spfgoat

I'm driving a 2004 E320 and have been trying follow some of the instructions on how to enable the hidden features of my command unit. I can get into Engineering Mode however I cannot find the correct sequence of keys to enable the 'Secret' menu. From the menus that I do have access to I can see that my software is dated 03, which I assume means 2003. I can also see that I have a DVD-ROM drive in my US spec unit.

I've call some of the local MB service centers and have asked for a software update to the Command unit. Both places had no idea what I was asking for or why. So after a long debate with them about why I'd like to do this I received 'a bring it in and we'll look' response. I'd rather not go round and round with the service center. Dose anyone know the exact version of software I should ask for? Or any other key words to use so they understand what I need done?

MB of Sacramento!
MB of Rocklin!

I'm new to the forums - Are there any MB service techs here?

konigstiger

As of AUG07 service disc (tool), W211589142200 (version 46/06) updated free under warranty per DTB P-B-82.60/382b “to correct a number of COMAND malfunctions.” Have them update your AGW (audio gateway) if needed at the same time. PM your email address if you would like a copy of the DTB.

The service disc is $12 dealer net out of warranty with simple update procedure.

cocacola

Please note that once apply this update, user may no longer be able to get in the hidden menu by using the keypad on the COMAND, only SDS can do that afterward.

jflatt

I could never get into that secret menu either, but I did get into engineering mode. Where did you see the drive type? I also tried to change it to the euro model to get RDS, but that didn't seem to work either. I do have the update CD, and it added MP3 playback, so that's all I really need.

Tariq

well mine connot get into secret engineering menu while mute-serv-hung phone,

I wish to play DVD in motion, any one can downgrade the command??

wish any one help, its a dream that i want to play DVD in motion.

Regards

spfgoat

Is there a new command sequence to access Engineering mode after I apply the update?

Benz-O-Rama

Guys,

What are you trying to accomplish by accessing the engineering menu? You won't be able to play DVD movies on your COMAND no matter how hard you try. You're gonna need a Euro COMAND to do that. There's not much you can do in the engineering menu except screw things up.

If you're only trying to enable MP3 playback, get the update that Konigstiger mentioned.

spfgoat

There are posts on this forums that dispute that claim. I have a US Command with a DVD-ROM slot drive. I understand this is 'at risk' but if anyone has the newer commands to access engineering mode please PM me.

Benz-O-Rama

Good luck!

Let us know how it works out.

While your US spec COMAND may have a dvd-rom drive, it lacks the video processor needed to render dvd video. Not gonna work, bro. But if you figure out a way, please let us all know.

E500 Benzo

i dont remember where i read this, but i just recently came across an old post somewhere of someone with a US spec comand that was able to play DVDs by 1st changing the display to 211_ECE, then the keypad to 211_ECE and then getting into the engineering menu.

i was shocked when i read it, and am still very skeptical... i know some of the very 1st US spec comands (2003 and early 2004 models) came with the DVD-Rom slot. Just like Benz-O-Rama, i figured "ok its got the drive, but it still lacks the video decoding hardware..." this is apparent from all the US owners who can play burned DVD's with mp3's on them in their cars, as well as the few who have tried putting in DVD movies, and can actually hear the audio track, but still cant get video... but apparently there are 1-2 people who have posted here who have gotten video on their US spec comands.

weird huh? it throws everything we know about the comand out the window. lets just consider those anomalies (unless we want people flooding the forums with posts like "yeah dude like my dad just bought me an e550... how do i wath dvd's on the screen thing in the dash")

it all comes down to if you have enough ***** to mess with all the different hidden settings i guess

ksukkar

hi, any luck wit the hidden menus for DVD in motion, i tried all possible buttons but no luck neither, i have a euro comand unit and my car is from germany, checked the software and keypad its all ecu already, i can play DVD's but not in motion, i need it for my girlfriend, its good to get her busy while i concentrate on the road.. lol, trust me she might be a bigger distraction than the DVD in motion

Benz-O-Rama

I believe the cars you're talking about were the 2003 replacement W211's. For those that don't know the history, it goes a little something like this:

When the 2003 W211 was introduced in North America, you could order it with COMAND and NAV. Well, MBUSA delivered the cars without NAV and promised the buyers a no cost retrofit later in the year. As time went on MBUSA determined that they were not able to retrofit the cars. I believe it was because of the D2B vs. MOST configuration, but I could be wrong. So, MBUSA decided to replace all 2003 W211's that were ordered with NAV with 2004 cars. They were still titled as 2003's even though they had 2004 technology in them. These particular cars were fitted with COMANDs that had EURO spec hardware in them. And you're right, they could absolutely play DVD movies. Ever wonder why you see very few 2003's with NAV? This is the reason.

Anyway, when the 'real' 2004's were introduced, their COMANDs were fitted with the US spec hardware, which are not able to play dvd video. Hell, they couldn't even play MP3's. MB came out with a software update to the COMAND which allowed for that.

I could have a few of the details wrong, but this how I remember it.

E500 Benzo

thats the best short story i've read all day... "a tale of two comand APS's" lol

we should seriously make some sort of sticky or comand APS FAQ to compile all this info... any volunteers? *ahem* benz-o-rama *ahem*

spfgoat

I've tried just about every combination of keys that anyone has posted to access the engineering menu again - no luck.

Funny thing is that I really don't care to watch DVDs in the car, however I don't like the fact that I might be able to but its locked down.

Benz-O-Rama

Then I ask the question again:

What exactly are you trying to accomplish by entering the engineering menu?

Just to say that you did it? It's very easy to foul things up in there. Most of it is in jibberish anyway, and is so cryptic you can't even understand it.

okc329

who want to enable DVD video while driving really bother me. When you have your crashes out on the road, I hope you run into each other instead of some body who is behaving responsibly.

ksukkar

Hi Tariq,
any luck with DVD in motion

ndasgruv

thanks Benz-O-Rama, i think you just answered my question. My car is a 04, build date is 11/03, with no NAV box in trunk, & having problems entering "secert" menu. I guess my cars is in limbo. I'll try and update the firmware asap.

happy holidays to all!!!