After a lot of research in this forum, I have decided to replace my 2003 E500 Audio 50 for either a euro Comand or a north america Comand. My priorities are MP3 playback and ipod playback for which I also plan to install the Cartronics. Navigation is a possibility for the future.

I'm not interested in playing video but I'm considering an Euro comand as it can read MP3 DVDs. However I have read several comments on problems with the software updates and setup with the euro comand and also comments about different radio frequency format in the euro comand Vs the frequencies used in north america.

I plan a DIY installation and I would appreciate comments on the following:

- Is there more risk of running into problems with the installation of the euro comand like possibility of wrong software updates at the MB dealer or possibility of software compatibility issues with the HK logic 7 gateway installed in my car?

- Is there any problem with the different radio frequencies set up on the euro comand Vs the frequencies used in north America?

- What Comand version would you recommend for my needs?

 

There are not really any issues. I don't listen to AM so I have no problem with that. I listen to FM sometimes and no problems. The only thing that I can't do is downloading my phone's address book but that is only b/c I'm using the BT Puck with tail instead of the phone system. So if you have the full blown phone system in your car and you have downloaded the address book before into your US COMAND than you will also be able to do that with the Euro COMAND.

There is not really a question about which version. Your car uses the NTG1 COMAND so you need a NTG1 COMAND. You can do the NTG2.5 but you will have problems and if I read you correctly you don't wanna have any problems. So don't do it! Stick with the OEM solution!

No problems with updates. There are is a several year old update available (I have it in case you need it) and there are no issues whatsoever. It just works as supposed to.

And last but not least, if you need one that works fine, that can play DVDs while driving then PM me as I have some in stock. The price is in my signature written in RED letters.

 

You can get a Euro COMAND and place it in US mode and you will not have any problems as long as you are running the latest software. The Euro model stores its contacts/address book differently than the US model when in Euro mode, hence the difference in phone book download. I personally have never successfully downloaded entries from my phone to the COMAND in Euro mode, but that is honestly not an important feature for me. I have a Bluetooth adapter with MHI cradle and also a CDMA Motorola V710 phone - neither will download address book entries in Euro mode.

The main thing you will need to be concerned with regarding your needs would be what optical drive comes in the unit. It seems the US COMAND units shipped with "undocumented" DVD optical drives until around MY2005. All Euro COMAND models with the VIDEO button have the DVD optical drive. If it has a DVD optical drive, it will play DVD-based MP3 media assuming it has current software. With that said, the US and Euro models do take different software and if running current software will refuse an incorrect software update. If you are running a Euro COMAND that did not come with your car, I would not recommend having the dealer perform COMAND service.

The frequencies for radio are all adjusted in the AGW in the rear of the car. You will not have any FM or AM tuning issues. When in Euro mode, you gain RDS mode (which half works) and the option for Traffic information (which does not work) and lose WeatherBand and SAT. You can always change the variant using the 5-3-7 code to change it to a US variant and you will essentially get the same as a US COMAND with DVD MP3 capability, SAT radio option, WeatherBand, and "normal" phonebook download, and lose DVD Video.

 

You understand there is no SAT radio in Europe and therefore no SAT radio capability with Euro COMAND.

 

Not again the convesation about the different versions please We have so many open discussions about what one could do, can do, wants to do, cannot be done but should be possible,...

Let him install a Euro COMAND, leave the COMAND as it is, no 351 trick or anything. Too many people push buttons and change settings they shouldn't do, they brick their units, then blame MB for their ****ed up quality and horrible cars and accessories they dare to sell.

 

Thanks to all for the inputs. As far as I'm concerned, if I can install either the U.S. or the euro comand and it works out of the box without any setup changes I will be happy. I want to be able to tune up FM, play MP3.

Only concern is that if I buy a euro comand and I bring the car to the MB dealer for service they can do a comand software update and screw up my unit. Is this (software updates) something that the dealer normally do as part of schedulled maintenances?

 

hsal100 tell them to stay off your COMAND and your AGW. My mechanic once did an update on it and disabled Video in Motion. I didn't ask them to do it nor did they ask me for permission to do any software updates. It wasn't that bad b/c I have my own SDS and could enable it again but it is just unnecessary to do this.

You will be fine. If you need a Euro COMAND let me know via PM. I have some which work, have no scratches and play DVD movies and mp3's, have a green FAKRA connector in the back in case you want to connect a TV tuner or a backup camera in the future! It plays FM and AM as well and as Polar Bear said, you will lose SAT radio and Weatherband but who needs Weatherband anyways???

RDS comes in handy. I like to see the songs that are being played on the radio. Some radio stations broadcast news or event information instead of the song information (Title and Artist)!!!

Bottom Line: You only gain with a Euro COMAND!!!

 

If you purchase a US COMAND, it will do what you want. The question is if it has a DVD optical drive in the head unit. If it does not, you will only be able to play MP3s from CDs. If you are happy with that, you can pick up a US COMAND for a very reasonable price from eBay.

 

Right, but the Euro COMAND will recognize SDARS and works perfectly fine if you place it in US mode. This is done by entering 5-3-7 and selecting US 211 as Model and Keyboard. The VIDEO button will actually behave as a SAT button.

 

US COMAND would work fine for me even if only plays MP3 from CDs. Are there any particular years that are better than others?

 

Unless you removed the COMAND yourself from a donor car, it may be difficult to tell the actual year of the unit unless you confirm with your seller. The 2003-2005 US versions will likely have the DVD-ROM optics in them. The 2006 and later will probably just have a CD-ROM drive. All will play MP3s with the latest software and all will take current software.

 

I agree with Polar Bear. It sounds like the US COMAND would suit you. Since you don't plan on using the Video function of the EURO COMAND. If you have an older model cd-changer. You can also purchase a new 6 disc indash cd-changer, since the later models have MP3 capability. Six discs of MP3 CDs should be fine for a long road trip.

 

This could also be a good alternative if I can find such CD changer. However my preffered option would be to switch to a Command as I would have more information on the screen

 

Why would one want to swap a US COMAND with a US COMAND just to gain DVD-ROM access if you get the same plus more with a Euro COMAND? I don't comprehend that without trying to say one needs a Euro COMAND to stay alive.

 

Actually I was suggesting you upgrade both the COMAND and CD Changer

 

Hey guys I would really appreacite it if someone can tell me what ntg1 I need to play video and add reverse camera on my w211 e350 08 USA version!
Do ntg euro really works? Plug in and play ?
Any suggestions really appreciated !


The us ntg 1 really crappy and useless !!!

 

You need a ECE NTG1 Version to play Videos but no rear view camera support without a TV tuner as input. Or you buy a NTG2.5 but you need a CAN Bus Filter to watch while driving. While watching DVD no navigation though. If you decide to go the NTG2.5 route you need a complete new harness, 2 new audio amplifiers, new antenna amps, and a whole lot more. I just went that route and converted my car.

 

I read many forums that ntg.2.5 lots of work and now there is a comany in california that do retrofit radio unit that looks almost the original one and has more functions and is plug in and play. So you saying to install the new software and my current ntg would be able to play video? and to add reverse camera to buy another part to enable?
very appreciated ,
Klajdi nyc

 

It is never plug and play with all the functions. Avoid these Android Chinese fire cracker radios. Poor radio reception, constant reboots,... I have seen them all over the years.

 

W211. What is the little icon on the lower right (saying ready) of your gps? I do not have that on mine.
Thanks,
Mike T.

 

Phone's reception strength. It's all explained in detail in the handbook of your car.

 

Hey ,
that is my phone that is connected with car and it says ready to use !

 

i do not have the phone option in my cdi. Thanks for your quick response.
mike T.

 

I think you should have ! Mostly all Mercedes have phones! Look somewhere in the middle for a port and you have to buy Bluetooth separately ! Send me a pic of your middle in your car

 

My cdi did not come with the phone prep. For a 13 year old car, I am not worried about it at this time.
Mike T.