Star Machine and Comand MP3 capability

[splang]

I know there have been similar threads before but I hope you don't mind me starting a new one purely because the info I am after it quite focused:

My comand is from a w211 and has software update : 21/2003.
My local dealer is excellent and they tried to update it today by connecting it to the star machine with a view to getting the comand to play mp3 (on dvd placed in the regular dvd slot above the screen).

They do not know where to look in the star directory to enable mp3 playback (otherwise they would do it for me). They also say that there are no updates available for the comand unit other than an audio gateway which they have done. They showed me printouts and everything was FOC.

Can anyone please provide me (and the dealership would like to know too!) with instructions of which directories to look in when in star?

ps the hidden menu within the engineers screen does not work.(# * < )


Many thanks

Steve

 

[steve.link]

You have the wrong software in the COMAND head unit.

Version 15/2004 allows MP3 Play back and the other "hidden menu" stuff.

Latest version is 51/2005 but this will remove the engineering and hidden menus.

I am sure there have been other versions in between but I don't have a full list

 

[splang]

Thanks for that. I have heard stories of some early dvd comands not being able to update from 2003... do you think this is why they could not update the software? If , so , does anyone know a way around it?
Cheers

Steve

 

[steve.link]

I don't think the COMAND software is updated via the Star Diag.

It comes on a disk which you place in the head unit. You need to press 1,3 & 8 simultaneously and it will ask for the update disk.

See if you can get this part number - W211 589 06 22 00 It's SW-Rel 9.390 Build 17/04. This should allow MP3 and the other " hidden" stuff

The latest version is part no: W211 589 10 22 00 It's SW-Rel 15.130 Build 51/05. T his will allow MP3.

In my experience the average MB dealer has no idea whats involved in keeping these COMAND units up to date.

If you can find a disk, I think they only cost about £10, and then you can enable it yourself.

Certainly don't bother crossing the Severn Bridge to the Cardiff dealers!!

Best of luck!

 

[splang]

Thanks Steve. The parts chap says that the first code is not valid (doesnt match across to a b number or something?).

Does anyone have the 04 update please on disc I can buy off them?

Thanks

Steve


(this one please: W211 589 06 22 00 )

 

[machasm]

Sorry for Hijacking this thread but will this work in my W208 Comand?
Mac.

 

[splang]

Sorry, i don't know , but I'm sure someone does

(ps anyone got an update cd i can borrow? )

 

[glojo]

Hi Splang,
Do you remember me mentioning this when you first bought this nice car?

The Mp3 playing is done by a 'flash upgrade' which the dealer should hold, but more important, this upgrade should have been done as part of the vehicles maintainance during its servicing.

I would be concerned that your car might not have had all the relevant upgrades, there will be at least fourteen.

If you do a search there will be all the information you want, but any problems please feel free to pm me.

""Sorry for Hijacking this thread but will this work in my W208 Comand?"""

No

Regards,
John

 

[splang]

Thanks John,

Yep I remember unfortunately the dealer only has an update disc for the s and cl class apparently .

They did update via star but this did things like the audio gateway but not the software of the head unit -0.

They spent quite a lot of time on it FOC....

Maybe I should try Exeter (only 50 mins away)??

 

[glojo]

Maybe I should try Exeter (only 50 mins away)??

On a serious note your dealer should have it, or perhaps borrow it from another dealer. Have you checked with the service department to make sure all the upgrades have been done? We did discuss this before, but sadly it is now clear that at least one upgrade has been overlooked! Remember this one we are discussing is NOT just for Mp3 playing.

John

Edit:
I have just checked the part number for the upgrade CD and it is exactly as described by Steve.

There is a very strict way of applying the CD and if the technician does it incorrectly, then it will not upgrade.

 

[splang]

Thanks John and thanks Jay for helping me out.