Versions of COMMAND
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From: Santa Maria, CA, USA
'97 sl320, 2017 C300 base
Versions of COMMAND
I'm looking for a 2016 E350. I guess command is what is built in, similar to the Garmin GPS I have now and that I am very happy with? If so, which version of command should I be looking for or am I worrying too much?
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The COMMAND is used to control Navi, radio, phone, dynamic seats, view 360 cams, etc. Don’t worry about versions. I use my cell phone to navigate as the MB systems have always been 10 years behind everyone else.
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
To answer the question, my 2016 came with code 531 COMAND APS NTG5/NTG5.5. You will read here references to NTG5.1, which I believe is the same thing.
The important thing is to check the "initial in service date" for the car, as this determines the expiration dates for the 4-year warranty, and (to this topic) the expiration date of the complimentary 3-year map update program. My car came with map Version 5, which was quite old. I had it updated to 2019 V11 last September, and before the 3 years expired. If the car you buy has an inservice date in 2016, you will want to get the latest map update before that date in 2019
The important thing is to check the "initial in service date" for the car, as this determines the expiration dates for the 4-year warranty, and (to this topic) the expiration date of the complimentary 3-year map update program. My car came with map Version 5, which was quite old. I had it updated to 2019 V11 last September, and before the 3 years expired. If the car you buy has an inservice date in 2016, you will want to get the latest map update before that date in 2019
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
And just an note as someone of you already know, Mercedes like to spell it as comand, I forget what it's supposed to stand for, not command.
As for which version, I believe it's NTG5.1 that allows you to have Android Auto or Apple Car Play, it's not in the older versions I think it's only 2017+. It's not clear if there's a 3rd party activation tool that might work on a 2016, most say no or doesn't fully work.
As for which version, I believe it's NTG5.1 that allows you to have Android Auto or Apple Car Play, it's not in the older versions I think it's only 2017+. It's not clear if there's a 3rd party activation tool that might work on a 2016, most say no or doesn't fully work.
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 69
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From: Santa Maria, CA, USA
'97 sl320, 2017 C300 base
I assume "in service date" means the date the car was first sold? If I get beyond the three years, how much does it cost to update through Mercedes? Apple car play sounds neat.
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
Correct. Date of sale completion to first owner/lesee.
Frankly, if the car has not been updated at all (likely) then the dealer has benefitted from time saved. Hence they could (should) goodwill the map upgrade. But if you can find a car within the 3-years, it's a moot point.
For 2016 Model year, only the E-Class Coupe came with Apple Car Play/Android Auto. Sedans were excluded for some reason. Do a search to find ways to have a sedan updated: 1) if a dealer is willing, or 2) if you are willing to try the aftermarket option.
For 2016 Model year, only the E-Class Coupe came with Apple Car Play/Android Auto. Sedans were excluded for some reason. Do a search to find ways to have a sedan updated: 1) if a dealer is willing, or 2) if you are willing to try the aftermarket option.
