I have a 2003 ML350. I was driving the other day and the volume on the radio stopped working for a split second and then came back on again. The next day it happened again, twice while I was driving, one right after the other. The volume didn't come back on after the second time. Since this happened, I can change the radio stations, turn the power on and off, the display lights come on but there is no sound coming out of the speakers. Also, when I went to check the cd changer, it displayed that there was no cd player installed when in fact I have a 6 cd changer.

Here is what I tried so far based on various posts I read on the internet.
1. I have checked all the fuses, both inside and under the hood.
2. Removed the battery for 10 minutes and then reconnected, then entered the radio code
3. I unplugged the fiber optic cable from the cd changer and then reconnected (when I unplugged the fiber optic cable, I saw there was light for a few seconds when I turned the power on to the radio.
4. I made sure that there weren't any cds stuck in the cd changer.

I searched this forum and it seems that many have a similar issue but I did not find anyone that resolved the problem.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Could be that the command unit has failed or perhaps the audio amp has failed/ In addition there is a slight possibility that a connector on the audio has come unplugged.

Thanks - any idea where the amp is located?

[I] am not quite certain but should be easy to find out from a dealer. If you want to look yourself I would start under the driver's seat, under the dash most likely on the driver's side.

The amp is under the driver seat.

I have the same problem, but my CD and AM radio/sound are working. The FM is the only one without sound. Were you able to fix the radio?

Hello guys,

it sounds like my problems! no sounds at all. I've check the optical that connect to the amp under the passenger seat but cant find anything.... any helps out there would be highly appreciated!

Thanks!

Has anyone found a way to fix this problem? I've had the exact same issue with my 2003 ML350 Bose. The display shows radio stations and sometimes the CD changer (sometimes says none is connected), but there is no sound at all that comes through the speaker. It's been that way for at least a month now. I also have already checked all fuses, disconnected power, connections, etc.
Any ideas?

After dealing with this for a while, I decided to take it to the dealer. I complained alot because I had previous issues with the radio and they decided to replace it because they couldn't figure out what was wrong.

I have a 2005 ML350 and I'm having the same problem. My radio turns on but it has no sound. I wanted to know if it's possible to upgrade to a newer radio from a 2007 ml350? If it is possible to put a newer radio on the 2005 car?

I had my MCS replaced 2 years agao and every 2 - 3 months I have the same problem.

I'll take out the fuse and put it back it. After a day or two the sound comes back.. so far.

Has the radio worked since replacing it? Did you have to also replace the amp?

Local dealer wanted to replace it with a $900 rebuilt or $1500 new amp one month after replacing the MCS for $1000. I said no. Took it to another MB Dealer and they told me the local dealer bent the fiber optic cable. So the finger pointing was on.... the sound continued to cut out.

Yesterday I traded for a Honda CRV. :-) No more high maintenance cost.

Does anybody know if the 2003 ML350 is interchangable with the 2003 ml 320 and/or the 2003 ml500 radio? Also with the same problems with the radio it appears as if it is an defective piece of equipment from the manufacture and they should be liable for the problem. Has anyone ever explored the this posiblity of going after the manufacturer for the fix? Why not pool together and approach collectivly instead of one at a time.

I have the same problem with my 2002 ML320. I found out that my issue is a relay that is in the dash behind the instrument cluster. I have not been able to see it but I can hear it clicking when the radio sound cuts out. Every time I start my car I have sound. The sounds lasts anywhere from 10 seconds to a few minutes. The relay will click and the sound will cut out. Sometimes it comes back on but once the clicking starts its not long before the sound stops completely. The cost of the relay would be no more than $12 dollars but the labor cost is what hurts when the part is one tenth that cost. I have torn off my dash trying to find the relay but there is a lot more to be removed before its easily reached. If you have the knowledge its not to difficult, just time consuming. You will have to remove a lot of parts so just a heads up. It would be more cost effective to take the car to an after market radio place for this fix rather than the dealer. Further more, for $900 dollars that Mercedes wants to replace your stock radio you could buy a completely new deck (Touch screen with Nav) and sound system for the same or less. Even after its replaced it wont work unless that 12 dollar relay is replaced. Hope this helps some of you out there but with electrical problems we could all be facing different part failures resulting in the same issue.

I have a 2004 ml350 and my radio was turning on with no sound coming out.
I finally got it fixed after a year with no radio. The radio system works through a fiber optics system, if one component is out you get no sound. It turns out that it was the radio itself that was not working. I found a place on ebay that is located in NJ that replaces the chip in the radio for $190. I have had no problems since. Well worth the money and is guaranteed for 6 months.
If you go on youtube and search ml radio problems, they will show you how to test the radio for this problem. Good luck!

Did you put it in yourself? have a 2003 ML350and its been over a year without sound. I thought it was the antenna. where is the site for the chip?

Hello,
I did not put it in myself. I live in NJ so I drove up and had it fixed while I waited. The phone # is 201-312-2317. His name is Jimmy Chen. You can always send it to him to be fixed. I found him on ebay. Just type this in the search window. Hope this helps.
MERCEDES BENZ ML350 COMAND RADIO(WE REPAIR YOUR COMAND)

Your lucky. I'm in DC.. its ard to find someone to go to. Thanks. I will call him.

So did anyone find out what this chip is inside the radio(fiber optics system)

I have 2004 ml350 no audio sound this must be a recall problem lets band together and make them accountable!!!

!