Total COMAND failure....

[saorbust]

I never thought Coventry would have such an influence over my Merc.

I usually end up in Coventry most Mondays. And I've noticed that the navigation screen freezes on the A45 coming into town. I put it down to a disc read failure on the navigation DVD, since the head up display seems to work without issue. However the map remains frozen until such time as the car is turned on and off.

Like I say its not a major issue. Or it wasn't.

This Monday it happens as per normal. Except this time when I go to drive to Northampton later that day, the screen doesn't work. I get the MB Logo, and the Star, but nothing else. The dash display reads 'Nav ----' and 'Audio ----' and 'Tel ----'. I'm stuck listening to Coldplay (okay not so bad, but after the 4th time of the same CD getting slightly boring).

I travel to Northampton, and think - it may reset itself

Nope - it gets worse. I loose all audio completely, and now the CD change will not open either.

So basically one sick electrical system, and I suspect its probably a MOST failure as well. Coupled with that, the dash is now sporadically adding miles to the odometer (not the main mileage - phew!). According to the dash I'm getting about 70mpg. Wonderful but wrong.

So sick motor taken into dealers yesterday completely unannouced, and they are due to give me the full diagnosis this morning. I cannot imagine how much this would have cost if it wasn't for the warranty. The initial prognosis is a new COMAND unit (which would be the 2nd replacement), new dash and possibly new wiring harness. I suspect thats worst case, but

I'll keep you posted, but sometimes I wish I could just ctrl-alt-del the car. And I wonder if anyone in Merc has heard of systematic failure - it seems the systems within the car are too fragile if one fails....

 

[glojo]

I have certainly read about this problem, but thought it was dealt with by one of the many upgrades? Clearly in your particular case it hasn't.

You appear to use the navigation system on a very regular basis, thus my concern that you are doing the research and development for Mercedes-Benz? A claim I made about myself when we were suffering from the many minor electrical glitches?

Frightening to read of hte replacement parts you have had, but I recommend you burn a DVD with ALL your favourite music rather than put up with the one stuck CD?

On a serious note, the stuck CD should be a significant clue towards locating the problem considering the DVD navigation player is located in the rear of the vehicle.

I would be MORE than a little disappointed if I had ongoing problems with what I consider to be quite a prestige vehicle?

Pleased to read that you are keeping us informed of the ongoing disaster.


Good luck,
John

 

[miro]

If the CD changer wont open and the MOST ring has stopped. Then I would be looking at the CD changer first.

Apart from that I can think that it would be useful to flash the latest software into as many modules in the optical ring as can be done.

I notice that many early spec E-class have all sorts of small issues which seem to clear up with later firmware. A famous one being that the sound keeps playing after the key is out (simple fix).

Any device which fails to open, eject or respond would seem to be a culprit from the start. Have you tried to eject the map DVD lately ? Take a look at it and see if it is dirty. May explain the location glitch.

 

[saorbust]

If the CD changer wont open and the MOST ring has stopped. Then I would be looking at the CD changer first.

Apart from that I can think that it would be useful to flash the latest software into as many modules in the optical ring as can be done.

I notice that many early spec E-class have all sorts of small issues which seem to clear up with later firmware. A famous one being that the sound keeps playing after the key is out (simple fix).

Any device which fails to open, eject or respond would seem to be a culprit from the start. Have you tried to eject the map DVD lately ? Take a look at it and see if it is dirty. May explain the location glitch.

Thanks for all the comments guys.

I did the DVD drive eject etc - thought it might trigger a few things. Nothing. DVD was spotless btw - its a V5.0 brand new one.

The Sound playing after the key is out - yep - it did that.

I'll keep you posted.

 

[saorbust]

I have certainly read about this problem, but thought it was dealt with by one of the many upgrades? Clearly in your particular case it hasn't.

You appear to use the navigation system on a very regular basis, thus my concern that you are doing the research and development for Mercedes-Benz? A claim I made about myself when we were suffering from the many minor electrical glitches?

Frightening to read of hte replacement parts you have had, but I recommend you burn a DVD with ALL your favourite music rather than put up with the one stuck CD?

On a serious note, the stuck CD should be a significant clue towards locating the problem considering the DVD navigation player is located in the rear of the vehicle.

I would be MORE than a little disappointed if I had ongoing problems with what I consider to be quite a prestige vehicle?

Pleased to read that you are keeping us informed of the ongoing disaster.


Good luck,
John

John you make me laugh. I had no idea it was an ongoing problem - although maybe that means the fix is easy. LOL!

I use Nav all the time - I love the TMC option its just great.

We have a DVD with a load of MP3's on it - its just great. I do have some other CD's though which I have brought since I burnt the MP3 version. Seriously considering a large iPod though.

As for development work - only unpaid....

 

[Cool the cat]

I am new ( and French) on this forum but may be I can help on that subject .

My car is a ( 2005) CLS 320 CDI with comand dvd aps and I have had the same problem as well for navigation as for the cd changer staying open .

I solved the problem like that :

- Empty all cd's from the charger and front bay .
- Empty navi dvd charger.
- Turn off the Comand .
- Turn off the contact .
- Disconnect the battery . ( 1 hour in my case )

Then reconnect the battery . In my case everything return to normal after that . Hope it can help .

 

[imadoofus]

Wasn't somebody asking the other day if we had any CLS owners?

PJ

 

[glojo]

Wasn't somebody asking the other day if we had any CLS owners?

PJ

I think that might have been me? I was rambling on about how members praised this vehicle, and asked if we had anyone that had actually purchased one.

Bonjour coolthecat,
Clearly you are not related to Kikkthecat

A very nice informative post, but don't forget to reset your electronic options, windows, sunroof, esp etc. etc.

I look forward to seeing many pictures of your very nice car.

Regards
John

 

[saorbust]

Update. Dealer has told me they have it working. Had to reset it, and then download a whole bunch of updates for it.

Collecting it tonight, lets hope it doesn't fail in Coventry again...

 

[glojo]

Update. Dealer has told me they have it working. Had to reset it, and then download a whole bunch of updates for it.

Collecting it tonight, lets hope it doesn't fail in Coventry again...

I always love stories with happy endings, but it is disappointing that these upgrades are well over 12 - 18 months old. I suppose this might highlight a problem of extended intervals between servicing.

Your problem gives a whole new meaning of, "Being sent to Coventry."

Regards,
John

 

[saorbust]

Hi John,

Good point.

I wonder however, and perhaps someone here may know more, if the V5 DVD software updates downgraded some of the on board software. I noticed some differences since the dealer has done the change, and I wonder if anyone more knowledgeable than me may know...

Clarky.

 

[glojo]

Hi John,

Good point.

I wonder however, and perhaps someone here may know more, if the V5 DVD software updates downgraded some of the on board software. I noticed some differences since the dealer has done the change, and I wonder if anyone more knowledgeable than me may know...

Clarky.

Is there anything you would like me to try out? I now have version 5

John