MHI2 (Harman) vs MST2 (Technisat/Preh, Delphi): what is the difference?
MHI2 and MST2 are the two most common MIB2 platforms. The names look alike, the cars overlap, and the firmware is not interchangeable, so telling them apart is the first step in any update.
MHI2: MIB2 High (Harman)
MHI2 is the Harman-built MIB2 High unit, the higher-specification variant with a faster processor, more storage and full navigation. Community tooling such as the M.I.B. project is built specifically around MHI2 units.
MST2: MIB2 Standard (Technisat/Preh and Delphi)
MST2 is the MIB2 Standard family. It is not one hardware platform: the same name covers units from more than one supplier, including Technisat/Preh and Delphi, and each supplier's units use their own firmware.
Side by side
The practical differences that matter when choosing files:
- Segment: MHI2 is MIB2 High; MST2 is MIB2 Standard.
- Suppliers: MHI2 is Harman; MST2 is Technisat/Preh or Delphi.
- Archive folders: MHI2 - HARMAN, MST2 -TechniSat Preh and MST2 - DELPHI.
- Firmware: not interchangeable between any of them.
- Tools: community tools are platform specific. A tool built for Technisat/Preh MST2 units is not compatible with Delphi MST2 or Harman MHI2 units.
Which one do I have?
Use the part number on the unit and the version shown in the engineering menu, then match it to the folder. The head-unit identification guide walks through it.
Frequently asked questions
- Is MHI2 better than MST2?
- MHI2 is the higher-specification MIB2 variant, with more storage and full navigation. Whether that matters depends on the car and what you need, and you cannot swap one for the other by changing software.
- Can I use MHI2 firmware on an MST2 unit?
- No. They are different hardware from different suppliers, and flashing the wrong platform can brick the unit.
- Why is Delphi MST2 different from Technisat/Preh MST2?
- They are built by different suppliers on different hardware, so they use different firmware and different community tools, even though both are MIB2 Standard.