E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Radio/CD System in My 2003 E500

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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 07:50 AM
  #1  
mcleantmw's Avatar
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From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
Radio/CD System in My 2003 E500

Lately when operating my Radio/CD system it will suddenly turn itself off. Or, it will change itself from radio to playing a CD. This occurs whether operating in the radio mode or playing a CD. These type of electrical problems are always very difficult to diagnose by the repair shops. I have an extended MB warranty until Jan 09 so I'll have it checked out by my local MB Dealer. But wondered if anyone else has had this type problem and what the fix was?
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 11:19 AM
  #2  
Roehl's Avatar
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From: Orange County, CA
2004 MB E-500 & 2000 Honda Accord Coupe
I've read it somewhere, I think that is issue is under the firmware update list. Try getting your firmware updated...
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 02:30 PM
  #3  
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From: Chicago Burbs
'03 E500 Sport
I had a ghost in my car that changed radio stations whenever it felt like it. Ended up having the dealer replace the radio all together and haven't had the problem since.

PetePap
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 02:56 PM
  #4  
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W211
Correct me if I am wrong, extended MB warranty does not cover stereo/audio system (i.e. AGW, COMAND, CD Changer, etc).
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 04:34 PM
  #5  
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From: Chicago Burbs
'03 E500 Sport
I have a non MB warranty since I bought the car used. The warranty I have paid 50% of the radio and install. The dealer charged me $1000, so I had to pay $500.

PetePap
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 05:38 PM
  #6  
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by mcleantmw
Lately when operating my Radio/CD system it will suddenly turn itself off. Or, it will change itself from radio to playing a CD. This occurs whether operating in the radio mode or playing a CD. These type of electrical problems are always very difficult to diagnose by the repair shops. I have an extended MB warranty until Jan 09 so I'll have it checked out by my local MB Dealer. But wondered if anyone else has had this type problem and what the fix was?
Mention DTB P-B-82.60/360a MAR07 (initial release SEPT04) – The Audio Gate Way (AGW) control module may shut down due to overheating. As a result, the audio system is shut down (head unit), turns off by itself and cannot be restarted until the AGW cools down after approximately 20 minutes, then the system will operate correctly.

The current AGW needs to be replaced with a modified AGW with proper ventilation. If not covered under your extended warranty, given the original part installed at production was defective (inadequate ventilation) and needed to be modified to operate properly, I would suggest you request a goodwill repair from the dealer and MBUSA.

In addition, have the head unit software updated:
AUDIO50 (cassette) P-B-82.62/226c SEPT06 – special tool (service disc) W211589122200
COMAND (no cassette) P-B-P-B-82.60/382b AUG07 – tool W211589142200
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Old Feb 26, 2008 | 11:17 AM
  #7  
mcleantmw's Avatar
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From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
Originally Posted by konigstiger
Mention DTB P-B-82.60/360a MAR07 (initial release SEPT04) – The Audio Gate Way (AGW) control module may shut down due to overheating. As a result, the audio system is shut down (head unit), turns off by itself and cannot be restarted until the AGW cools down after approximately 20 minutes, then the system will operate correctly.

The current AGW needs to be replaced with a modified AGW with proper ventilation. If not covered under your extended warranty, given the original part installed at production was defective (inadequate ventilation) and needed to be modified to operate properly, I would suggest you request a goodwill repair from the dealer and MBUSA.

In addition, have the head unit software updated:
AUDIO50 (cassette) P-B-82.62/226c SEPT06 – special tool (service disc) W211589122200
COMAND (no cassette) P-B-P-B-82.60/382b AUG07 – tool W211589142200
Thanks for this information "konigstiger"........I just dropped off my vehicle to my MB Dealer to rotate/rebalance my wheels and to check out the stereo system problem. I gave the service rep this information to consider in the diagnosis. I have a feeling your assessment is correct about the heat affecting the operation, especially since I've been using the heater a lot with the cold weather here in the Washington D.C. Area. I'll let everyone know what the MB Dealer finds. Thanks!
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Old Feb 26, 2008 | 12:02 PM
  #8  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Originally Posted by cocacola
Correct me if I am wrong, extended MB warranty does not cover stereo/audio system (i.e. AGW, COMAND, CD Changer, etc).
I had an '04 and the MB Extended Warranty (bought in PA at vehicle delivery) explicitly excluded The Nav/Radio/Entertainment System.

The Pre Sale Extended Warranty Brochure given to me by MB Ft. Lauderdale Specifically INCLUDES the very same items. I purchased the 24 Month Extended Warranty this weekend, since this car has been virtually perfect, so I will keep it another 5 years.

I don't know if the warranty varies state to State on items covered (as it does on terms of Sale, per State Regulations). For example, the Warranty I purchased in PA in '04 was cancellable only for the 1st 60 days, and then nothing back, whereas the Warranty purchased in FL this weekend is cancellable at any time with a pro rated refund based on the TOTAL number or years not used. (MFG Warranty + Extended Warranty years... in my case 4 Years + 2 years= 6 total years they get to prorate on, even though they are only selling me 2 years extended coverage.)

On the other hand, back in '04 MB knew of all the problems they were having with their Audio equipment, so back then they probably didn't include coverage on those early year 211 models, whereas now the cars are pretty dependable so they feel safe in including those items.
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Old Feb 27, 2008 | 05:51 PM
  #9  
mcleantmw's Avatar
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From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
Originally Posted by konigstiger
Mention DTB P-B-82.60/360a MAR07 (initial release SEPT04) – The Audio Gate Way (AGW) control module may shut down due to overheating. As a result, the audio system is shut down (head unit), turns off by itself and cannot be restarted until the AGW cools down after approximately 20 minutes, then the system will operate correctly.

The current AGW needs to be replaced with a modified AGW with proper ventilation. If not covered under your extended warranty, given the original part installed at production was defective (inadequate ventilation) and needed to be modified to operate properly, I would suggest you request a goodwill repair from the dealer and MBUSA.

In addition, have the head unit software updated:
AUDIO50 (cassette) P-B-82.62/226c SEPT06 – special tool (service disc) W211589122200
COMAND (no cassette) P-B-P-B-82.60/382b AUG07 – tool W211589142200
My MB Dealer updated the Radio Head Unit software and that seems to have fixed the problem of the radio jumping over to the CD player or turning itself off.
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Old Feb 27, 2008 | 11:52 PM
  #10  
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From: SFV, SoCal
2022 CLS450 AMG 4Matic
Originally Posted by konigstiger
Mention DTB P-B-82.60/360a MAR07 (initial release SEPT04) – The Audio Gate Way (AGW) control module may shut down due to overheating. As a result, the audio system is shut down (head unit), turns off by itself and cannot be restarted until the AGW cools down after approximately 20 minutes, then the system will operate correctly.

The current AGW needs to be replaced with a modified AGW with proper ventilation. If not covered under your extended warranty, given the original part installed at production was defective (inadequate ventilation) and needed to be modified to operate properly, I would suggest you request a goodwill repair from the dealer and MBUSA.

In addition, have the head unit software updated:
AUDIO50 (cassette) P-B-82.62/226c SEPT06 – special tool (service disc) W211589122200
COMAND (no cassette) P-B-P-B-82.60/382b AUG07 – tool W211589142200
Wow, great specifics!
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Old Jun 15, 2014 | 06:44 AM
  #11  
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2003 mercedes benz e500
rear speaker 2003 E500

My rear speaker sounds blown. So could I swap out rear speaker for a 12inch sub. in a box with a Amp. with out any problems?
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