Sorry that this is a cross post with the audio section but I thout you guys with COMAND may have some insight...

I have a 2003 e500 with the comand/navagation system. Everything works except the singe disc drive in the main headunit. I will accept a disc, the screen will change to the 'disc" logo, then it will eject. I will not play a disc. is this a setting issue? could the optical drive be bad ? if so is there a good/reasonable place for repair ???

Any info would be greatly appriciated. Thanks in advance, DAVID

 

I assume it is happening with all discs. Try updating the headunit software with service disk (special tool) W211589142200 – about $5. Simply load the update disc into the single slot. The update will also add ETA and telephone strength signal to display, and allow navigation mute with mute button. If this fails, you may need to replace the headunit.

 

Does it say CD-Error or give any indication as to why it is ejecting?

 

NO..It will just eject the disc. !!

 

Is this a burned cd or store bought original?

 

I tried several store bough cd's

 

Try the update disk mentioned above and see it can read that. If it can read that, the laser is good. If it doesn't work after the update, sounds like a replacement is in order. Use the opportunity to upgrade to the EURO COMAND that plays DVD movies.

 

It sucks because it is a Becker, Euro command unit!!!

 

Now he tells us!

EU update #W211589132200 however, the upgrade will eliminate your access to any so-called “secret” menus.

 

should i go into the menue and turn onn the dvd and mp3 functions prior to the update? Or is it a waist and the update will overide the dvd function ??

 

Not certain about all the details, possibly someone familiar with EU head units can comment.

 

would anyone have a copy of the disc. I can borrow ? purchace ? Download ???
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anyone ????

 

Go to your Mercedes dealer's parts counter and order one. They are $15.00 or less. If you are already having read issues with your COMAND, using a copy/burned disc is not the best idea to update the firmware.

 

At the same time they can make sure you have the DVD option active and MP3 supported after the update. Losing the engineering mode does not mean these capabilities were deleted, it is just video in motion that is lost.

Since the update CD for the head unit is different from the US one, it could well be that a US MB workshop does not have the disc, perhaps they are willing to order it anyway (if you pay).

 

That I do not know. I do know that there is the possibility that if the COMAND is diagnosed with a dealer Star Diagnosis that it may have video-in-motion disabled since it became illegal a few years ago in most countries.

The dealer can turn on video-in-motion up to 10kph legally in some countries.

I think the W204 disables it when you move the gear selection out of park, even if you are sitting still on US versions. Not sure about other countries.

Question for those in Europe - do most COMANDs display video in motion on Euro cars? Was it enabled on on the first models by Mercedes from the factory, or has it always been a customer preference/feature? Do many Europeans watch TV/DVD in the front seat in vehicles?