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Comand control knob problem

A

Aviator

Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2007
Messages
39
Location
Sussex UK
Car
E350 cdi Estate
I have W212 E350 2011 avantgarde model with Comand. I am currently in Italy on holiday and have a small problem and am seeking advice as to the best fix.
The Comand controller knob located between the front seats works when using the slide function but does not work when using the control wheel turn function. I can use most of the options using the slide function but am missing some key functions, such as changing map scale and zoom.
I have checked the manual and can do a full reset to factory spec but in doing this loose all the saved locations data etc. If possible I would like to avoid this.
I will also need Comand for the journey home of over 1000 miles so don't want to create a problem for the return
I am unsure if it is a hardware or software problem. If it is likely to be software is there a simple "reboot " procedure that might help.
Any help and advice would be appreciated
Thanks
 
Aviator said:
I have W212 E350 2011 avantgarde model with Comand. I am currently in Italy on holiday and have a small problem and am seeking advice as to the best fix.
The Comand controller knob located between the front seats works when using the slide function but does not work when using the control wheel turn function. I can use most of the options using the slide function but am missing some key functions, such as changing map scale and zoom.
I have checked the manual and can do a full reset to factory spec but in doing this loose all the saved locations data etc. If possible I would like to avoid this.
I will also need Comand for the journey home of over 1000 miles so don't want to create a problem for the return
I am unsure if it is a hardware or software problem. If it is likely to be software is there a simple "reboot " procedure that might help.
Any help and advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Click to expand...

Its a common fault with the mechanism itself. It needs changing.
 
There's a great video on YouTube on how to repair this. I did mine about a year ago- I bought the aluminium replacement that's mentioned in the video - cost less than a tenner if I remember correctly. Quite straightforward to do.

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Thanks for the replies and advice
I will take it apart when ai get back home
Seems like a no brainier to try and repair using low cost replacement part against very high cost replacement unit
I will update on the outcome
Thanks again
 
The central shaft that has broken is plastic, so fitting a complete replacement unit means you have another plastic shaft that will break in time.. The aftermarket replacement shaft is aluminium, much more durable, it's just a case of do you feel confident enough, after watching both videos, to dismantle and re-assemble the unit yourself? I did not, but even paying a local ICE firm was cheaper than buying a complete replacement unit! Had mine done in Feb and have had no problem since.
 
In the meantime I can recommend a Michelin map of Europe. Amazing what you learn that you never could from a satnav...of any make.
 
Chrishazle said:
Mercedes Comand Knob Repair Set has 2 "How To" videos on the home page, their repair kit (mine came with a free set of plastic trim remoal tools) is the stated price delivered. I had the repair done by a local ICE firm as it looked too fiddly for my shakey hands, cost me £120.
Click to expand...

Hi - have the same problem with W212 command swivel. Could you please give me address of local ICE firm which you used? Was the broken plastic replaced with metal?
 
Enigma Car, Unit 2, Geerings Business Centre, Chart Road, Ashford TN23 1EP tel 01233 623236 www.enigmacar.co.uk. Leaving Ashford on the A28 towards Tenterden, just after the "Tank" roundabout and the pelican crossing, on the left before the first turning into Cobbs Wood industrial estate. I bought and supplied the replacement shaft from the link I gave above.
 
Chrishazle said:
Enigma Car, Unit 2, Geerings Business Centre, Chart Road, Ashford TN23 1EP tel 01233 623236 www.enigmacar.co.uk. Leaving Ashford on the A28 towards Tenterden, just after the "Tank" roundabout and the pelican crossing, on the left before the first turning into Cobbs Wood industrial estate. I bought and supplied the replacement shaft from the link I gave above.
Click to expand...


Thanks a million. Will source the bit and give them a call to arrange
 
I have a complete unit which I changed the shaft on for a metal one fully working would just need fittings if that’s any help or interest to you
 
mcsailing said:
I have a complete unit which I changed the shaft on for a metal one fully working would just need fittings if that’s any help or interest to you
Click to expand...
Chrishazle said:
Try comand.co.uk, they're in Surrey - forum sponsors.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Contacted them an hey are very pricey
 
Not a cheap option Alfie, but to my mind the problem there is that you then have another plastic shaft which, in the fullness of time, will break. The videos on the site I linked to initially show it's fiddly but doable to change the shaft to aluminium, my local ICE mob had already doen a similar change on a BMW and had no problem doing mine, so maybe there's another business opportunity for you! I was charged 2 hours for the job. I'm sure either on here or t'other side at least one member posted he had done the swop himself - must have much steadier hands/fingers than me!!
 
Philipquist said:
Is anyone on this forum in the Surrey area willing to change the shaft for me?
Click to expand...
I was the original poster and following the advice on this forum changed the shaft on the comand in my S212. I have now sold the car and bought a new S213D
I live at Copthorne on the Surrey/ Sussex border and would be happy to help you. Once the control unit is out of the car it is about a15 minute job to change the shaft. You would need to purchase the shaft. I purchased mine on e bay as follows:

Mercedes Comand Controller Rotary Switch Button Scroll Knob Shaft Repair Fix Kit | eBay

If you are still intersted let me know and I will PM you with my contact details.

Regards
Chris
 
Aviator said:
I was the original poster and following the advice on this forum changed the shaft on the comand in my S212. I have now sold the car and bought a new S213D
I live at Copthorne on the Surrey/ Sussex border and would be happy to help you. Once the control unit is out of the car it is about a15 minute job to change the shaft. You would need to purchase the shaft. I purchased mine on e bay as follows:

Mercedes Comand Controller Rotary Switch Button Scroll Knob Shaft Repair Fix Kit | eBay

If you are still intersted let me know and I will PM you with my contact details.

Regards
Chris
Click to expand...
Hi Chris - do you mind calling me on 07702096858? Tnx
 
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