News > How to Install & Activate a Mercedes-Benz Navigation SD Card

How to Install & Activate a Mercedes-Benz Navigation SD Card

How to Install & Activate a Mercedes-Benz Navigation SD Card

Are you having trouble with your Mercedes-Benz navigation SD card?

This guide explains everything you need to get it working properly. It covers installation, activation issues, compatibility, Garmin MAP PILOT setup, troubleshooting, and system updates.

Table of Contents

What is a Mercedes-Benz Navigation SD Card?

The Mercedes-Benz navigation SD card stores the navigation programme itself & additional user data. This includes data such as locations and routes.

It offers a convenient way for you to keep track of your trips. It also ensures you have enough space to store all the information you need.

Which Mercedes Models Use Navigation SD Cards?

Before we go through how to install your Mercedes-Benz Navigation SD card, let’s first look at which models use one.

Well, the answer isn’t quite that straightforward, it depends on its model as well as the year of its release.

Models including the A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, CLA, CLS, GLA, GLC, GLE, V-Class, and SLC are compatible.

Depending on your models year, the SD card you need will vary.

Below is a list of the navigation systems that have been used in Mercedes-Benz models over the years:

Model Years: Approximately 2014 to early 2019.

Commonly uses the A213 or A218 style card.

Model Years: 2014 to 2019

Commonly uses the A213 or A218 style card

Model Years: 2018 onwards

Requires an NTG 5.5 specific card (such as the A2059062807)


Mercedes-Benz Interior

How can I determine which Media System is in my Mercedes-Benz?

  1. Check your owner’s manual or use the on-screen menus to determine which system you have.
  2. Check the SD card slot type. Depending on your vehicle model, the slot may require a specific type of physical card. Mercedes-Benz models will either need a full size card or a mid sized one.
  3. Verify compatibility before buying. Check the product page to ensure it clearly matches your exact vehicle year and infotainment system version.

Now that we’ve covered the navigation systems, let’s look at how to install your SD card.

How to Install a Mercedes Navigation SD Card

The first step in the installation process is inserting the SD card into your vehicle.

Step 1: Check the SD Card Is Not Locked

First, make sure the card isn’t locked. On the left side of the SD card, you’ll find a lock switch. You will not be able to insert it if the lock switch is in operation.

To unlock the SD card, make sure that the lock switch is in the open position. You can do this by sliding it up towards the end of the card with the diagonally-cut corner.

Step 2: Insert the SD Card into The Slot in Your Vehicle

Compatible Mercedes-Benz cars come with SD card slots, designed to accommodate your Garmin system. Just slide the card into the slot until you hear a reassuring click.

The click tells you that you’ve locked the card in place and that it’s ready to use.

Step 3: Follow the On-Screen Instructions

Once the card is safety in the slot, it’s time to follow the onscreen instructions. These instructions help you perform the rest of the installation.

How to Activate Garmin MAP PILOT

Once you've inserted your SD card and completed the installation, you can then launch Garmin MAP Pilot.

Simply press the NAVI button on the centre console. You can also choose NAVI from the top menu on the infotainment display using the rotary controller or touchpad.

The Garmin navigation interface will then appear and load on the screen.

Why Your Mercedes Navigation SD Card Is Not Working

If you’ve followed the steps above and your SD card still isn’t working, there could be several possible reasons. Here are the most likely issues you could be facing:

You may have purchased the incorrect SD card, as some cards only work with specific model years or systems as stated above.

How to resolve

To confirm compatibility, see the section above on how to determine which Media System is in your Mercedes-Benz.

If the SD card hasn’t been correctly activated or paired with your vehicle, the navigation system won’t be able to recognise it.

How to fix

To fix this, ensure that the card is properly coded or linked to your vehicle.

To do this, begin by verifying whether the SD card has been activated against your vehicle’s VIN.

If it hasn’t, it will need to be paired using the correct activation procedure for your specific system.

This often requires either the original supplier or a Mercedes-compatible diagnostic tool - which we can assist with.

Another issue that many users often face can be down to a damaged or corrupted SD card. This can prevent your Mercedes-Benz system from recognising the card.

Minor file corruption or incomplete map data can impact the navigation system, causing it to not load correctly.

How to fix

Try releasing the SD card and installing again. If you get the same message, take your card back to your dealer or vendor for an exchange.

The card may not be fully inserted or in the incorrect slot.

Some Mercedes-Benz models have multiple slots, and one may only support navigation data. 

How to fix

  1. Remove the card and reinsert it firmly until it clicks into place.
  2. Check your owner’s manual or infotainment system to confirm the correct slot for navigation use.
  3. Restart the system after reinsertion to refresh detection.

If you're vehicles infotainment software is out of date it may prevent newer map data from being recognised. 

If your head unit is running an older version, it may not support the latest navigation SD card formats or updates.

How to resolve

Check your system settings for available software updates, if an update is found update your system.

Once updated, reinsert the card and restart the system.

You can only install your SD card on one system. If you own another car, you cannot also install it on that system as well.

Most Navigation SD cards are VIN-locked. Once activated, it will be permanently paired to that vehicle - meaning you can no longer pair it to another vehicle.

How to fix

You'll need to purchase another SD card that hasn't been paired to a vehicle, you won't be able to use this card or any card that has already been paired.


The Mercedes-Benz navigation system offers several ways to find a destination. You can search for locations by:

  • Spelling the name manually
  • Finding places near a specific location
  • Searching by category
  • Entering an address
  • Using coordinates
  • Viewing recently searched destinations
  • Accessing saved locations
  • Using voice commands

How to Update Mercedes Navigation Maps

Because the SD card holds all the map data and navigation software, Mercedes claims that this makes it easier to download updates from the internet.

Follow the below steps to update your maps:

  1. Remove the SD card from the slot in your vehicle.
  2. Insert the SD card into your computer’s SD card slot or card reader.
  3. Check for available updates from Mercedes-Benz or Garmin.
  4. Download and install any new map or system updates to the SD card.
  5. Once the update is complete, safely eject the SD card from your computer.
  6. Reinsert the SD card into your vehicle to continue using the updated system

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Find Your Local Mercedes-Benz Garage

If you're still having issues with installing your SD card, get in touch with us today.

Our expert Mercedes-Benz team located in Bridgend, Cardiff, Newport, Neyland and Swansea are here to help.

We also offer a wide range of Mercedes-Benz Aftersales services at our service centres. You can access helpful owner guides, book your Mercedes-Benz service or MOT, and much more.

Get in touch with your local Sinclair Mercedes-Benz team online today via our handy online contact form or by giving us a call.

Mercedes-Benz Interior

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