Comand software update
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 3
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Comand software update
Hi, I just bought a 2017 e class with the widescreen. It is one of the earlier models and I noticed that for example there is no home page with the large icons, no dual colors on the ambient lighting and I cant make the profiles come up when I start the car. I cant get into engineering mode to see which software version I am on but I guess that it is one of the older ones. Is it possible to update the software by myself if I buy any sort of program? And would my dealer update it for me?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
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AFAIK the engineering mode menu must first be enabled using Xentry.
COMAND was discontinued quite awhile ago. I have not received any updates to my '18 E300 since. Updates used to be an automatic OTA process.
Go to Settings > System Information > Software Version to see the version info.
There is a workshop menu with info also (see attached).
COMAND was discontinued quite awhile ago. I have not received any updates to my '18 E300 since. Updates used to be an automatic OTA process.
Go to Settings > System Information > Software Version to see the version info.
There is a workshop menu with info also (see attached).
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 33
Likes: 23
2017 E300
Yeah your best bet is to get an update at the dealer. You may have to put a note direct to the technician, like I did. The service writer didn't understand what I was asking for (not many people come in asking for a NTG5.5 update)
One other thing to note is that the multicolor ambient lighting will NOT work, even after a SW update. Both the firmware of the ambient control module must be updated, and a bunch of settings in the COMAND unit must be set with coding, and this cannot even be done by a dealer.
There were 2 versions of the controller made. One for the initial MY 2017 which is single color, and then 2018+ which is multicolor. Both contain the same hardware, there is only a software difference. If you want to use the original HW, you HAVE to use a binary dump and flash the ambient light controller through the OBD port. Alternatively, you can buy the updated unit from a parts reseller.
BUT you still have to use something like an openport to set the configuration on the COMAND unit.
If this sounds daunting, I'd recommend not doing it.
One other thing to note is that the multicolor ambient lighting will NOT work, even after a SW update. Both the firmware of the ambient control module must be updated, and a bunch of settings in the COMAND unit must be set with coding, and this cannot even be done by a dealer.
There were 2 versions of the controller made. One for the initial MY 2017 which is single color, and then 2018+ which is multicolor. Both contain the same hardware, there is only a software difference. If you want to use the original HW, you HAVE to use a binary dump and flash the ambient light controller through the OBD port. Alternatively, you can buy the updated unit from a parts reseller.
BUT you still have to use something like an openport to set the configuration on the COMAND unit.
If this sounds daunting, I'd recommend not doing it.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 139
Likes: 69
From: Buffalo NY
GLS450 S550
I had to replace mine. @BenzNinja does all my updates. Never had issues. We don't pay as club member.
