What does COMAND actually do?

[pint6x]

Thinking about a W212 E class estate E350 CDi

Now, I have searched quite a bit and never found an answer to this:

What is COMAND and do I need it?

Assuming the car (probably in Avantgarde trim) has a sat-nag, a CD/tuner/MP3 aux connection, and a travel computer thing for MPG etc. what does COMAND actually offer, over and above this?

Or, what would I miss if I didn't have it?

I have heard people say "Oh you MUST get COMAND" but no one has ever told me what it offers.

Thanks - P

 

[whitenemesis]

I think you've just described what COMAND is....

COMAND COckpit MAnagement and Navigation Device

 

[Giantvanman]

The MB version of an all in one………..satnag/bluetooth/radio/DVD (but without touchscreen) integrated with the steering wheel controls and centre info screen. It also may need add on modules (dependant on version) for full iPod integration showing artwork, DAB etc.

comand.co.uk

 

[whitenemesis]

Not forgetting voice control....

 

[alzieboy]

Makes you wonder why its not as good as bmw idrive , IMHO

 

[PaulRUK3]

It is a wonderful device that does soooo many things....... that can distract you just before you hit that oncoming road bridge. However, I LOVE it!!

 

[V12]

You won't miss anything.
It's just a way for MB to squeeze more pennies from you.

 

[rifiki]

There lies the problem, I wonder how many accidents hav been caused by drivers fiddling with the multidude of buttons on modern cars? My CLK has command, hardly ever use it

 

[whitenemesis]

There lies the problem, I wonder how many accidents hav been caused by drivers fiddling with the multidude of buttons on modern cars? My CLK has command, hardly ever use it

Linguatronic (voice control)

 

[coupe deville]

There lies the problem, I wonder how many accidents hav been caused by drivers fiddling with the multidude of buttons on modern cars? My CLK has command, hardly ever use it

Good point, first time I used Bluetooth to make a call, I hit the kerb while fiddling with the "phone book". Lesson learned.
Now I don't make any calls while moving, I still take them, as it's only one press of a button.

 

[rifiki]

I believe in Holland most of the command is inoperative if the car is moving.

 

[Merc Owner 2B]

I remember the various responses when i posed this question two years ago. Since then I bought a used ML with Comand and absolutely love it. Superior international sat nav, bluetooth with full address book, multiple phone pairings, hard drive full of MP3s, excellent radio/cd (mine has the Harmonn Kardon upgrade) rear view camera etc.

Everyone's view is different. so many variables.

I decided I wasn't going to spend an extra £2,500 on it when considering a NEW car. However, I did seek out a 6 month old USED one with the COMAND. Still around the same price as non-Comand vehicles so worth it to me in that respect.

 

[lexman8]

COMAND allows MB to charge you a lot of money for something that many manufacturers fit as standard.

 

[markjay]

MOST MB OPTIONS allow MB to charge you a lot of money for something that many manufacturers fit as standard.

Fixed that for you

 

[Benzowner]

I believe in Holland most of the command is inoperative if the car is moving.

Mine has always worked fine when I go to Holland, usually 3 or 4 times a year, just make sure you have the country set correctly and it's fine.

 

[sjmaxwell]

Linguatronic (voice control)

Hardly ever works on my convertible - might be the wind noise with the roof down!! :bannana:

 

[TDE1]

Linguatronic (voice control)

Got to admit, I didn't even know what Linguatronic meant until more than a year's ownership of mine.

Love it now.

It - "SELECT STATION"

Me - "RADIO TWO" (as I am 40something)

Love it more because Mrs TDE1 believes it only responds to a man's voice because it's German. I might have told her that

 

[lexman8]

On mine:

It - "SELECT STATION"
Me - "RADIO TWO"
It - "TELEPHONE NOT CONNECTED"
Me - *sigh*

 

[cb1965]

Maybe the current COMMAND systems are excellent, but the COMMAND-APS in my 2005 SL is pretty poor. The NAV is very fiddly to use and doesn't always do the best job and the sound quality of the much fabled Bose system is very poor.

So much so I have decided to ditch it and replace with Alpine/Audison gear.

The biggest laugh is that just the other day I was using the NAV to try and find the audio installer in Wigan to discuss the upgrade and it kept telling me to turn right at a road which was a one way street coming the other way..... it knew LOL!

 

[whitenemesis]

How current are your Nav maps?