mdzukunft

I have the Android 10.25" screen and during a re-install, I think I damaged the COMAND joystick on the center console (it could move the joystick and click the buttons but they weren't getting the signal to COMAND - and, yes, - I checked the cable connection). I removed the old unit and purchased a used OEM unit on eBay and installed. I have read that the new-to-the-car part needs to be flashed to operate.

When I went to MB this AM, the jerks quoted me $250 just to start the diagnostic procedure (that's more than I make as a physician seeing multiple patients in the ER!). I informed them it likely only required a flash but they acted like they had no idea what I was talking about. (FWIW, Autobahn Motors in the Bay Area is my least favorite MB dealer. They never listen when I go there for service.)

So a couple of questions:
1. Can a non-dealer perform the flash? What is required? There are computers available for sale for several hundred bucks. Would it be worth it just to pick one up so I can avoid the dealer forevermore?
2. Is this a normal quote from the dealer to flash this unit?
3. All I really need is to find a way to tap into AUX on COMAND so I can divert the audio stream to my Android screen. Can I do that from the COMAND unit itself (and bypass the joystick for now)?

route246

Have you considered repairing it? I'm assuming that it's the controller shaft, which is a known issue and can be swapped out with a much sturdier part.
The broken shaft can be replaced by a part often found for less than $10 (ebay, amazon, etc.). Bunch of Youtube tutorials available for DIY.
Here is an example: If this is the case, you can keep the original joystick/controller assembly so there's no need to flash (if that is even necessary).

Good luck!

mdzukunft

I'm fairly certain this isn't the issue as the two side buttons are also non-operational. However, my torx set is coming tomorrow and I have nothing else to do. So we'll see.

Update: The post was not broken. After testing, it was determined it is the after-market CarLife harness (that connects the OEM harness to COMAND) that is causing the problem. When I connect the OEM harness to COMAND, the old multi-media knob works just fine. Just out the cost of the spare multi-media knob. Still cheaper than going to the dealer; and they probably still could not have figured it out as quickly as I did.