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TMC Member Reviews Model S Infotainment Upgrade

Discussion in 'Model S: User Interface' started by TMC Staff, Mar 17, 2020.

  1. TMC Staff

    Joined:
    May 19, 2017
    Messages:
    1,182
    Tesla announced earlier this month that owners of Model S and Model X vehicles built March 2018 or earlier are eligible for a $2,500 “Infotainment Upgrade.” TMC Member zanary picked up his 2017 Model S from the service center Monday with a fresh install of the new computer, the same you’ll find a brand new...
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  2. electric frank

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2017
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    Location:
    Channel Islands Harbor, California
    I've got a 2014 S85 w/RWD and zero AP. Other than quicker everything, any advantage to upgrading if I don't have AP? My mind says "hey, you wouldn't keep a laptop for 6 years". Thanks
     
  3. maximizese

    maximizese Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2018
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    458
    Location:
    California
    I've got a 2013 S85 also with zero AP and I'm strongly considering the upgrade. The pros as I see them are:

    faster processing
    higher resolution
    less likely to fail (no known eMMC issues)
    video streaming when parked
    faster LTE modem
    reliable web browser
    more games

    All of which will be much more appreciated for the times you need to Supercharge during a rainy road trip. I don't mind having older tech as long as it does what I need it to do.
     
    • Like x 2
  4. electric frank

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Channel Islands Harbor, California
    Is the memory capacity any larger?
     
  5. Tam

    Tam Well-Known Member

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    Location:
    Visalia, CA
    Is your HomeLink configuration preserved without a need to reprogram it to an automatic garage door system again?
     
    • Like x 1
  6. AustinP

    AustinP Active Member

    Joined:
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    Memory is the same, so I believe no difference there.

    @maximizese made a good list.
    Some comment from where I stand (AP1)

    faster processing:

    Absolutly true. Day and night. Personaly this is not enough to convince me: the MCU1 speed is still ok and not a source of frustration. It does the job (Nav, Music, ...) perfectly.
    I know what a slow interface (eg old laptop or iPad 2) can be and how frustrating it is to have to wait one or two seconds after selecting anything on the screen. MCU1 is far from that and still very good by my book.
    My theory is that AP1 (and obviously NoAP) puts less stress on the MCU1 (no Sentry, no additional visual animations).

    higher resolution:

    The MCU1 has the same resolution. By the way, the screen is actually NOT changed: only the computer behind it.
    BUT indeed the IC (the screen behind your steering wheel) will be replaced with a high resolution one. I recall an old S loaner with the first "low" resolution IC. Not bad of course, but when you are used the high res one, it's a step back.

    Video streaming & Games

    True, and this is part of making the Tesla fun and different. But in our 5 years of ownership and roadtrips, we never stay in the car while it charges. But maybe if we had Netflix we would ? Or the kids would while we shop ?

    Faster LTE Modem

    True. But it's not revolutionary fast. 2x faster, not 10x. So makes that podcasts or songs are loaded a bit faster, and Nav also a little faster.
    I can tell as I had my MCU1 replace in October last year.
    What I noticed in our regions, is that the 3G and LTE coverage are identical. I had hoped that LTE would be better, but not.
    So I often considered the LTE upgrade for my MCU1, but never went for it and I'm glad I did not, as it's not really worth it for me.

    Reliable Web Browser

    I guess it works much better in MCU2. I keep on hoping it will be fixed for MCU1, but that too is not enough for me to upgrade for MCU2.
     
    • Like x 2
  7. Jaymc5

    Jaymc5 Member

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    Location:
    Port Orchard, WA
    I've got a 2013 P85+ and am pretty satisfied with the original version with AM/FM radio (I'm 62 and enjoy my radio :)) Anyway, the main reason I would consider upgrading would to avoid the MCU1 failure - if it does fail, how much does it cost?
     
  8. AustinP

    AustinP Active Member

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    From what I read in the othrr thread, Tesla is not ready yet to do MCU2 upgrade on AP1 or NoAP car.
    So hope for you your MCU1 hold on a few more months, so you can have a choice.
    I had mine replaced in October last year, out of warranty, it was about 2000€.
    There is no case reported yet of the cost of replacing a failed MCU1 by a MCU2. One can hope it is the same 2500$ as MCU1 condition is not mentioned in the current deal.
     
  9. plehrack

    plehrack Member

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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA 91356
    I assume you still don't have traffic lights and stop sign animations? My brand new 2020 Model S Performance was delivered on 3/17/20 and has software 2020.12.1 and it doesn't show traffic signals or stop signs like my wife's Model 3 has been doing for around 2 months. :-/
     
  10. RossBrindleyAU

    Joined:
    May 17, 2018
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    65
    Location:
    Wantirna South, Victoria, Australia
    I was not interested at all due to the AM/FM delete but today I did a quick check and my favorite radio stations are on Tunein. So when it's available for my 2015 MS I will most likely have it done.

    My MCU1 failed under warranty so upgrading to MCU2 should increase it's resale value as well.
     
  11. bob_p

    bob_p Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2012
    Messages:
    3,586
    By default, the FSD preview visualizations are not displayed.

    If a vehicle has FSD purchased, MCU2 and the FSD computer; and the visualizations aren't being displayed, check to see if the visualizations have been enabled on the Autopilot settings page.
     
  12. plehrack

    plehrack Member

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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA 91356
    I just got update 2020.12.1 and they are there! YAY! Traffic lights and trash cans galore.
     
  13. PamelaRachel

    PamelaRachel Member

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    Location:
    Charlotte
    I am really hoping that they will be able to update the older MCU1 and AP1 cars. All I have heard so far is "no".
    Anyone hearing anything different?
     
  14. GlmnAlyAirCar

    GlmnAlyAirCar Active Member

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    It’s a yes. This was announced in the original infotainment upgrade email. Wonder why there is even controversy here?
     
  15. PamelaRachel

    PamelaRachel Member

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    Location:
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    Is there any chance you still have that email? Maybe copy and paste it here - I would love to read it over. I did not get any emails about this upgrade.
     
  16. ShawnA

    ShawnA Supporting Member

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    Location:
    Edwardsburg, MI
    Hi PamelaRachael,

    There was no email... It was an announcement on March 3, 2020.
    See the blog post.
    The only thing that has changed is the delivery dates... (Covid-19?)

    upload_2020-4-19_15-18-47.png

    The last group of cars was moved from "Early May" to "Coming Soon."

    Shawn
     
  17. Dutchie

    Dutchie Active Member

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    Location:
    Canada
    I think $2500 is pretty steep for just to a little faster processor a little more graphics and games. Will hold off for now and wait for MCU3(?)
     
  18. PamelaRachel

    PamelaRachel Member

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    Messages:
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    Location:
    Charlotte
    I s
    Im looking everywhere I can think to look at all I see is that AP1 cannot be updated due to the lack of cameras. Can you help with a link to where you see it is updatable?
     
  19. ShawnA

    ShawnA Supporting Member

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    Location:
    Edwardsburg, MI
    Hi @PamelaRachael,

    Yes and No...

    We can purchase the Infotainment Upgrade.
    We have a 2015 S 85 D with AP1.
    We are in the group that says "Coming Soon."
    Which is NOT AP 2.0 and is NOT AP 2.5

    This will NOT DO ANYTHING TO UPGRADE OUR AP - just the displays, games, and prevent
    the MCU failure that we are hoping does not fail before we can upgrade...

    I could be very wrong here.
    I am looking forward to the upgrade for the LTE, faster display, and preventive MCU replacement.

    Shawn
     
  20. GlmnAlyAirCar

    GlmnAlyAirCar Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2015
    Messages:
    1,384
    Location:
    Sanatoga PA
    I believe it was just a link to this page Infotainment Upgrade.

    “All model S and X before March 2018.”

    Pre AP2 cars “coming soon.”
     

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