I discovered this listing

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231721563477

Looks to be a worthy replacement and I purchased it.

Hoping it will solve the issue with my command control.

I attempted to epoxy the existing one but it failed (perhaps I stressed it upon installation) lesson learned.

I'll report the experience with this "replacement" and with luck it will save me (perhaps others) some dollars.

The seller was responsive and helpful.

The seller actually sells a repair to the assembly upon shipping to them in Gemany.

Have a look at this seller's store for repair options for those that have suffered this common failure. At least I believe this is a common issue.

 

Yes, this is a common issue and unfortunately the dealer requested $650 for repair ( parts and labor).

Please let us know how it works out. I'm really interested to see how reliable and easy to install.

 

Here is the 'famous' repair video

The quote from my dealer here in Massachusetts was $572

I've seen the complete assembly for about $230 to $260 for sale on the Interweb

I'm hoping this part will provide for an inexpensive repair

I'll update as I progress through the repair.

 

@pdisher, How long did you allow the epoxy to set? Did you use anything to support the shaft along the sides? (grove it and run sections of toothpick, or paperclip)?

Xeedspeed, It's a simple DIY... maybe an hour-hour and a half of actual work (if you repair the controller).... 20 minutes if you are just replacing the part.

 

I let the epoxy (the same brand as was used in the video) set overnight. I believe I put too much pressure on it the following day during installation. It was disappointed but have not taken it out to investigate.

I'm hopeful a replacement shaft will solve the issue and still save me some cash

We'll see....

EDIT: I did brace it with over sized toothpicks

It looked so good.....

 

Let us know how it goes. Maybe it will a more reliable long term solution. Take some pics if you can.

 

Received the replacement piece. Seller shipped the same day as the order.

Installed it and it works quite well indeed. Problem Solved!

The one thing that I thought about following my order was how the screw that retains the cover would be secured to the shaft.
Unlike the original the part, the screw simply threads directly into the shaft.

It's only been in place a short time and it will take time to ensure this is a permanent repair.

It seems that the part is robust enough to function for the long term. Time will tell.

 

Very interesting!
How long did it take you to replace the part? and do you have to follow all the steps in the posted video ( except the epoxy part) or there is a quicker way?

Thanks for sharing

 

One does have to follow the steps in the repair video as the assembly has to be opened and disassembled in order to gain access to the shaft.

The entire process including extraction of the assembly from the car and re-installation took me about an hour and a half. I had practice as I attempted repairs previously.

First time, allow 2-3 hours


Dealer cost to replace the entire assembly $572.00
Used one on Ebay (could have a failed shaft) $35-$189
Replacement shaft ~30.00 (dependent on the exchange rate)
Repair with glue $6.00

Having a fully functional command knob -priceless!

 

helpful disassembly vid

 

Looks as though that part was made on a home 3d printer.

Peter

 

Agreed, it was no doubt created with a 3D printer.
Installed for a couple of months and works great!

 

Hello everybody,

I am producing a repair kit for your Mercedes Benz Comand Knob. You will get a new aluminum shaft. A nice pry tool kit to protect your interior is also included . You can purchase it via Amazon: Mercedes Benz Comand Knob Repair

You can also contact me via eMail: info@lightoff-airbagmodul.de

Best regards from Germany

 

This is a similar link (English)

 

if i understand right this what the knob looks like inside? and thats the part that needs to be fixed?
my rotating part of the knob dont work , so im trying to figure out what i can do to fix it.
please let me know. thanks

 

Hi Everyone,
Anyone out there knows how to remove the scroll wheel knob.
Have tried to pry it from the bottom but it wouldn't budge.


This knob is not the same as one posted on youtube.

 

not the same , but im sure the procedure is

 

It's frustrating the Mercedes-Benz hasn't addressed this issue and charges people for the repair of an obviously defective/poorly designed part. It has been around since my 08 C300.

 

 

thanks for the picture , it did take me some time to remove that outter ring. before realizing how it held on there.

 

#sunriser,
Thank you. Very nice detail info. Just curious, which position that you tried to loosen the cap. Also was there a lot of glue. I was thinking maybe to put a heat pack on it to liquify the glue a little?
I was going to get a replacement and completley destroy this just to see how its assembled.
MB's sneeky bstd. Screwing it down to stop ppl from repairing as per the old type.

 

Hi there #jesydney,
This was my idea too "I was going to get a replacement and completly destroy this just to see how its assembled.".


It doesn't have too much glue. Didn't think about it, but just like you said, if you warm it a bit then you can put something to grab and twist it and pull out the circular piece. Try to do this first...


If you wanna pull the ring out (not necessary) you just have to put the piece up side down with the circular piece upon some taped coins, to make pressure on it (it was the idea that I had at that moment), then put a screw drive in the right place (rotate the wheel and search for a diferente part on the plastic cover). Then tap the hammer on the screwdriver gently until it separates the ring.
I protected the screwdriver with some tape and everything that could damage the piece.
Hope that you can get it

 

The two pieces are supported by a plastic cap like this one (image from benzworl...)

 

I have already posted on C-Class thread and I think this might help you guys as well:

The plastic internal shaft has a breaking point. Not sure if this was designed as preventive measure to save the entire unit from breaking or just sneaky planned obsolescence.

There is a seller in USA who also offers an upgraded aluminium shaft.
Attached is a helpful PDF file on how to do the replacement.

They have it on Amazon Prime too IE Works Replacement Shaft

 

Btw, you don't need to take out the connecting cable. I worked with my comand device while the cable was still in place but extended.


Cap removed