Mercedes Mandates ISO 27001 or TISAX: What Is It? What Does It Cost?

Bottom Line Up Front:

Mercedes-Benz now requires every dealership to meet a recognized security standard such as ISO 27001 or TISAX Level 2 by September 30, 2026. You are free to choose either path, and Black Pearl has built a tool to help you decide which one is the better fit for your dealership.

This article explains:

- What Mercedes actually requires

- What ISO 27001 and TISAX Level 2 involve

- How much compliance will realistically cost

- The clear plan your dealership should follow

- How Black Pearl helps dealerships complete the work with confidence



You’ll get simple guidance, complete information, and a direct path forward.

ISO 27001 or TISAX for your Dealership?

What Mercedes Is Requiring From Every Dealership

Mercedes expects dealerships to implement a qualified information security program, such as ISO 27001 or TISAX Level 2. Their Cyber Security Guideline outlines several controls that must be implemented, monitored, and proven with documented evidence.

Here is what Mercedes expects:

Required Security Controls

- Individual user accounts (no shared logins)

- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for systems with customer data

- Encryption of customer data at rest and in transit

- Secure password and secret storage

- Strong endpoint protection (EDR or MDR)

- Working backup systems for business-critical data

- Documented disaster recovery and application recovery plans

Required Monitoring & Logging

Dealerships must be able to:


- Monitor access to customer information

- Detect unauthorized access attempts

- Log and retain security events

- Monitor copying, deletion, and modification of customer data

- Review activity during investigations

If you do not have continuous monitoring, Mercedes expects an annual penetration test performed by a certified professional (OSCP/OSCE).

Access & Vendor Management Requirements

Dealerships must review and maintain:


- Employee access to customer data

- Removal of accounts when employees leave

- Vendor access and vendor security safeguards

- Documentation showing reviews actually happen

Governance Expectations

Dealers must maintain:


- A documented security program (ISMS or similar)

- A designated security officer role

- Written policies that match real workflows

- BYOD, mobile, cloud, and physical security standards

- The ability to coordinate cyber events with Mercedes

These requirements apply whether you choose ISO 27001 or TISAX. Evidence will be required in both cases.

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ISO 27001 vs TISAX Level 2: What Each Option Means

Mercedes accepts either ISO 27001 or TISAX Level 2. The question becomes which path is more realistic for your dealership.

ISO 27001

ISO 27001 is a global certification that proves you run a formal, documented information security program year-round.

You will need to:

- Define ISO 27001 scope and boundaries

- Establish ISMS framework

- Create risk register

- Assign security owner and team

TISAX Level 2

TISAX is an automotive-specific assessment used across many OEMs.

At Level 2, you:

- Complete a detailed self-assessment

- Provide evidence that controls exist and function

- Participate in an expert interview

- Receive a TISAX result you can share with Mercedes

Which one should you choose?

Most dealerships choose TISAX Level 2 because it is a lighter lift.

However, some choose ISO 27001 if they work with partners outside automotive or want a broader certification.


To help dealerships make the right decision, Black Pearl can help:

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What Compliance Really Costs

For most dealerships, the cost comes in three main categories: external assessments, remediation, and internal labor. Below is a complete breakdown so you can budget realistically.

A. External Assessment Costs

ISO 27001

- Certification audits (Stage 1 + Stage 2): $10,000–$50,000+

- Annual surveillance audits: multiple thousands per year

- Optional readiness reviews: additional costs


TISAX Level 2

- ENX registration: $475 per location per scope

- Very large programs: about $5,850 per year

- Accredited assessor review/interview: $5,000–$20,000+

- Annual penetration test (if required): low five figures

B. Remediation and Preparation Costs

This is where dealerships spend the most time and money. Typical ranges:

Common Remediation Areas

- Removing shared logins

- Enforcing MFA across all critical systems

- Fixing and testing backups and disaster recovery

- Setting up logging and monitoring (SIEM)

- Deploying Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

- Updating policies and procedures

- Organizing all required evidence

- Cleaning up vendor access

- Training staff

C. Internal Time and Leadership Involvement

Expect to spend time on:

- Policy review

- Decision-making

- Evidence collection

- Audit and assessment meetings

- Coordination across departments

The Clear Plan Your Dealership Should Follow

This 4-step plan keeps you on track for the September 30, 2026 deadline and helps avoid costly rework or failed assessments.

Align on the Right Framework and Scope

Talk with your compliance partner to confirm:


- Whether ISO 27001 or TISAX is the better fit for your dealership


- Your scope (locations, systems, departments, vendors, data)


- Any Mercedes expectations beyond the written guideline


Output: A clear decision and a scoped plan you can execute without guessing.

Run a Dual Gap Analysis

A real gap analysis checks you against:


- Mercedes’ Cyber Security Guideline


- Your chosen framework (ISO or TISAX)


It should produce:


- What you already meet


- Your gaps (ranked by risk)


- Evidence you must collect


“Assessment blockers” that will stop you from passing


Output: A prioritized remediation roadmap with proof requirements.

Build the Timeline and Budget

Most dealerships need 8–12 months to be ready, so build:


A timeline showing what’s immediate, what’s required pre-assessment, and what can wait until post-pass


A budget that includes:


○ Assessment / audit fees

○ Tools (MFA, backups, logging, DLP, EDR/MDR)

○ Professional services for remediation and policy work

○ Internal time (this is usually the hidden cost)


Output: A realistic plan with no surprise costs or last-minute panic.

Execute, Validate, and Maintain Compliance

Execute remediation based on Mercedes priorities:

• MFA everywhere

• No shared logins

• Vendor access cleanup and control

• Working backups plus DR testing

• Logging and monitoring

• Updated policies and training

• Evidence collection as you go

Output: You pass the assessment and stay compliant without restarting the project every year.

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How Black Pearl Helps Dealerships Succeed

Black Pearl has supplier partners that have more than 20 years supporting dealerships with cybersecurity, compliance, and technology. Who understand dealership operations, DMS systems, vendor environments, and OEM expectations.

Black Pearl helps you:

- Interpret requirements

- Determine the right framework

- Perform a detailed gap analysis

- Build a realistic timeline and budget

- Remediate gaps in the right order

- Organize and prepare your evidence

- Navigate the assessment or audit process

Our focus is to make compliance practical, clear, and achievable for busy dealerships.

Ready to Choose Your Path?

Our partners ’ Mercedes Compliance Framework Selector to see whether ISO 27001 or TISAX Level 2 is the better fit for your dealership:


If you want help completing the steps above or need guidance interpreting your Mercedes requirements, Black Pearl can walk you through every part of the process.

ISO 27001 or TISAX for your Dealership?

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