Multi-switch Push button
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 3
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E350 4Matic 2011
Multi-switch Push button
Hi
The circular knob stopped working on my E350 4Matic 2011. Everything else works, including the button and pushing the knob left-right-up-down. Apparently it is a common issue.... (how smart to use a plastic shaft when an aluminium shaft would cost MB less than 5$...)
But some functions are lost. Eg zooming In and OUT on a map.
Most probable cause: the plastic shaft below the wheel is broken (or whatever). The complete unit's code is 212 870 28 51.
There seems to be two solutions:
0- Pay a ridiculous amount to my dealer (they must make a +-300% benefit)
1- Order a new (aluminium) shaft. The replacement does not seem extremely difficult (found a guide & a video) but I am not very good at this type of work so would rather avoid this
2- Bite a third of the dealer's bullet and replace the complete unit.
My preferred choice is 2
Things is, on MBs web site, the following appears: "This unit will need a program update after installation. For cars with (Code 800, & 512, or 528)"
But I was told by one mechanic that "program updates" were restricted to dealers (...). FIRST QUESTION: Is this correct ? (i.e. does MB restrict distribution of COMAND software updates to its dealers?)
And I am not sure what codes my car had. So I looked up its VIN, found a VIN decoder and a table of codes. Bad luck: 512 appears
"512 COMAND Online with 6-disc DVD changer"
SECOND QUESTION: will the complete unit stop functioning if I have the whole unit changed (a 15mns task) but NO update is performed ???
All suggestions welcome
TIA
P
The circular knob stopped working on my E350 4Matic 2011. Everything else works, including the button and pushing the knob left-right-up-down. Apparently it is a common issue.... (how smart to use a plastic shaft when an aluminium shaft would cost MB less than 5$...)
But some functions are lost. Eg zooming In and OUT on a map.
Most probable cause: the plastic shaft below the wheel is broken (or whatever). The complete unit's code is 212 870 28 51.
There seems to be two solutions:
0- Pay a ridiculous amount to my dealer (they must make a +-300% benefit)
1- Order a new (aluminium) shaft. The replacement does not seem extremely difficult (found a guide & a video) but I am not very good at this type of work so would rather avoid this
2- Bite a third of the dealer's bullet and replace the complete unit.
My preferred choice is 2
Things is, on MBs web site, the following appears: "This unit will need a program update after installation. For cars with (Code 800, & 512, or 528)"
But I was told by one mechanic that "program updates" were restricted to dealers (...). FIRST QUESTION: Is this correct ? (i.e. does MB restrict distribution of COMAND software updates to its dealers?)
And I am not sure what codes my car had. So I looked up its VIN, found a VIN decoder and a table of codes. Bad luck: 512 appears
"512 COMAND Online with 6-disc DVD changer"
SECOND QUESTION: will the complete unit stop functioning if I have the whole unit changed (a 15mns task) but NO update is performed ???
All suggestions welcome
TIA
P
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
At one point there were companies on eBay that would do the labor for you and replace the shaft, all you had to do was send it to them and they would send it back to you once it was fixed. However now it looks like you can buy a used comand knob in the $50-$70 range so there's no point. I don't think there should be any issue with a used one as I think the shaft breaks if you put too much pressure on it. I've been careful with mine and it hasn't broken yet.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/203825751304
https://www.ebay.com/itm/134079849545
Also there's a video on how to take it apart to get to the comand knob to replace it.
I was able to use that video to take apart the console to fix some faded wood and also fix the center console door, the spring was dead and it didn't pop close. It somehow lost a winding and once it was wound up again, it sprung back fine.
I don't think you need to have the dealer update it if you just replace the comand knob. I think many just replace the comand knob and I haven't seen it mentioned that programming was needed but I suppose it's possible. I would just disconnect the battery when doing this and see what happens afterwards.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/203825751304
https://www.ebay.com/itm/134079849545
Also there's a video on how to take it apart to get to the comand knob to replace it.
I was able to use that video to take apart the console to fix some faded wood and also fix the center console door, the spring was dead and it didn't pop close. It somehow lost a winding and once it was wound up again, it sprung back fine.
I don't think you need to have the dealer update it if you just replace the comand knob. I think many just replace the comand knob and I haven't seen it mentioned that programming was needed but I suppose it's possible. I would just disconnect the battery when doing this and see what happens afterwards.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2022
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E350 4Matic 2011
Thanks a lot for your reply. Very instructive. The video is neat! Quite a number of steps.And you have to control the strength you apply. (your pieces of advice are very useful)
Taking apart the console seems to be the hard part. May take 15-20 minutes but only if you have a minimum of experience (which I dont)
Program update is probably something very simple once the car is connected to the external computer. I dont think there is any programming required.
Given the warning that accompanies the multi-switch, I do think an update is required. BUT it may well be that only the functioning of the 6-disc DVD changer would be affected it the update is not done (if the software has a decently robust architecture) . Given that I really dont care about the DVD changer, this is the thing what I would like to make sure of before I go ahead
If this is the case, I will order a used one from ebay as you suggest and have it installed by someone who has disassembled consoles before (wiser, given my clumsiness :-) ). I am pretty sure I will end up paying 20% of what the MB dealer asks.
Taking apart the console seems to be the hard part. May take 15-20 minutes but only if you have a minimum of experience (which I dont)
Program update is probably something very simple once the car is connected to the external computer. I dont think there is any programming required.
Given the warning that accompanies the multi-switch, I do think an update is required. BUT it may well be that only the functioning of the 6-disc DVD changer would be affected it the update is not done (if the software has a decently robust architecture) . Given that I really dont care about the DVD changer, this is the thing what I would like to make sure of before I go ahead
If this is the case, I will order a used one from ebay as you suggest and have it installed by someone who has disassembled consoles before (wiser, given my clumsiness :-) ). I am pretty sure I will end up paying 20% of what the MB dealer asks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I did have my mechanic do it and he just followed the video. He had the tools and I was lazy and he didn't charge me that much as it didn't take that long. You basically need a set of plastic tools so you don't harm the finish when you pry at it.
This is a common failure and in the 6 years in this particular forum, I don't recall hearing that it needed programming. However I haven't had to replace mine and I've never used the DVD player although I'm told it works by someone who borrowed the car before.
This is a common failure and in the 6 years in this particular forum, I don't recall hearing that it needed programming. However I haven't had to replace mine and I've never used the DVD player although I'm told it works by someone who borrowed the car before.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 3
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E350 4Matic 2011
Thks for the additional info. I will probably do the same. I know myself: everytime I do a manipulation of this sort, I agonize over each decision (pull/push harder? I'm doint something wrong ? re-read the instructions ? Well a new internet search ? Maybe twist it left or right ? GOTO step 1)
As far as the software update is concerned, I just dont see why it would be needed (but there's no way I can be sure). I'll probably take the chance.... And I'm ready to forget about the DVD player. In any case, there are many options available for music!
In any case, I believe this must be a "program update" for COMAND only.
As far as the software update is concerned, I just dont see why it would be needed (but there's no way I can be sure). I'll probably take the chance.... And I'm ready to forget about the DVD player. In any case, there are many options available for music!
In any case, I believe this must be a "program update" for COMAND only.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Thks for the additional info. I will probably do the same. I know myself: everytime I do a manipulation of this sort, I agonize over each decision (pull/push harder? I'm doint something wrong ? re-read the instructions ? Well a new internet search ? Maybe twist it left or right ? GOTO step 1)
As far as the software update is concerned, I just dont see why it would be needed (but there's no way I can be sure). I'll probably take the chance.... And I'm ready to forget about the DVD player. In any case, there are many options available for music!
In any case, I believe this must be a "program update" for COMAND only.
As far as the software update is concerned, I just dont see why it would be needed (but there's no way I can be sure). I'll probably take the chance.... And I'm ready to forget about the DVD player. In any case, there are many options available for music!
In any case, I believe this must be a "program update" for COMAND only.
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