SL/R230: Setting the time with Comand
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 32
Likes: 5
SL350 (R230)
Setting the time with Comand
Hi I just wanted to make sure that what I have been reading elsewhere is correct - that you cannot correctly set the time on these cars ? seems incredible.
So the car has SatNav (which works well) and therefore according to the manual the time has to be set via the Comand module not the steering wheel.
The facility is there in the Comand module BUT will only allow the minutes to be set in 30 minutes intervals - this is something to do with GPS - (I assume the idea was that the clock would take its minutes timing from data that GPS provided).
Is that it ?? there is no solution? That the clock in this old but prestigious car just cannot be set ?? I'm just gob smacked.
So the car has SatNav (which works well) and therefore according to the manual the time has to be set via the Comand module not the steering wheel.
The facility is there in the Comand module BUT will only allow the minutes to be set in 30 minutes intervals - this is something to do with GPS - (I assume the idea was that the clock would take its minutes timing from data that GPS provided).
Is that it ?? there is no solution? That the clock in this old but prestigious car just cannot be set ?? I'm just gob smacked.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
SL 500
Hi I just wanted to make sure that what I have been reading elsewhere is correct - that you cannot correctly set the time on these cars ? seems incredible.
So the car has SatNav (which works well) and therefore according to the manual the time has to be set via the Comand module not the steering wheel.
The facility is there in the Comand module BUT will only allow the minutes to be set in 30 minutes intervals - this is something to do with GPS - (I assume the idea was that the clock would take its minutes timing from data that GPS provided).
Is that it ?? there is no solution? That the clock in this old but prestigious car just cannot be set ?? I'm just gob smacked.
So the car has SatNav (which works well) and therefore according to the manual the time has to be set via the Comand module not the steering wheel.
The facility is there in the Comand module BUT will only allow the minutes to be set in 30 minutes intervals - this is something to do with GPS - (I assume the idea was that the clock would take its minutes timing from data that GPS provided).
Is that it ?? there is no solution? That the clock in this old but prestigious car just cannot be set ?? I'm just gob smacked.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,667
Likes: 5,479
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
There is no real need to set the time. The time is set automatically and synced to the GPS satellites. Each GPS satellite has an atomic clock on board, so it's one of the most accurate time source you can have. The 30 minute increment adjustment is largely to account for timezones and DST. Some timezones such as India are 30 minutes off instead of a full hour. Newer cars even automatically adjust the timezone and DST based on the GPS location, map data and DST tables. In my 2019 I don't ever have to touch the time. It automatically adjusts for DST and if I were to cross into a different timezone, it would automatically set the clock forward or back. Pretty much the same experience one gets from their smartphone etc.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 474
Likes: 120
From: North West England
SL500
There was a bug a few years ago that affected some older GPS receivers, something to do with a data rollover.
Make sure the date is correctly set (if you can) and then it should automatically adjust the time. I presume your COMAND Satnav is working fine, then it should self adjust.
Make sure the date is correctly set (if you can) and then it should automatically adjust the time. I presume your COMAND Satnav is working fine, then it should self adjust.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 34
Likes: 6
SL55 AMG
If you connect to a STAR unit the time adjustment can be changed from the Command module to the steering wheel. You’ll then have control over minutes as well. I went this route because I installed an aftermarket radio. Benz Ninja did the remote STAR coding for me.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
SL 500
There is no real need to set the time. The time is set automatically and synced to the GPS satellites. Each GPS satellite has an atomic clock on board, so it's one of the most accurate time source you can have. The 30 minute increment adjustment is largely to account for timezones and DST. Some timezones such as India are 30 minutes off instead of a full hour. Newer cars even automatically adjust the timezone and DST based on the GPS location, map data and DST tables. In my 2019 I don't ever have to touch the time. It automatically adjusts for DST and if I were to cross into a different timezone, it would automatically set the clock forward or back. Pretty much the same experience one gets from their smartphone etc.
There are 2 solutions, or find a timezone in the comand that is fitting for you, or reprogram it with Star (or Benz ninja)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 32
Likes: 5
SL350 (R230)
I so have a solution !! well I think I have at least. One of the posts above prompted me to think this way.
Using the Comand screen and time settings I changed the geographical area from the UK to Alaska.
This immediately allowed me to set the minutes, (previously it had only allowed 30 minute intervals).
Closed the settings page and since then the centre dash clock has kept prefect time.
So can't see a downside at the moment and its resolved the problem completely.
Thanks to all.
Using the Comand screen and time settings I changed the geographical area from the UK to Alaska.
This immediately allowed me to set the minutes, (previously it had only allowed 30 minute intervals).
Closed the settings page and since then the centre dash clock has kept prefect time.
So can't see a downside at the moment and its resolved the problem completely.
Thanks to all.
