTCs

The primary diagnostic trouble code associated with the Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras not activated problem is:

• B15CE00: This code indicates that the Digital Extras (Mercedes me) services cannot be activated and will be found as active or active+saved in the vehicle's diagnostic system.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

This issue specifically arises after a control unit replacement involving either the N112/9 (HERMES) or N112/2 (RAMSES) telematics services control module. The problem is triggered when the new control unit's data is not properly updated in the Mercedes-Benz back-end system.

Cause of the Problem

The root cause of the Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras not activated issue, as described in TSB L182.85-P-078473, is sporadic problems within the back-end system. When a new communication control unit (N112/9 or N112/2) is installed, data from this new unit may not be correctly updated in the back-end system. This prevents the proper registration and activation of the Digital Extras services.

Repair Procedure Summary

For technicians encountering this issue, the recommended remedy outlined in Mercedes-Benz TSB L182.85-P-078473 is to create a TIPS case. It is noted that, in some instances, the problem may rectify itself on its own after a short period. This suggests that the back-end system may eventually process the update, resolving the activation issue without further intervention.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware that despite the "SOS - service not activated" message or the inability to use Digital Extras, the emergency call function of the vehicle is not impaired by this condition. This critical safety feature remains operational.

Owner Action

If you own a 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and experience the Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras not activated issue, particularly after a communication module replacement, you should contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz service center. Inform them about the symptoms, including any dashboard messages like "SOS - service not activated", and mention TSB L182.85-P-078473. The service center will be able to create a TIPS case to address the problem.

NHTSA ID: 11010755