enable command DVD while moving for passanger
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
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2007 S600
Bottom line: I unplugged the VIM again and, unlike last time, I plan on not plugging it back in for at least one week so that I can be assured things are back to factory settings and then call Rob about this.
If the backup camera returns back to normal and no blackouts of the system occur , then I can be confident the module is the problem.
I unplugged the "wrong wire" I pulled out the day of install and one fault popped up, but just after plugging it back in , cranking the car, etc, it went away and everything seems fine after driving it around the block (while wearing socks with no shoes on
Geez, I'm a redneck
).
In my case, the middle yellow wire was never touched so I have left it alone altogether.
Again , the best way to get the connector out is to push a plastic head thumbtack or a broken off piece of a toothpick into the release tab slot, freeing up both thumb and finger to pull out the connector. What was taking me a minute to do is now only 5 seconds.
If the backup camera returns back to normal and no blackouts of the system occur , then I can be confident the module is the problem.
I unplugged the "wrong wire" I pulled out the day of install and one fault popped up, but just after plugging it back in , cranking the car, etc, it went away and everything seems fine after driving it around the block (while wearing socks with no shoes on
Geez, I'm a redneck ). In my case, the middle yellow wire was never touched so I have left it alone altogether.
Again , the best way to get the connector out is to push a plastic head thumbtack or a broken off piece of a toothpick into the release tab slot, freeing up both thumb and finger to pull out the connector. What was taking me a minute to do is now only 5 seconds.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
Slightly off-topic....North Olmsted the biggest vol MB dealer in Midwest?????
Am reasonably familiar w/Midwest....would have guessed a dealer in Chic or one of Chic NShore suburbs....(in my book, Chic is an honorary member of the SF/NYC/LA fraternity....if it weren't for its awful weather/topography, Chic would easily be one of world's 2-3 greatest cities)
Does N Olm aggressively sell all over Midwest? I'm stunned as Cleveland region is one of US' worst economies...and Western suburbs of Cleve have always been much less affluent than Eastern suburbs like HuntingVy/GatesMills, etc....
Am reasonably familiar w/Midwest....would have guessed a dealer in Chic or one of Chic NShore suburbs....(in my book, Chic is an honorary member of the SF/NYC/LA fraternity....if it weren't for its awful weather/topography, Chic would easily be one of world's 2-3 greatest cities
)Does N Olm aggressively sell all over Midwest? I'm stunned as Cleveland region is one of US' worst economies...and Western suburbs of Cleve have always been much less affluent than Eastern suburbs like HuntingVy/GatesMills, etc....
Oh yeah there was exotics everywhere on that lot... People used to say this can't be Cleveland... I was up there the other day and they are delivering a new SLR convertible with a $511K price tag on it...
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From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
I have been keeping my tongue in cheek about this but I feel you are right, some are just not noticing it. One thing I have noticed is that sometimes instead of a blackout occurring, the backup camera will come on while driving down the road (again, only for a split second) and today while putting my car in Reverse, the "park assist" feature pops up instead of the usual parallel lines needed for backing up. The "park assist" was supposedly done away with when I had the 2008 telematics update! I guess it's time for a refund or a replacement
Question:
For those of you who installed the VIM yourself, how many of you pulled the wrong wire the first or second time???? I know I did the first time. I almost wonder if those that are not having the problem chose the correct wire on the first try and therefore never "upset" the other features causing fault codes to pop up????
I often wonder if the blackout is caused by something that was disturbed/disrupted by pulling the wrong wire (which is a part of the instructions....some get lucky , some don't) and what we are seeing has nothing to do with the radio wire but instead is still a leftover fault trying to recover from pulling that wrong wire???
That's why I'm under the belief that taking it to the shop and letting them reflash the 2008 software might just solve this problem since some people are not having the problem. Now that I am seeing the backup "park assist" feature coming up on the screen while in reverse, I'm really confused. You would think that if it was a design issue with the module, it would affect everyone fairly equally.
Question:
For those of you who installed the VIM yourself, how many of you pulled the wrong wire the first or second time???? I know I did the first time. I almost wonder if those that are not having the problem chose the correct wire on the first try and therefore never "upset" the other features causing fault codes to pop up????
I often wonder if the blackout is caused by something that was disturbed/disrupted by pulling the wrong wire (which is a part of the instructions....some get lucky , some don't) and what we are seeing has nothing to do with the radio wire but instead is still a leftover fault trying to recover from pulling that wrong wire???
That's why I'm under the belief that taking it to the shop and letting them reflash the 2008 software might just solve this problem since some people are not having the problem. Now that I am seeing the backup "park assist" feature coming up on the screen while in reverse, I'm really confused. You would think that if it was a design issue with the module, it would affect everyone fairly equally.
your driving a new S, do you know how silly it looks that you are having this issue which you worked on, instead of taking it to a professional to save a buck? not calling you cheap or incompetent at all, but just wondering... I can read the home improvement book on how to fix the wax bowl ring... but I am not a professional plumber... do i attempt it and screw something else up in the process... hell know, my cheap **** is calling a plumber. i tried way to many times to fix something small and hundreds of dollars later there is still duct tape holding it together somewhere
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
and I am not talking down to you either, I just believe it is easier and less of a headache to have a pro do it the first time... Rob seems like a great engineer, but he has to rely on making it basically child proof, which sucks for him.
XJ9 seemed not to have any issues from what I recall a few days ago, I think he is using the same mod rob is designing or having rob do them for him
XJ9 seemed not to have any issues from what I recall a few days ago, I think he is using the same mod rob is designing or having rob do them for him
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 71
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From: Bay Area
2007 S550 & 2005 S500 (both FULLY loaded incl. AMG sport package)
Bottom line: I unplugged the VIM again and, unlike last time, I plan on not plugging it back in for at least one week so that I can be assured things are back to factory settings and then call Rob about this.
If the backup camera returns back to normal and no blackouts of the system occur , then I can be confident the module is the problem.
I unplugged the "wrong wire" I pulled out the day of install and one fault popped up, but just after plugging it back in , cranking the car, etc, it went away and everything seems fine after driving it around the block (while wearing socks with no shoes on Geez, I'm a redneck ).
In my case, the middle yellow wire was never touched so I have left it alone altogether.
Again , the best way to get the connector out is to push a plastic head thumbtack or a broken off piece of a toothpick into the release tab slot, freeing up both thumb and finger to pull out the connector. What was taking me a minute to do is now only 5 seconds.
If the backup camera returns back to normal and no blackouts of the system occur , then I can be confident the module is the problem.
I unplugged the "wrong wire" I pulled out the day of install and one fault popped up, but just after plugging it back in , cranking the car, etc, it went away and everything seems fine after driving it around the block (while wearing socks with no shoes on
Geez, I'm a redneck ). In my case, the middle yellow wire was never touched so I have left it alone altogether.
Again , the best way to get the connector out is to push a plastic head thumbtack or a broken off piece of a toothpick into the release tab slot, freeing up both thumb and finger to pull out the connector. What was taking me a minute to do is now only 5 seconds.
Last edited by sanjaysingh; Mar 17, 2008 at 12:40 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 259
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C350
and I am not talking down to you either, I just believe it is easier and less of a headache to have a pro do it the first time... Rob seems like a great engineer, but he has to rely on making it basically child proof, which sucks for him.
XJ9 seemed not to have any issues from what I recall a few days ago, I think he is using the same mod rob is designing or having rob do them for him
XJ9 seemed not to have any issues from what I recall a few days ago, I think he is using the same mod rob is designing or having rob do them for him
Ive seen the way the module installs and it does not seem like there are too many ways to goof it up but I do understand what jbondox is saying. I can attest that we get calls for (unpaid) help on things like programming for user installed HID kits or especially ML and GL owners who are trying to install the factory ipod kit which is really easy. I am not saying that reflects the same on S class owners because we dont get those sorts of calls from them but that could also be because there are not many things that a user can do on the S.
As i said before we dont have many issues with the the S class but they do happen. I remember we had a couple of S classes where the instrument cluster would blink on and off unexpectedly every so often and It took a while and a few trips back for the customer to find the problem (I believe it was the SAM). My stupid iphone still freezes up after 3 updates but at least it happens less and less with each update. I think the S, like the iphone is a very complex vehicle and there are all sorts of unexpected little glitches that can happen.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
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C350
I live here in Cleveland... You think you are surprised, about laughed when i heard it, but honestly it is true, it was on the news the other day and there are advertisements all over cable about them being the biggest in the Midwest. i also heard that they sold more Maybach's than any other dealer in the USA, and they aren't a full fledged dealer, and I also heard they were the number 1 selling McLaren SLR dealer last year in the world from a single dealer. he is an aggressive person when it comes to pricing... his new add is $399.99/mo no money down on a new c300 27 month lease. Before the construction which is going to be the first in the USA that is 100% MB "autohause" compliant... he said screw it, did the Porsche building also, bought a Lotus dealership, a bunch of property... The man is on a mission... he keeps this up i will see him on the ballot for governor...
Oh yeah there was exotics everywhere on that lot... People used to say this can't be Cleveland... I was up there the other day and they are delivering a new SLR convertible with a $511K price tag on it...
Oh yeah there was exotics everywhere on that lot... People used to say this can't be Cleveland... I was up there the other day and they are delivering a new SLR convertible with a $511K price tag on it...
Yes, I can confirm this too. I was surprised as well when I saw the dealer rankings. Now if you guys could just get some decent pizza.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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2007 S600
THANKS FOR THE EFFORT TO TRY AND ISOLATE THE PROBLEM. Just wanted to let you know that in my case, I followed your instructions to the "T" and I think by chance I had the correct wire pulled out as the radio stopped working (one of the tips given by you to know that it is the correct connector that is to be used for connecting the VIM). However, I still called Rob too and let him review my installation as well. Coincidentally I HAVE EXACTLY the SAME problems that you are having with "the park assist feature of blue lines coming up at random (once in a while) when the screen is not fully dark and blank." I FULLY AGREE with you that it is the COMAND unit that goes kaput and not just the DVD as EVERYTHING stops to function for that split second. I am hoping that when you get things back to the way they were originally and reconnect, then it will be certain that the problem lies in the module. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN for trying all possible alternatives. It is a cool feature but one hopes that it works perfect.
I actually had Rob on the phone when I was installing mine and it seemingly went fine.
From this point on, I will only reply to this subject and to the affected individuals (sanjay and marco) via private messaging
Last edited by trumpet1; Mar 17, 2008 at 09:52 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
LMAO... good luck with that, we think papa johns is the best around here.
we had some killer pizza when I was in Chicago a few months ago , we came out of the sears tower and it was on the corner adjacent to it... and let me tell you about the ride back to Cleveland....
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 650
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From: Texas
2015 White/brown Nappa S550, '13 S550 4 matic, 11 S550 sold, '10 S550 Sports BLACK 08 S550 P3 sport
thanks
RR
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 54
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From: So Cal
'07 MB Lorinser S550, '06 MB R350, '04 Porsche 911 cabriolet
I have the VIM221 module, and I experience the once in a while 1 second comand blackouts too. Hope we find a way to solve this problem.
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From: Fairfield County, CT
2005 SL500; 2008 S550
For those of you that have installed the VIM module, have you noticed on occasions where the DVD screen blacks out and the sound mutes for about 1-2 seconds while driving down the road not long after start up?? Mine has done it now about 5 times this past week. Seems to only occur within a minute or so after driving away from home/work. It comes back on resuming exactly where it left off if your watching a DVD, or if your listening to the radio or CD the screen blacks out and the music is totally silent. This seems to be a momentary shut off the radio/comand system and is really puzzling. It all started after installing the VIM.
It works fine otherwise and doesn't happen everytime I drive , but I noticed it twice today. Once while driving home and once again later this evening on an errand run. It's not a big deal, just wondering if anyone else has noticed this and again, it only happens one time during an engine start cycle. Once it does it, I never see it happen again until after a restart of the ignition and even then it's not every time.
I guess I'll have to call midcityengineering tomorrow and ask if this is a problem common to everyone or maybe just mine. I went back tonight and rechecked all connections and everything is fine (ground, connectors, LED indicator on the module, etc, etc).
It works fine otherwise and doesn't happen everytime I drive , but I noticed it twice today. Once while driving home and once again later this evening on an errand run.
It's not a big deal, just wondering if anyone else has noticed this and again, it only happens one time during an engine start cycle. Once it does it, I never see it happen again until after a restart of the ignition and even then it's not every time.I guess I'll have to call midcityengineering tomorrow and ask if this is a problem common to everyone or maybe just mine. I went back tonight and rechecked all connections and everything is fine (ground, connectors, LED indicator on the module, etc, etc).
I put my module in 2 weeks ago and yesterday first had this problem. It happened again this morning. Both times, I was playing a MP3 song. Most of the time, I listen to Sirius and it has never happened then.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Bay Area
2007 S550 & 2005 S500 (both FULLY loaded incl. AMG sport package)
Thanks for your effort
Since another person has noticed screen blanking, I guess there could be some problems with a particular batch of "VIMs" and thus we are facing similar problems. However, I think one needs to thank "Trumpet1" being the one who has been of great help in trying to isolate the problem. In fact, thanks to you (trumpet1) we are exactly aware of what are the aspects that have already been considered in isolating the fault. I am sure with all your effort, we will nail the problem.....THANKS
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2007 S600
Thanks for your kindness Sanjay. I really haven't done anything to speak of other than trying to communicate a problem and hopefully communicate an answer. I spoke with Rob about it Monday and together we hope to get it all worked out. Rob is so nice and I feel is doing everything possible to dissect the problem and come up with a resolution.
Altogether , 6 people have IM'd me about having the same issue, so it is not an installation problem. I'll post again in about a week after checking out a new VIM to let everyone know what's going on. It's such a nice feature, I hate to give up on this.
Altogether , 6 people have IM'd me about having the same issue, so it is not an installation problem. I'll post again in about a week after checking out a new VIM to let everyone know what's going on. It's such a nice feature, I hate to give up on this.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 71
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From: Bay Area
2007 S550 & 2005 S500 (both FULLY loaded incl. AMG sport package)
My dear friend you are the one taking all the trouble of trying out all possible alternatives to ensure the problem of "screen blanking" is rectified, and therefore there is no doubt that ALL of us need to say A BIG THANK YOU.... The number of users having similar problems (that was first detected and reported by you) is ratification of the fact that there is a problem. Everyone would agree that you are doing all the right things to solve the problem, and I second that it is a feature that I would not like to lose. Look forward to your inputs. THANKS ONCE AGAIN BUDDY.
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From: Poconos, Pennsylvania
Protecting the Earth from the Scum of the Universe
My dear friend you are the one taking all the trouble of trying out all possible alternatives to ensure the problem of "screen blanking" is rectified, and therefore there is no doubt that ALL of us need to say A BIG THANK YOU.... The number of users having similar problems (that was first detected and reported by you) is ratification of the fact that there is a problem. Everyone would agree that you are doing all the right things to solve the problem, and I second that it is a feature that I would not like to lose. Look forward to your inputs. THANKS ONCE AGAIN BUDDY.
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2007 S600
Now that it has been one week since I disconnected the VIM module, I am happy to report the car has done just fine with no comand disruptions of any kind. This tells me the car is not the problem and that I should be good to go for trying a new module. I should be getting the new VIM today or tomorrow and after I hook it up (this includes ground wire replacement, fuse housing and all), I will report back and let you all know if you need to consider getting a new one (for those of you that are affected by this). Just hang tight for a few more days and I will post again about this.
Thanks
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2007 S600
Now that it has been almost 2 weeks with the VIM unhooked, the car comand system has never flawed.
I got my new VIM in the mail today and got it hooked up an hour ago. After driving around for about 30 minutes, I've seen no further blackout issues so far. I will have to give it a week of testing before I know for sure if the problem is resolved.
One thing that is different about my old VIM and the new one is that the red led light and the plug in socket are right next to each other on the old module whereas on the new VIM, the red led light is on the opposite end of the VIM module from where the large white connector goes in. He pointed that out to me and said that may be an identifying mark for those of you with problematic modules.
I got my new VIM in the mail today and got it hooked up an hour ago. After driving around for about 30 minutes, I've seen no further blackout issues so far. I will have to give it a week of testing before I know for sure if the problem is resolved.
One thing that is different about my old VIM and the new one is that the red led light and the plug in socket are right next to each other on the old module whereas on the new VIM, the red led light is on the opposite end of the VIM module from where the large white connector goes in. He pointed that out to me and said that may be an identifying mark for those of you with problematic modules.
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223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
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One click from the front page:
http://www.midcityengineering.com/InterfaceDevices.htm
http://www.midcityengineering.com/InterfaceDevices.htm
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2007 S600
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Texas
2015 White/brown Nappa S550, '13 S550 4 matic, 11 S550 sold, '10 S550 Sports BLACK 08 S550 P3 sport
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2007 S600
Yes! It's working fine so far. I've been under the weather a tad this weekend and haven't had a fair chance of evaluating the new module , but so far, after about a total of an hour on the road, it seems to be doing fine.
I'll probably chime in on this about Wednesday or so to give an update.
