Hello all...new member seeking help. As the title indicates, I am looking for aftermarket options to replace a failed COMAND unit that still provides for factory controls and factory back up camera. Is there anything available? Chat GPT gave me an option for using the Sony XAV-AX4000 with a parts list of associated connectors, adapters, and dash kit that keeps the factory steering wheel/dial functionality, but I'd like to know if anyone is aware of a unit that is plug and play.

 

If nobody knows of any aftermarket alternatives, maybe somebody could point me to a repair shop. I’m in Georgia, but I’ll ship if need be.

 

After much searching I found a unit on AliExpress that replaces the factory command unit, provides a larger, more functional screen, retains all steering wheel and jog dial functionality, and integrates with the factory backup camera. Install was relatively painless. I had to remove the hvac controller and upper vents to install into the new unit...also had to pop out the fiber optic cables from the main distribution block and plug into a provided fiber optic box. Other than that, it's plug and play. Cost was a bit over $450 on a Christmas sale.

 

Let us know how this works long term. I have always been leery of the aftermarket stuff. Does it lag? Does it work like OEM? All buttons still functional?

 

It’s in my step-son’s car, so I won’t have much hands-on time with it. I did mess with it a bit once we got it installed and it’s pretty easy and intuitive. I can’t really speak to OEM functions since I’m a BMW guy with no Mercedes experience...the screen never worked from the time his dad gave him the car, so I don’t know how OEM is supposed to function.

What I can say is the steering wheel buttons work, and the jog dial partially works. By partially, I mean up/down/left/right and pressing the dial all work, but scrolling by spinning it does not. I’ll need to dig around more to see if there’s an option or a way to bring up the factory screen. No instructions were included, so we’re figuring it out as we go. If you want any specifics, I’ll try to answer as best I can.

There is no lag as far as OS goes...swiping and using the touch screen controls and apps are pretty snappy. I haven’t tried playing videos yet, so I can’t comment on video/sound lag. When I get time, I’ll check it out and report back. I mainly bought it so he could use CarPlay, listen to his music, have navigation, and keep the backup camera. Hands-free calling works too, and call quality is good on both ends using the built-in mic. I also didn’t want to spend a ton of money fixing the factory unit. This was $450, with a much nicer and bigger touchscreen, and again, only $450.

I’d been searching for months and could never get a satisfactory answer. An independent master tech near me said he could replace the factory unit but wouldn’t give a firm price or let me source a used one for him to install and program. The one guy on this forum who claimed he could repair the command unit if I shipped it to him never responded to emails or calls. Every other option involved fairly extensive modification if I wanted to retain steering wheel controls and the backup camera.

 

Was your system completely dead? Asking because mine is, the on/off button only flashes slowly.
If yours (son's) was completely gone, do you have the info for the replacement that you got?