Removing centre cosole trim to access Comand system

[barnaclebill]

Hello to everyone. You will see that I am very new to this site as this is my first post. The laser in my Comand system has stopped reading ie DX navigation discs and music cds. I have a 2001 E320 cdi Avantgarde (RF51CKA). I havwe searched many sites including this one for information about how to remove and repair (if possible) the cd reader part of my Comand system. I have tried to remove the facia surrounding the system by removing the 2 screws cunningly hidden behind the ashtray but the fascia still appears to be fastened higher up towards the air vents. PLEASE can someone help get over the first hurdle so that I can remove the Comand system and then with the use of other very helpful threads on this site commence dismantling the unit and hopefully effect a repair other than paying £1400 + Vat as required by MB agent.

 

[renault12ts]

Doesn't the Comand just pull out like a radio would?

Edit: Once the two lower screws are removed the rest just pulls off...it's clipped in.

 

[barnaclebill]

Many thanks for your very prompt reply....most impressed!!!.....according to another thread on this topic which implies that the fascia should just 'pull off' I have tried that but it still appears firmly attached around the heater controls and also at the top near the air vents. Maybe I am being too over cautious but how much force should I apply?

 

[renault12ts]

Post 8 in this thread explains it:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/electronics/49254-w210-comand-removal-console.html

 

[chitaxmoto]

vin no

 

[barnaclebill]

vin no ?????

 

[renault12ts]

vin no ?????[/QUOTE

The vin will not help in anyway...since they are all the same if they have Comand...so don't worry about vin.

 

[barnaclebill]

I have read through that thread several times before posting my question, but I still can't remove the fascia...many thanks for the link though...much appreciated. This bit sounds VERY SCARY though....if I get that far that is ". By the way, before you disassemble the unit buy a static protection mat and wrist strap from .eg. Maplin. You will also need a 3 plug to connect to your mains earth unless you have a nearby earthed copper pipe. This way you will avoid blowing any of the ICs."

 

[barnaclebill]

I have now wrestled with it further and it is 75% removed but it still feel very firmly attached at the rear of the heater control section. Should the heater controls and other switches at the top come out with the fascia?

 

[richard]

From memory (and its a long time ago) you need to remove the heater controls first. There use the standard Mercedes radio removeal tools to remove the whole 'single din' size heater controls. Any car-hifi shop or MB dealer will have the tools.

Richard

 

[renault12ts]

From memory (and its a long time ago) you need to remove the heater controls first. There use the standard Mercedes radio removeal tools to remove the whole 'single din' size heater controls. Any car-hifi shop or MB dealer will have the tools.

Richard

Only if you have full Climate control...otherwise the controls are behind the trim.

 

[renault12ts]

I have now wrestled with it further and it is 75% removed but it still feel very firmly attached at the rear of the heater control section. Should the heater controls and other switches at the top come out with the fascia?

If you have the round heater controls...they are behind the trim as are the other switches.

 

[EDZ649]

Doesn't the Comand just pull out like a radio would?

Edit: Once the two lower screws are removed the rest just pulls off...it's clipped in.

On an E class (W210) the COMAND unit is held in by two torx screw behind the fascia. The two key slots don't work on that model.

The top of the fascia has two metal lugs that slide up behind the dash. As you say, once the two small screws in the top edge of the ashtray are removed the bottom should pull forwards and then down to release the top lugs.

 

[barnaclebill]

I have full climate controls - does this explain why I still can't remove the fascia? Is there dome special tool that I require therefore?

This bit still sounds scary -

By the way, before you disassemble the unit buy a static protection mat and wrist strap from .eg. Maplin. You will also need a 3 plug to connect to your mains earth unless you have a nearby earthed copper pipe. This way you will avoid blowing any of the ICs."
Is it not simply a case of dismantling when removed?

 

[barnaclebill]

On an E class (W210) the COMAND unit is held in by two torx screw behind the fascia. The two key slots don't work on that model.

The top of the fascia has two metal lugs that slide up behind the dash. As you say, once the two small screws in the top edge of the ashtray are removed the bottom should pull forwards and then down to release the top lugs.

It is now 75% out = would it be my climate controls that are preventing further removal?

 

[EDZ649]

It is now 75% out = would it be my climate controls that are preventing further removal?

Can you post up a couple of pictures?

 

[renault12ts]

It is now 75% out = would it be my climate controls that are preventing further removal?

You have the CC...the oblong one that looks like a radio? It might be easier just to pull it out. If you do not have the keys, cut up an old credit card to fit the slots.

Interior-Upper Console - YouTube

But I don't think you have to because the trim fits around it.

 

[barnaclebill]

Yes the CC is the oblong one which looks like a radio. Are the 'slots' you are referring to the slots in each of the 2 x Auto buttons on the CC?

 

[renault12ts]

Yes the CC is the oblong one which looks like a radio. Are the 'slots' you are referring to the slots in each of the 2 x Auto buttons on the CC?

Yes, they're the ones. Look on ebay to see the keys...then cut to that shape from a credit card.

 

[barnaclebill]

Many thanks I'll take a look on e-bay......can you help me by telling me what to search for on e-bay.....sorry to sound stupid but it's all alien to me