Linguatronic on a B Class

[Vennwood]

I'm struggling to understand the logic here. We have bought a 2009 B180 CDI with Comand HHD system. On going through setting up the Bluetooth I came across the settings for Linguatronic. I went through a full "personalisation" part one and two the system said it has saved the data and all's well. Except there isn't anywhere to turn on the Linguatronic. In the handbook it refers to a stalk off the steering wheel. There is no stalk. I contacted the dealer who says - no stalk no Linguatronic. Can this be right? If there is no Linguatronic then why allow me to go through setting it up. Surely all I need is a switch? or am I missing the obvious here

 

[spinaltap]

On my A-Class, you pull the stalk on the steering wheel to engage Linguatronic (and to disengage it).

 

[npuk]

There is a stalk. If however the Comand was a retrofit and not factory installed the stalk may have not been installed. I have a NTG2.5 retrofit and havent installed the stalk. Linguatronic controller is built into the headunit on the NTG2.5.

http://www.comandonline.co.uk/NTG2.5-linguatronic-retrofit-kit.html

 

[Vennwood]

Hi Npuk,

If it doesn't have the stalk does this mean it is a retrofit unit?

 

[npuk]

I would say so. You can confirm this by checking the datacard for your car, does it show Comand on it (option code 512 / 518). Also do you have the media interface in the glovebox as the factory fit would also come with the media interface.

 

[Vennwood]

I'll check in the glovebox but I don't think so - all I saw was a single jack plug. Where would I find the datacard? Its not in the service/user manual pack.

 

[npuk]

You will have to ask the dealer for a copy or someone with access to the Mercedes EPC. If you only have the round 3.5mm aux input in the glovebox then it is a retrofit.

 

[ckember]

you definitely need the stalk. I have it on my B 200 cdi. Dont use it though

 

[Vennwood]

Its looking like the Comand was installed as an after market item as it doesn't appear the dealer will release the datacard. MB customer service are being "difficult" and wanting log books, passport details before they can consider releasing the information. Just very disappointing as I thought buying from a main MB dealer they would be straight forward and above board, instead they appear no better than a back street used car lot.

 

[richard]

It is quite likely that the datacard was updated when the COMAND was retrofitted. I'm not quite convinced that all factory fitted COMAND NTG2.5 do come with the linguatronic buttons, but don't actually have any evidence to support my thoughts.

MB UK can see when datacards have been updated (you can not see that from Star Diagnosis or EPC (parts catalogue).

Theres often a tell-tale sign left when people update Datacards for NTG2.5 because they forget to add the Region Code datacard entry.

If you PM me your VIN (Chassis number), i'll look up the datacard for you and tell you what I think !

I'd be pushing the dealer to add the lever etc. If the datacard has been updated it will be simple enough for the dealer to work out what parts are needed.

RIchard

 

[npuk]

I'm not quite convinced that all factory fitted COMAND NTG2.5 do come with the linguatronic buttons, but don't actually have any evidence to support my thoughts.

The 2009 brochure / price list states that APS50 and Comand comes with Linguatronic voice control and also the media interface. Why do you say not all cars would have had the lever, how could the voice control be used without it?

 

[richard]

Yes, I too have read that in the brochure. But, for instance, if you look at the Vito parts catalogue and the linguatronic lever in there, it is not supplied with option 527 or 512 (comand single DVD, comand dvd changer).

Also, thats what the current brochure says, but I have some recall that in the early days of COMAND, on some models (and I can't remember which) it may have been a chargable option at around £300 - but again EPCnet shows different and suggests it comes with option 527/512 and Audio-50 with DVD changer (511).

Cheers

Richard

Richard

 

[richard]

Vennwood has now sent me his chassis number.

99% sure its a retrofit, as option 512 (comand with DVD changer) is in the datacard, but the option showing DVD Region 2 has not been added, which it would have been if factory supplied.

I'd ask for the dealer to put the stalk in ! (And if its not a DVD changer version, ask why not as thats what the Datacard says is in there!)

Richard

 

[Vennwood]

A sincere thanks to Richard and everyone else for your help in this matter. I have now written to the Sales Manager concerned asking for them to fit the missing lever. I'll let you know how I get on

Pete