W211 Comand unlocking problem/question

[glojo]

UPDATE - GOOD NEWS

Fingers crossed and apologies for being so determined.

Regards,
John

 

[steve.link]

Harvey,

Keep us posted - did the dealer upgrade the software version?

Steve

 

[scumbag]

just felt like adding, once you know the codes, you can able and disable the unblocking of dvd in motion as and when you feel like it.

I have unblocked mine for when the neices and nephews are in it, then block it again. it is impossible to watch while driving but who knows. so it goes off. it came back on for when me and my mate went down to the supercar tour, but got put back to off later.

i find that it need it on the upto 6kph before it goes off, as some DVD's come with menus that are seemingly unable to work when the screen goes blank and in crawling traffic it just needs that bit of chance otherwise i hold the traffic up, or keep pressing the ok button and get annoyed that it does do what i want until you come to a rest.

The region unblocking was the one i wanted anyway. so as i can play my region 1 disk.

it takes less than a minute to block and unblock, so its not too much trouble.

 

[glojo]

Hi Harvey,
Just had a horrible thought.....

Have you tried your CD\DVD's in another 211 with COMAND?

Do NOT just test them in your computer or hi-fi system, the COMAND can be very fussy. I am pretty thick as regards dabbling with computer software and I used about six DVD's before I actually got one to play in the car. The first six all worked perfectly, both on my computer and the domestic DVD system, but they were NOT recognised by the COMAND.

I am so pleased you have managed to maintain a good relationship with the dealer. Quite a few people would have been ranting and raving, demanding this and demanding that. I have taken a little bit of stick from some quarters about my atitude, but 'softly softly catchee monkey' is usually far better than 'letting rip'.

If you cannot get access to another 211 then please feel free to contact me.

Good luck,
John

 

[masqueraid]

<First post!>

OK I have a 2003 W211 & it has Command 3 (I think) as when I put a disk in I get both DVD and CD symbols on the screen & the Nav disk is in the DVD in the boot. But it won't play MP3's on CD (I burnt half a dozen MP3 files onto CD at 4x speed to test) Strangely I get "DVD error". Do I need to get this activated by the dealer or can I do it myself? I've used the keypresses suggested in this forum without success but am blindly following them so may be starting from the wrong point, may need ignition on/off door open/closed, really have no idea! I understand that publicly posting how to do this may be an issue but have no desire to watch movies while I'm driving, just to get most of my favourite music on one disc. Is there anything obvious I've missed or if not is there a way I can get the information by email from the forum?

Thanks M )

 

[glojo]

<First post!> Is there anything obvious I've missed or if not is there a way I can get the information by email from the forum?

Thanks M )

Hi 'M'
Someone has suggested that there COMAND was set by default NOT to play Mp3's. I totally reject that suggestion simply on the grounds that if this was the case then none of us would be playing them unless we activated the option. I accept someone has suggested there's was recently activated, but I would politely suggest there is more to that incident!

The two most important things are making sure that:

a) Your vehicle has had the relevant upgrades

b) You have wrote the CD\DVD correctly and you are NOT putting it in the Navigation DVD player.

I accept you have wrote a number of CD's and they are giving you an error message. Have you tried these CD's in a 211 with COMAND that will play them?

We all like to think we are the bee's knee's when it comes to copying Mp3's onto disc, BUT, unless you do it correctly they will not play in your car (have I said this before? ) They will however play on your computer and other Mp3 playing items

Good luck,
John

 

[masqueraid]

"If you cannot get access to another 211 then please feel free to contact me."

I'm the only COMAND owner locally - could you send me a disk you know works? (I'm not fussed about the tracks - just want to know the option is switched on!)

In theory I suppose as the drive supports DVD MP3s could go on that too - any idea what format (+/- etc) the drive likes. - I know walk before I start running - but I've only just discovered the possibility of playing MP3's via the disk. It's like having a new toy all over again - but currently far more frustrating!

Thanks M ) (Mark)

 

[prprandall51]

Just a quick note about creating these MP3 disks.

On this forum, I have seen much advise on the correct settings to use. Everyone posting this advice is clearly basing it on their personal experience and personal success in getting the disks to work so it is undoubtedly sound advice worth following.

But, before I discovered this forum, I created successful disks simply by creating a data disk. My burning software had options for creating various music formats (and a selection of options concerning MP3 disks) but, because I didn't understand any of it, I just created a simple data disk. I organised all my music on the hard drive of the computer in various directories (heeding the maximum folder sizes printed in the Comand manual) and then simply copied the entire directory tree across to the disk and it worked perfectly.

I would recommend this option to anyone who has failed by using the more complex options within their burning software.

Philip

 

[glojo]

"If you cannot get access to another 211 then please feel free to contact me."

I'm the only COMAND owner locally - could you send me a disk you know works? (I'm not fussed about the tracks - just want to know the option is switched on!)

In theory I suppose as the drive supports DVD MP3s could go on that too - any idea what format (+/- etc) the drive likes. - I know walk before I start running - but I've only just discovered the possibility of playing MP3's via the disk. It's like having a new toy all over again - but currently far more frustrating!

Thanks M ) (Mark)

Hi Mark,
As Philip has already pointed out, we all have our own preferences to what software to use.

My own experience which I learnt the hard way is that copying the files simply as data will work both on my computer, and home hi-fi systems. They never worked on my COMAND.

I simply used the Mp3 Wizard in Nero Express, but first I compiled all the files and folders on the hard drive. If you want to send me a SAE envelope with a blank disc, plus disc with music on, I will willingly compile the disc so that it works on my COMAND.

Good luck,
John

 

[steve.link]

I have simply burned the disk using Nero 5 - worked first time for me. Picks up the folder and track names no problem - also displays in the speedo display

 

[glojo]

I have simply burned the disk using Nero 5 - worked first time for me. Picks up the folder and track names no problem - also displays in the speedo display

I'm glad I'm not the only one using Nero.

It is certainly a wonderful free upgrade, and we have all our collection on one DVD.

John

 

[harveyn]

Just for the record for anyone interested, I sent a cd with 165 mp3 tracks to Glojo, to check if it works it his comand unit. Thankfully it did, so my nero software for recording is not the issue. Glojo will probably add something about the number of files the comand could read.

All the best to everyone

 

[masqueraid]

Success! Looks like I had a few rogue files with 'variable bitrate' recording.
Burnt a simple data format CD-R where all the files have 128kbps 44kHz properties (MPEG-1 Layer 3) and it works a treat, limit is 255 folders no subfolders and no more than 255 tracks in each (not that you'll get that on the CD but guess with a DVD it will become an issue). Burnt using Roxio's EZ CD Creator 5 and CDFS format.

The files all have ID tags (although the speedo display shows the file name) so metadata doesn't seem to be a problem

Am going to have a play to see if COMAND can cope with multiple sessions & see what the other limitations are.

Thanks for the offer to test though

M )

 

[masqueraid]

& nearly forgot, dealer said sadly MP3 not supported on my COMAND but would fix me up with an iPod adaptor for just a few £100's - how thoughtful

 

[harveyn]

Update- success

MP3's now play in my car!
A massive thanks to those who told me not to accept 'they can't' for an answer.
The following might help others. I don't think my command had been updated, despite it having been mentioned as something the garage intended to do at a previous service.
When the update disk was inserted, it said dvd error, but on the star screen there was a note for the technician to tap in a couple of numbers, and then it started to read the disk. After 10 minutes or so, the system had been updated, and the audio menu changed to show 'mp3'.
They sound quality is great and my daughter loves having a massive selection on one dvd. My wife commented how nice it is to be able to switch between albums, whithout the normal delay of switching discs within the cd changer. The 'hidden menu' also now works, but isn't necessary as the garage set up my preferences for me. Many thanks Steve and Glojo

 

[thevad33]

hi but the is no option to ON or OFF.

Got e320 w211 2004 reg.