Kraka46

My elderly neighbors are having issues with their 2010 GLK. When the car is cold and started, the radio works perfectly. Once it is on for a while when you turn the car off and turn it back on, the radio will not come on and all you hear is static and the screen is blank. The Mercedes dealer analyzed the radio and advised them it would need a new "audio board unit" which is located in the rear of the car and would cost $2500. Being a good neighbor, I said that I would see what I could find out before they spent that much cash. Any ideas on what the "audio board unit" is? I've searched around a little bit and couldn't find anything on it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Mmr1

It would be the amplifier on the upgraded stereo, it should be on the left side just inside the vehicle behind a door. Look and see if it’s there. Or it’s the head unit. Don’t waste the money buying a 300$ unit for MBs price, look on eBay , usually under 200$, the standard audio 20 has no amp , it’s all in the head unit

chassis

Sounds high, but we really don't know the details of the problem.

The various modules in the audio system can run over $500 each, plus diagnostic time, plus time for the module removal and replacing, buried behind trim components. I can envision 5 hours of total labor at $200/hr plus several hundred dollars in parts, approaching $1500-$2000. Again, not knowing what the problem is.

So $2500 may not be completely out of the realm of possibility, although expensive, unfortunately.

Mmr1

If it’s the audio 20, a 150$ Ebay head unit and 60$ will get it replaced at a stereo shop. Yea, mb will want 3000, like they want 3000 for everything.

Mmr1

ONLY 22$ !

At that price it’s worth trying

Kraka46

Thanks for the info guys. I emailed the service manager at the dealership and asked for details. He emailed back and said "Looks like we recommended replacing the COMAND unit due to an internal short. There were no relevant fault codes, and the popping sound persisted after updating the software." I assume that the COMMAND unit is the head unit?

Mmr1

Here is a complete set up

Kraka46

Their head unit looks like this one

Mmr1

You have to look at the vehicle to figure out what unit it is. The owner should know.

Kraka46

I have looked at it and it's the one in the picture I just posted.

chassis

Kraka46, can you post the VIN of your neighbor's vehicle? This will identify which unit they need. Ask the service advisor what part number they propose to order.

Looking at other 2010 GLK VINs, the control unit with buttons is approx $500 and the display screen mounted higher in the vehicle is north of $1000 from mercedesbenzstarparts.com

As suggested above, try calling an audio shop, if one exists in your area that knows M-B vehicles.