Prash

4 days ago, connected both iPhone 4S and Motorola V3 to W221 Bluetooth system, paired very nicely and working perfect.


Next day and ever since, sound only coming from left front door speaker, very monotone and extremely hissy. Happens 7 times out of 10, other 3 times, speakers revert to normal and sound perfect. Intermittent !!!


Tried switching both phones off, disconnecting Bluetooth module from car, no error codes on dash, no previous issues at all.


Any ideas ? Thanks.

Mike5215

Why 2 devices? Try disabling BT on one device and see if the other plays normally then reverse devices and repeat. I'm guessing the problem is with the Motorola device? What is that, a Blackberry?

Prash

FIXED !!!! All working 100% again.


OK you basically need to 'Reset' the Comand using the options.


For that, on your Comand Screen, select Vehicle, then System Settings, then Reset (choose Yes, but all data will be lost). The Comand screen goes black momentarily, then the MB symbol appears and back to normal Comand Screen. HOWEVER, some options appear in German on Comand and Instrument Cluster, so to change Language back to English, go back into Vehicle, then System Settings then Language and there is option for English.


Phones working fine.

Prash

Ok The problem recurred. Damn !!


Same as above, fixed by reset each time.


I think it could be the Amplifier/Tuner that is damaged. Anyone know where that is located, how to access/remove and does a new one require coding ?


Thanks all.

Mike5215

The amp is located in the trunk behind the liner of the left quarter panel. It sounds though like the hardware issue (if there is one) would be with the bluetooth module, which I believe is located behind the rear seat, accessible from the trunk. Why two phones?

Prash

I got 2 phones, for UK and International, only using IPhone in the car now, works great though.


Everything works though, Radio/CD/Sat Nav/Bluetooth/Linguatronic etc. But getting tired of resetting each time.


How would you trouble shoot this? Trip to dealer ?

Jason B

Correct. I posted pics of this a while back, showing the guts and now can't find the post of course

Wouldn't it be cool if he could just unplug all the connections on the amp and plug back in? Maybe something is just loose on the amp?

Prash

Yes I will try unplug all Amp connections and replug and report back - I assume there are no coding issues after unplugging/plugging. Thanks.

Mike5215

I think it's an issue with the BT phone module not being designed to pair to two devices simultaneously.

jon134

Hi, Just joined and noticed your thread, I currently have this exact same problem with my s600 (W221) , Did you solve the problem in the end? any info thanks

Prash

Hi

Yes the Amplifier is fixed

I removed the Amplifier from the boot of the car and opened it, lots of soot on the motherboard which I cleaned off, but still didn't work after connecting it back.

And these units are very hard to come by second hand at a good price.

So I looked on eBay and there is a company in Bulgaria, SoftElectronic, who repair these units. Here is the link :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-S...item4ada5945d9

I sent the chap a message thru the eBay messaging system explaining my problem, that the unit was still working, but had the hissing sound from the left speaker, the empty radio station list, problems in tuning, and resetting Comand fixing the problem temporarily. He stated he could probably fix it although he needed to see the unit and that the repair cost would be higher if it had been badly damaged or been repaired previously.

Anyway I bought it from ebay, approx £260 (see advert) including next day return postage (DHL). He fixed the item and I got a certificate as well, stating the problem/repair was on the motherboard and it also stated the dates of the 1 year warranty included etc.

It's been 4 months since being fixed and the Amp is working perfectly.

I took a gamble as I haven't read of anyone else trying this company but as it's through eBay and covered by PayPal, somewhat reassuring.

3 options my friend: Buy a new one (approx £2000 from MB), buy it 2nd hand if you can find one (not sure if it need reprogramming to work correctly), or get it repaired.

Good Luck.

jon134

Thanks for the quick reply, pleased you got it sorted, its a really annoying problem as its fine one minute then next time you power up its left door speaker only terrible quality as you described, I will do your previous checks and resets first just incase then if no joy il go the cheapest ebay route. Thanks for all the info appreciate it