2010 E350 COMMAND SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS
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E350
2010 E350 COMMAND SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS
Is anyone else experiencing random malfunctions of nav, keyless go, audio source, backup camera and loss of all sound in and out? Seems MB does not have the technology to diagnose the computer systems in this sedan. Where's tech support? Two years now I'm told no problems are found even tho I've provided proof with video.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 209
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From: North Carolina
2014 E-350W4
I had a problem with the Command resetting itself and wiping out all my personal settings (radio stations, phone book, etc.) to either blank or their default set.
Took it to the dealer and they did a software update to Command and SCN, and so far, all seems to be Ok.
Ask the dealer to update the software and hopefully that'll work.
Took it to the dealer and they did a software update to Command and SCN, and so far, all seems to be Ok.
Ask the dealer to update the software and hopefully that'll work.
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E350 p2/amg sport
literally months of this same ordeal.
it turned out to be the Sirius unit. Once replaced all problems solved. the reason it never threw codes is because the issue was with the Sirius unit which doesn't throw diagnostic codes that Mercedes can read.
they were reluctant to swap because they said MBUSA wouldn't pay w/o a code. ultimately it proved to be the issue and it resolved
it turned out to be the Sirius unit. Once replaced all problems solved. the reason it never threw codes is because the issue was with the Sirius unit which doesn't throw diagnostic codes that Mercedes can read.
they were reluctant to swap because they said MBUSA wouldn't pay w/o a code. ultimately it proved to be the issue and it resolved
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 295
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From: PNW
2010 E550 coupe
literally months of this same ordeal.
it turned out to be the Sirius unit. Once replaced all problems solved. the reason it never threw codes is because the issue was with the Sirius unit which doesn't throw diagnostic codes that Mercedes can read.
they were reluctant to swap because they said MBUSA wouldn't pay w/o a code. ultimately it proved to be the issue and it resolved
it turned out to be the Sirius unit. Once replaced all problems solved. the reason it never threw codes is because the issue was with the Sirius unit which doesn't throw diagnostic codes that Mercedes can read.
they were reluctant to swap because they said MBUSA wouldn't pay w/o a code. ultimately it proved to be the issue and it resolved
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E350 p2/amg sport
Yes exactly, random, sometimes worked sometimes didn't .
Then would come back seemingly at random.
In my case back-up camera would also be black occasionally.
Then would come back seemingly at random.
In my case back-up camera would also be black occasionally.
Last edited by thomasshawn; Jul 13, 2012 at 10:38 PM.
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From: California
2010 E350 PO2 AMG Sport
2010 E350 COMMAND SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS
Looks like I've joined the club with my CPO 2010 E350 Sedan with PO2. Device unavailable, no sound, no Sat radio, no FM radio. Fletcher Jones Motorcars in Fremont, CA replaced the Sound amplifier in the trunk but problems persist. I have an appointment Tuesday 7/31/12 to continue with this guessing game. Service Advisor Mohammed thinks the amplifier is overheating on hot days. I have a hunch it's the H K radio unit itself. Why did MB decide to start putting Hong Kong radios in a German car? 
Jahwohl
Jahwohl
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E350 p2/amg sport
I went 5 mos with no problems after they replaced the satellite radio.
then it started again 2 weeks ago, mainly the backup camera this time (how my troubles started the 1st time). With low miles on the car I traded for an ML350 because they still had no clue as to the cause
then it started again 2 weeks ago, mainly the backup camera this time (how my troubles started the 1st time). With low miles on the car I traded for an ML350 because they still had no clue as to the cause
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Newbie
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From: California
2010 E350 PO2 AMG Sport
Exactly, thomasshawn! NO CLUE AT ALL! I know perfectly well, when I bring my car in Tuesday, the problem will not be resolved no matter how many days they may keep it. This really needs to be elevated to recall status. At least the 2012 C250 BlueTec loaner they will stick me with, (a car I absolutely detest) will have a problem free radio, I hope.
Jawohl
Jawohl
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
The 2012 C250 is a Blue Efficiency, not a BlueTec. BlueTec is a diesel.
Regards,
Don
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From: California
2010 E350 PO2 AMG Sport
Company Name: TRADESOLUTION HK LIMITED
Mr. Wing Hang CHOI
General Manager
Telephone:
00-852-26303232
Mobile Phone:
91304322
Fax:
00-852-26303232
Address:
No.1, 2nd Lane, Siu Lek Yuen Village,Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
Zip:
852
Country/Region: Hong Kong
Established in 2008, Tradesolution HK Ltd. is a professional manufacturer specializing in designing, manufacturing and marketing car audio and video products. Our products include all kinds of car audio products. With four years' experience in the in-car A / V industry, we have successfully completed orders for clients worldwide.
We adopt the latest technology to design and manufacture fashionable and innovative car electronic products. We employ highly qualified and experienced engineers, which enables us to release a new item every month.
To maintain our product eligibility rate of 99. 5%, we test each product from the semi-finished to pre-packing stage for four times. Twelve-hour product aging tests are implemented strictly in-house. As a result, our repeat order rate reaches 90%.
With excellent product quality and satisfactory services, we have built up very good relationships with our customers all over the world mainly Europe.
The 2012 C250 is a Blue Efficiency, not a BlueTec. BlueTec is a diesel.
I stand corrected. Thank you Don.
Jahwohl
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From: California
2010 E350 PO2 AMG Sport
Lunchtime Monday 7/30/12. It's hot in Palo Alto, CA. Found the Audio inoperative in my CPO 2010 E350 as usual. I had purposely parked in direct sunlight and made a video on my iPhone. As soon as I was done with the video the iPhone rings in with a message to call service advisor Joe at Fletcher Jones. I called him back, explained the Audio problem, emailed the video to him and we rescheduled my appointment I had for Tuesday 7/31/12, to bring the car in right after work. Of course the outside temperature had cooled down a bit by 3pm and the Audio was back with everything working perfectly. The loaner valet tried to give me a 2012 C250 loaner but I rejected that and requested something better. I settled for a bare bones, no frills 2012 GLK 350. Something better? NOT! No Sirius radio in this crate on 4 wheels. Pretty much nothing in the way of anything extra. Oh well, something is better than nothing. Since I see no permanent solutions posted to this mysterious malady from other members experiencing similar Audio problems, I'm hoping the "experts" at Fletcher Jones will be the first to finally come up with it. I doubt they will and I still think the Hong Kong radio is the real culprit and needs to be replaced with a German manufactured Audio system. I'll just have to wait and see.
Jawohl
Jawohl
Last edited by Jawohl; Aug 2, 2012 at 06:11 AM.
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Lunchtime Monday 7/30/12. It's hot in Palo Alto, CA. Found the Audio inoperative in my CPO 2010 E350 as usual. I had purposely parked in direct sunlight and made a video on my iPhone. As soon as I was done with the video the iPhone rings in with a message to call service advisor Joe at Fletcher Jones. I called him back, explained the Audio problem, emailed the video to him and we rescheduled my appointment I had for Tuesday 7/31/12, to bring the car in right after work. Of course the outside temperature had cooled down a bit by 3pm and the Audio was back with everything working perfectly. The loaner valet tried to give me a 2012 C250 loaner but I rejected that and requested something better. I settled for a bare bones, no frills 2012 MLK 350. Something better? NOT! No Sirius radio in this crate on 4 wheels. Pretty much nothing in the way of anything extra. Oh well, something is better than nothing. Since I see no permanent solutions posted to this mysterious malady from other members experiencing similar Audio problems, I'm hoping the "experts" at Fletcher Jones will be the first to finally come up with it. I doubt they will and I still think the Hong Kong radio is the real culprit and needs to be replaced with a German manufactured Audio system. I'll just have to wait and see.
Jawohl
Jawohl
I'm leaning more and more towards the problem being with the antenna module especially now if it really is temperature sensitive. In direct sunlight that black antenna gets hot.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 561
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From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
Wrong Don. Hong Kong radio is not an attempt at humor.
Company Name: TRADESOLUTION HK LIMITED
Mr. Wing Hang CHOI
General Manager
Telephone:
00-852-26303232
Mobile Phone:
91304322
Fax:
00-852-26303232
Address:
No.1, 2nd Lane, Siu Lek Yuen Village,Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
Zip:
852
Country/Region: Hong Kong
Company Name: TRADESOLUTION HK LIMITED
Mr. Wing Hang CHOI
General Manager
Telephone:
00-852-26303232
Mobile Phone:
91304322
Fax:
00-852-26303232
Address:
No.1, 2nd Lane, Siu Lek Yuen Village,Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
Zip:
852
Country/Region: Hong Kong
Not distrusting you, just wondering where you got that info?
Regards,
Don
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From: California
2010 E350 PO2 AMG Sport
No not the H-K sound system. Just the radio itself. Got that info. from Mohammed, service advisor at Fletcher Jones Motorcars of Fremont, CA.
BTW, Harmon Kardon is located in: Africa, Americas, Asia Pacific (including Hong Kong), Europe and the Middle East. It wouldn't be too far fetched to say the units in the affected Mercedes Benz vehicles are made in Hong Kong. Of course I have no proof at this point and can only speculate. No matter who, what or where these products are manufactured, it is still the responsibility of Mereces Benz USA to correct the problems we are experiencing.
Jawohl
BTW, Harmon Kardon is located in: Africa, Americas, Asia Pacific (including Hong Kong), Europe and the Middle East. It wouldn't be too far fetched to say the units in the affected Mercedes Benz vehicles are made in Hong Kong. Of course I have no proof at this point and can only speculate. No matter who, what or where these products are manufactured, it is still the responsibility of Mereces Benz USA to correct the problems we are experiencing.
Jawohl
Newbie
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From: California
2010 E350 PO2 AMG Sport
Jawohl
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
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From: Earth (Mostly)
2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
When my 2010 E350's Comand system had similar issues, the dealer replaced BOTH the unit AND the antenna. Said they should both be replaced at the same time.
Since then ... No issues.
Since then ... No issues.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 295
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From: PNW
2010 E550 coupe
No not the H-K sound system. Just the radio itself. Got that info. from Mohammed, service advisor at Fletcher Jones Motorcars of Fremont, CA.
BTW, Harmon Kardon is located in: Africa, Americas, Asia Pacific (including Hong Kong), Europe and the Middle East. It wouldn't be too far fetched to say the units in the affected Mercedes Benz vehicles are made in Hong Kong. Of course I have no proof at this point and can only speculate. No matter who, what or where these products are manufactured, it is still the responsibility of Mereces Benz USA to correct the problems we are experiencing.
Jawohl
BTW, Harmon Kardon is located in: Africa, Americas, Asia Pacific (including Hong Kong), Europe and the Middle East. It wouldn't be too far fetched to say the units in the affected Mercedes Benz vehicles are made in Hong Kong. Of course I have no proof at this point and can only speculate. No matter who, what or where these products are manufactured, it is still the responsibility of Mereces Benz USA to correct the problems we are experiencing.
Jawohl
) and there was a piece about manufacturing. The person being interviewed was saying how HK is no longer the manufacturing hub that it once was because of its higher labor cost than the rest of China.
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 295
Likes: 3
From: PNW
2010 E550 coupe
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 295
Likes: 3
From: PNW
2010 E550 coupe
So I did a bit more digging. According to information in my AllDataDIY subscription:
"On vehicles up to 31.5.2010, the SDAR/high definition tuner control unit (N87/8) is installed and as of 1.6.2010, the satellite digital audio radio (SDAR) control unit (N87/5) is. Both devices are the same in terms of function in model 207 and are referred to below as SDAR control unit. The SDAR control unit enables "Sirius Satellite Radio" provider channels to be received."
My build date is sometime in 2009, so I should have the N87/8 unit. I wonder if there is an issue with those units and not the later ones?
Another thing I've learned is that the audio devices are connected together using a fiber optic ring. Presumably if one unit in the ring fails, the signal path is broken (supposition on my part).
Finally, the sattelite radio unit (SDAR) has its own fuse (Fuse 84 according to AllDataDIY), so if the unit is defective, pulling its fuse should simulate the unit not working. I might try this to see if I can replicate the "failed" behavior.
I would be surprised if the antenna were the culprit. It would seem reasonable that if the antenna were not connected, the radio simply would not pick up a signal. It should not take out the entire audio system.
"On vehicles up to 31.5.2010, the SDAR/high definition tuner control unit (N87/8) is installed and as of 1.6.2010, the satellite digital audio radio (SDAR) control unit (N87/5) is. Both devices are the same in terms of function in model 207 and are referred to below as SDAR control unit. The SDAR control unit enables "Sirius Satellite Radio" provider channels to be received."
My build date is sometime in 2009, so I should have the N87/8 unit. I wonder if there is an issue with those units and not the later ones?
Another thing I've learned is that the audio devices are connected together using a fiber optic ring. Presumably if one unit in the ring fails, the signal path is broken (supposition on my part).
Finally, the sattelite radio unit (SDAR) has its own fuse (Fuse 84 according to AllDataDIY), so if the unit is defective, pulling its fuse should simulate the unit not working. I might try this to see if I can replicate the "failed" behavior.
I would be surprised if the antenna were the culprit. It would seem reasonable that if the antenna were not connected, the radio simply would not pick up a signal. It should not take out the entire audio system.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9
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From: California
2010 E350 PO2 AMG Sport
Sound amplifier, fiber optic ring, sdar unit, antennae module, comand unit. So what is the culprit or combination of culprits? My previous '09 E350 had absolutely no audio problems. I have not seen any audio complaints regarding 2011 or 2012 production models. It seems logical to ask what did Mercedes change in 2010 to cause the audio problems? Why has this not been resolved since 2010? 2+ years and still no resolution from the experts.
Really hard to believe or understand. $58,000 car with no audio. That's insane.
Jawohl
Really hard to believe or understand. $58,000 car with no audio. That's insane.
Jawohl
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9
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From: California
2010 E350 PO2 AMG Sport
Just got a message on my iPhone from service advisor Joe Defreitas at Fletcher Jones Motorcars. They couldn't get the Audio to quit, but they did forward my Video to MB.
Joe says the receiver will be replaced today 8/2/12. There was no mention in his message regarding replacement of the antennae module. I messaged back this morning asking about the antennae module. Keeping my fingers crossed this problem will finally be resolved.
Jawohl
Joe says the receiver will be replaced today 8/2/12. There was no mention in his message regarding replacement of the antennae module. I messaged back this morning asking about the antennae module. Keeping my fingers crossed this problem will finally be resolved.
Jawohl
Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Black '10 E63
My '10 E63 upon startup exhibits the loss of audio once in a while. Never noticed the back-up camera blacking out but it takes 5 minutes before the audio comes back on. Will mention this next time the car is in service. In the meantime I'll stay tuned to this thread....
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Joined: May 2012
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Ml350
2010 E550 Electronic Woes
I have an E550 that has experienced just about all of the problems that have been referenced - most currently the periodic loss of audio. As for others, the dealer could find no codes. They are takein a "closer look" today. My wife will be equipped with a Flip video camera from this point on to start the documentation. All of the information previously posted is appreciated, as will be any further provided. I will post whatever I learn in the current process.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: California
2010 E350 PO2 AMG Sport
Service Advisor Joe Defreitas of Fletcher Jones Motorcars Fremont, CA called me late yesterday, Thursday 8/2/12. He told me the satellite receiver had arrived and was installed. Interestingly enough the so-called MB Audio "expert" is of the opinion that this "fix" is most likely not the solution. So then why the hell are they calling me to come pick up the car today Friday 8/3/12? Well Joe goes on to explain that this "expert" has given instructions for the dealership to contact me weekly and see if the problem has been resolved or not. What am I, a guinea pig now? I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I should take my car to a different MB dealership. This is really getting ridiculous.
Jawohl
Jawohl
