True101

As I read through the forum, I hear some mis-information on the command system - one of my favorite features in C300 ... statements that are not accurate, so I thought to set the vocabulary straight for benefit of all.

The Misnomer: "Hey, you have the command system or the Audio20"
Correction: the new c300's comes standard with the command system. The command system has various components. The picture below is the command controller.



And the picture below is the command screen (which can be 7" or 8.x")

.

While the above (and a lot more) are all standard components of the command system. There are some optional components of command system, such as the command navigation, the command hard disk drive etc.

Also this would be incomplete without a mention of Audio20. Audio20 is the technical name for the Command System, again this command system comes as standard in all C300's (and you often see it in printed brochures for optional accessories that can be purchased for the command system, such as the SD Card navigation). Hope that helps!

StanNH

It's COMAND, not command.

True101

Thanks for the errata, also would be interesting to know what it stands for:

COMAND: Cockpit Management and Data System

I hope by the end of this thread, a) we can figure what exactly is the "COMAND" system in the US, b) there is no more confusion as it abounds plenty

Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comand_APS

MBtech1098

well that first post contains quite some misinformation and of course spelling of the acronym COMAND.

For the U.S. market, COMAND (SA Code 531) is NOT standard. Audio 20 (SA Code 522) is the standard equipment. Both are NTG5*2.

COMAND being the "higher end" system is a more "capable" HU than the Audio 20.

rbrylaw

+1 Yes, the first post is completely inaccurate. Thank you for stating it as it is.

True101

Wait, isn't that great

rbrylaw

Yep, I misspelled Comand! But the information I provided about what is included in the Comand system if you get the Multi-Media package is accurate.

That said your assertion all C class cars come with Comand is not accurate. And that's why you got some push back.

StanNH

"Audio20 is the technical name for the Command System."

That doesn't seem right at all. It was my understanding that the Audio20 system was simply the base sound system that comes in every car without the Multimedia package, and was replaced by the Burmester system ... plus other add-ons ...when the Multimedia package was ordered. I've never heard it referred to as an Audi20/Burmester/Multimedia COMAND system.

True101

I spoke to mbusa, this is what they had to say, how accurate it is, I dont know, but I hope this would stimulate the conversation to figure it correctly (obviously this is all in context of US market):

- Audio20 is the legacy name
- COMAND system comes fitted into all C300s
- Some COMAND features are standard (like comand screen, comand controller etc)
- Some COMAND features are optional (like comand navigation, comand disk drive)

rbrylaw

You are correct Stan. The Audio 20 system is the standard audio system and Burmester is the upgrade system. It may well be that there are parts of Comand in all C class cars, but the C class does not come with Comand standard as that is an option available (whether it can be added individually or not I don't know) bundled (at least in the US) with the Multi-Media Package.

StanNH

Yes .... MB gives a description of Audio20 as simply being a multimedia interface: "The Audio 20 CD multimedia system with radio, MP3-compatible CD player, Bluetooth connectivity and colour display brings together entertainment, information and communication." That's all it is.

True101

I hear too much jugglery and less clarity. Option Code: 531 is NOT comand system, 531 is 'comand navigation' - an optional component to comand system - and off course that is already well known.

ManiacGT

oh dear god please let it stop...

True101

ok, If you must insist GT

c4004matic

After looking at this issue thoroughly you are correct.
All C class have the command system since they all have the touchpad/twirl control doodad. Audio 20 is part and parcel to it which is the audio interface part of it. Burmester has nothing to do with the whole thing its simply another add-on to the Command system. My guess audio 20 is the term for Burmester"less" audio. The Regular audio cars simply have different Audio settings menu since they don't have surround nor the Burmester tone controls. Im not sure if they can play DVDs either.

ManiacGT

ROFL that wasn't aimed at you, more the op, but some posts are just sooooo ****.

rbrylaw

But he is the OP. LOL

cidtek

I believe this sums it up well.

ManiacGT

Oh dear god, you're right, just re-read it. In which case yes, please stop now.

True101

Quite true.

MBtech1098

In some literature 531 may be listed as COMAND Navigation because some markets you can get COMAND without navigation. However this is not the case on model 205 in the U.S.

Below is part of a data card and an XENTRY quick test from a vehicle with 531:



VeDoc




XENTRY QT

Below is the same from a vehicle with 522 and 810:







VeDoc data card






XENTRY QT

I should also add that SA code 810 is sound system ie: Burmester.