jk.
Radio volume on start-up.
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2008 C63 AMG
Any update on this issue? I am experiencing the same issue. Took it in and they had no idea. They called corporate and stated that this is how it is supposed to function. If it is too loud, the stereo on startup goes down and if too low the stereo on startup goes up. I called BS on the guy and he agreed that it doesnt seem right. If I have a client in the car, do I really want the music to turn up? Lame.
I guess if they have enough people complaining, they'll eventually figure it out.
I guess if they have enough people complaining, they'll eventually figure it out.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 672
Likes: 2
From: 310/305
black c300 sport p1
Any update on this issue? I am experiencing the same issue. Took it in and they had no idea. They called corporate and stated that this is how it is supposed to function. If it is too loud, the stereo on startup goes down and if too low the stereo on startup goes up. I called BS on the guy and he agreed that it doesnt seem right. If I have a client in the car, do I really want the music to turn up? Lame.
I guess if they have enough people complaining, they'll eventually figure it out.
I guess if they have enough people complaining, they'll eventually figure it out.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Sweden
C 63 fully loaded
Any update on this issue? I am experiencing the same issue. Took it in and they had no idea. They called corporate and stated that this is how it is supposed to function. If it is too loud, the stereo on startup goes down and if too low the stereo on startup goes up. I called BS on the guy and he agreed that it doesnt seem right. If I have a client in the car, do I really want the music to turn up? Lame.
I guess if they have enough people complaining, they'll eventually figure it out.
I guess if they have enough people complaining, they'll eventually figure it out.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 636
Likes: 3
From: Orange County, Ca
C350
It is a problem for me too. Mine is noticable, there is prob a setting in the engineering menu that we dont know about. I have taken my car to the dealer for this issue as well and they do not have a solution.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 281
Likes: 15
From: Los Angeles
2019 C43 AMG, 2017 Porsche Macan S, 2017 Mazda 3 HB
Just take it to the dealer - I had this issue before and they gave my command the latest software update and I don't have any volume issues at all.
Also - you'll less likely experience the issue if you switch OFF Logic7. For some reason that causes the volume to spike in the beginning.
Hope this helps!
Also - you'll less likely experience the issue if you switch OFF Logic7. For some reason that causes the volume to spike in the beginning.
Hope this helps!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 3
From: Chicago, IL
2024 GLE450 4matic, 2010 Ram 2500 4x4
My 2011 w212 E350 does the same annoying radio thing radio has a mind of it's own. If I want it to be at a low level when I start shouldn't have to turn it down EVERY time I start my car.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
C300
Try
Just noticed this tonight while driving with Honey. Before she turns the car off she turns down the radio volume to almost the point where you can't hear it. She uses the volume knob in the middle of the dash. When we get back into the car and start her up the radio comes on much, much louder than when we left. Why does the volume go up after the car is turned off. It doesn't make much sense. The Nav/Radio screen was down the whole time. Also she was listening to Sat radio. Is there a setting for the radio volume somehwere we are missing? 
Super Member
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 505
Likes: 123
From: Northern Indiana
2014 c300 w204.080 3.5 v6
Hey Grok
On a w204 Mercedes can you code the radio to initially start on a certain volume level when the car starts?
Yes, but with limitations—it’s not straightforward to set a fully customizable fixed initial volume level via simple owner-accessible coding on a W204 Mercedes C-Class (2007–2015). The COMAND or Audio 20 system is designed primarily to remember the last-used volume setting when the car is restarted, though many owners report it often resets to a louder “default” or safety level instead.03
How the System Normally Behaves
On a w204 Mercedes can you code the radio to initially start on a certain volume level when the car starts?
Yes, but with limitations—it’s not straightforward to set a fully customizable fixed initial volume level via simple owner-accessible coding on a W204 Mercedes C-Class (2007–2015). The COMAND or Audio 20 system is designed primarily to remember the last-used volume setting when the car is restarted, though many owners report it often resets to a louder “default” or safety level instead.03
How the System Normally Behaves
- Intended behavior: The audio should resume at (or very close to) the volume it was at when the ignition was turned off. This applies to radio, CD, Media Interface, etc.
- Common issue on W204: It frequently starts louder than expected, especially if turned very low before shutdown. This can feel like a preset “initial” volume. Reasons include:
- Speed-dependent volume adjustment (automatic loudness compensation via microphone/sensor for road/engine noise). It ramps up on startup when the car is quiet (engine off) but senses potential noise.
- Firmware/version-specific quirks. Some owners resolved loud startup by updating COMAND firmware via a dealer or specialist.16
- If you turn the unit off manually (via the power button) before shutdown, it may retain settings better in some cases.
- Behavior varies by head unit (Audio 20 vs. full COMAND NTG4/NTG4.5), options (e.g., Harman Kardon), and software version. Some cars remember perfectly; others don’t.27
- User-Accessible Settings (No Coding Needed):
- Turn down the volume significantly and manually power off the head unit (press the volume knob/power button) before shutting off the car. Some report this helps retention.
- Check/adjust automatic volume adjustment (if available in your audio menu) — this compensates for speed/noise but can interact with startup.
- Experiment with leaving it at a moderate level rather than very low.
- Engineering/Hidden Menu (Limited Access):
- You can access a service/engineering menu on NTG4 Audio 20 or COMAND units. Common entry: Hold the hang-up (red phone) button + “1” + “#” for a few seconds.54
- This often allows adjustments to:
- Volume ranges (min/max) for different sources.
- Traffic announcement (TA) volume.
- Entertainment/telephone source volumes.
- It does not typically offer a direct “startup/initial volume” slider like some VWs or other brands. It’s more for limits and source balancing.121
- Professional Coding (Xentry/STAR or SCN Coding):
- A Mercedes dealer or independent specialist with Xentry/DAS diagnostics can perform SCN (Software Calibration Number) coding or module adaptations on the COMAND/Audio control unit. This is the closest to “coding” a custom behavior.
- Possible adjustments: Variant coding for audio parameters, firmware updates, or parameter tweaks that influence default/restore behavior. However, there isn’t widespread documentation of a specific “initial volume level” parameter being user-settable like in some other vehicles.58
- Risks/costs: Requires proper tools (online SCN often needs Mercedes backend access). Independent shops can do offline coding for many parameters. Not a guaranteed fix for a custom fixed level.
- Test first: Try powering off the head unit manually and note exact behavior across multiple starts (cold vs. warm, different sources). Check for software updates if it’s consistently too loud.
- Edge cases: Very high volumes before shutdown may be capped for safety. Battery voltage issues or aftermarket audio mods can interfere with memory. If equipped with certain packages (e.g., Multimedia), behavior differs.
- Alternatives if unsatisfied:
- Aftermarket head unit replacement (with proper coding/adapters for full functionality, including steering wheel controls).
- Some owners use Bluetooth/media sources with their own volume apps for more control.
- Implications: Loud startups protect against forgotten high volumes (speaker damage) but can be jarring. The system prioritizes “safe” audible levels over exact memory in some configs.
