BJ021

O.K. - Here is the tip of the week (or month), don't toss anything in the direction of the Command screen! I tossed the key towards my son to catch and start the truck up while it was 9000 degrees below zero last week...needless to say the screen got in the way of what I thought was a pretty good toss. CRACK! Might have had something to do with 1. Son not ready for toss & dad really wanted the seat warmer on ASAP! 2. Screen a bit cold 3. Not enough protection in front of the screen.

I voted for 3. My dealer voted for "it'll cost ya $950 regardless of what I think"

I don't understand that since the screen is not a touch screen that they wouldn't put a durable glare resistant cover over that thing. The dealer says there is a protector built in to the screen...but tossing a key should not break it. It's not like it was a fastball up the middle...

So be careful out there peeps!
BJ

patsy1099

I wouldn't say I threw anything at it. It just cracked, plain and simple.

I guess this also makes keyless go a pretty sensible option (no keys!).

BJ021

Right! I pretty much just paid for that option didn't I!! I did try to plead innocent - but they said it was pretty clear that it was hit hard by something and would not be replacing it.

Kaumajet

There was a guy selling a COMAND front end on E-Bay last week, but it doesn't seem to be there now. You might keep looking at that option.

patsy1099

I would call MBUSA and have a conversation. It shouldn't be up to the dealer's discretion. Alternatively, you can try a different dealer. Why should they care anyway, they get reimbursed by MBUSA.

You shouldn't be able to do anything short of firing a gun inside that vehicle that should break that screen. It's not like you threw something from across the room. Bottom line, it's a new vehicle that broke (in my opinion, too easily) and they should replace it, if for no other reason to build your loyalty with them. Don't give up.

AsianML

Do you have an LCD computer monitor. Gently press on it for a second and see what happens. Even if it didn't crack, you'd still risk it getting ruined.

BJ021

I agree totally - and am not giving up...I plan to have a heart to heart with the dealers GM when I go in to pick it up tomorrow. Thanks!

JohnCL

$950 for a screen! Good god, that is like a $4 part to make. I need a new one on the ML as it has a deep gash, but I am waiting to find a good cheap MCS on eBay or something.

BJ021

Probably 1/2 for the part and the other 1/2 to install it... I'll post tomorrow when I get the bill. Unless they cover it for me which feels like an uphill battle.

fmr

I echo some of the posts above -- do not give in easily, push for the dealer to cover it under warranty.

BJ021

The dealer ended up giving me his cost and then paying 1/2...so all told it cost me $325 after tax. Still not perfect, but better than $950. The funny part comes when I am driving home and I realize that there is no clock above the reception for the phone in the lower right of the screen...I then remember a bunch of posts about the 2007 model not having the clock on the COMAND screen. I also notice that the SYS button is now called the SERV button. Seems they may have installed a 2007 unit in my 2008? Could someone confirm? I've never seen the '07 COMAND - but this one is not like the one I had.

Seems another trip across town is due...

JimBarnhart

BJ021, who is your dealer in MN? They seem pretty reasonable to deal with.

BJ021

Maplewood Imports

Pretty good group over there.

JimBarnhart

That's what I would have guessed. I am on my 2nd MB from Feldman Imports. They are growing on me, but I've heard good things about Maplewood.

gordongl450

BJ021,

You are correct the 2007 Command has a button printed with SERV, the 2008 Command has a button printed SYS/.

The 2008 Command should have the small digital clock.

They put a 2007 Command in your truck.

It's just typical with anything that gets done by anyone now, you (the owner) has to check everything, you can't trust anything to be done correctly. It is so frustrating! I feel for you.

XJ9

they put a 2007 commadn in because it was the least expensive route... A 2008 command from parts is $2200. Now there is a very easy way to fix this (ask me how i know)..

You take the good screen off of the (2007) command and switch it over to your original (2008) unit. It is held in with 4 phillps screws and a ribbon connector.

oknish

How do you know?

gordongl450

KJ9,

You helped make my point.

Unfortunately, the customer (like you) has to know more, be better informed, more thoughtful, than the people they hire and trust to work on things.

It makes me sad.

BJ021

They called and said "It's different...how?" So I had to tell them...He claimed there was only one part number for the unit. But now he says he will figure out how to order the correct one and replace it. They may have done it unknowingly - but since they are replacing it for nothing more, I'm fine with it. I did suggest they just replace the lcd screen...but he didn't seem to think that would work. Claims this is the first one they have seen break like this...leave it to me!

BJ021

Yea, Feldmans will most likely get my simple service work from here on out - as it is much closer to me. Driving from the west side of town to Maplewood is a haul.

Nevada Jack

Glad you got that worked out so quickly BJ.

Sound like a parts department screwup since they agreed to replace the unit without any discussion. If not exactly done "unknowingly" then I would agree...I would be fine with it since you will end up with an '08 COMAND.

BJ021

Thanks Jack!