COMAND unit failed in W221

[MichaelKeighley]

Cruising back up the M5 from Cornwall, the satnav suddenly packed in on my S350 / W221
The Mercedes Benz text and star logo, appeared, as it does when turning on; after about 5 seconds the screen goes blank, then the logo reappears; repeat indefinitely.
Anyone encountered this please ? any suggestions ?
All I've done so far is check fuses and remove the Comand unit to reseat all the cables.

About one in every 20 or 30 starts, it does actually boot up; the radio and AC controls work but the satnav says "software needs installing".
Next time, it's back to the behaviour above.

The dealer wants to do a "extended software refresh", which does sound sensible; however: the DVD drive on this unit has been faulty, since I bought the car.
Is it even possible to refresh the software, without a working DVD drive ?
Or am I looking at a replacement unit ?

The car is vintage Dec 2005 and I believe it has an NTG3. The label on the back says "BE 7011", if that's relevant ?
If I am replacing Comand, do I have to replace with an identical unit ? or is there an argument in favour of purchasing a later version please ?
(I like the idea of an upgrade but I am fearful of any software compatibility issues !)

Any other thoughts please ?

 

[W1ghty]

The company www.commandonline.co.uk may have some advice

 

[MichaelKeighley]

The company www.commandonline.co.uk may have some advice

OK, will try them, thanks.

 

[oldguy57]

I'm surprised that MB can do a software update on a 2005 model. I'd be tempted to replace with a modern system which are way better, but take advice on compatibility with the rest of the components. As W1ghty says commandonline will be able to help.

 

[slade1]

Have same Comand in my 05 CLK, clunky system I hardly ever use, plenty of button pushing.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

2005 W221 ?

2005 was the end of the S class W220, with the new W221 being delivered in the UK from 2006 onwards.

Is your car the very first of the new shape W221, or the last of the old shape W220 ?

Obviously has a big impact on the Comand tech.