Remove COMAND unit from CLK 320 W208 Cabriolet

[Wispaws]

I've looked through the forums and although come across similar posts have been unable to find one that works for my vehicle - a Mercedes CLK W208 Cabriolet Avantgarde 2002.

I am trying to remove the COMAND unit with the intention of replacing with a Pioneer unit. I had left the car with my local Halfords for them to remove and replace with the new unit but with no success. In fact you will see from the photo the marks left in the trim following their attempts.

I am now trying to understand why the unit will not budge. I purchased a pair of extracting keys, including small hole in the key shaft, but now the keys are just locked inplace and no matter how much pull the unit ( or keys ) will not move.

I saw on one similar post that a pair of screws were to be removed but I have been unable to locate any screws or similar but sure this is the issue.

Can anyone provide any guidance please on how I can remove this unit?

Thank you in advance.

Graeme
PS. The attachment is a photo of the COMAND unit in situ.

 

[clk320x]

I've looked through the forums and although come across similar posts have been unable to find one that works for my vehicle - a Mercedes CLK W208 Cabriolet Avantgarde 2002.

I am trying to remove the COMAND unit with the intention of replacing with a Pioneer unit. I had left the car with my local Halfords for them to remove and replace with the new unit but with no success. In fact you will see from the photo the marks left in the trim following their attempts.

I am now trying to understand why the unit will not budge. I purchased a pair of extracting keys, including small hole in the key shaft, but now the keys are just locked inplace and no matter how much pull the unit ( or keys ) will not move.

I saw on one similar post that a pair of screws were to be removed but I have been unable to locate any screws or similar but sure this is the issue.

Can anyone provide any guidance please on how I can remove this unit?

Thank you in advance.

Graeme
PS. The attachment is a photo of the COMAND unit in situ.

View attachment 81207

Drive down to Mercedes Retrofit Specialist - Comand.co.uk

 

[Wispaws]

Drive down to Mercedes Retrofit Specialist - Comand.co.uk

Thanks clk320x, I might have to do that but we are a few hours drive away so at moment it's an option to hold in reserve.



Graeme

 

[Chrishazle]

Give them a call, they may well be able to recommend a specialist closer to you.

 

[Wispaws]

Finally solved the problem. It seems that there were no screws holding the COMAND unit in place, all that was required was a good, heavy tug and the unit freed. It seems the keys we had were a touch too soft and a groove was being etched in the material leading to a failure to release the catches correctly. With a lot of wriggling ( and use of multiple keys ) I finally managed to release.

Thanks to all who left a comment.

Regards
Graeme

 

[clk320x]

Finally solved the problem. It seems that there were no screws holding the COMAND unit in place, all that was required was a good, heavy tug and the unit freed. It seems the keys we had were a touch too soft and a groove was being etched in the material leading to a failure to release the catches correctly. With a lot of wriggling ( and use of multiple keys ) I finally managed to release.

Thanks to all who left a comment.

Regards
Graeme

Great result! Thanks for updating

 

[Wispaws]

Just adding a final note.

I did not have to contact Mercedes Retrofit Specialist - Comand.co.uk as suggested by clk320x as fixed the original issue myself. However, the fitter completely failed to connect to the steering wheel controls advising that their supplier could not supply the correct wiring loom for the vehicle/existing wiring type. Called Mark at Comand Online above and received excellent support advising me of the right wiring adapter to purchase all within a couple of hours. Friendly, responsive and knowledgeable. Wish I was closer as would have used them but anyone with after market audio requirement I would strongly recommend getting in touch with them.