2010 E220 interior with COMAND controller (below-left gear shift) and navigation screen
Download the MB Comand update CD MY01. With this CD you get the MB star at start-up, the DX logo, you can send/receive SMS messages, you get the intelligent SPELLER, you'll be able to see the speed in the service menu, the high Rightclick to download the MY01 Comand update (3.07MB).
Cockpit Management and Data system - COMAND for short - acts as a combined command and control centre for all audio, telematics and telecommunications functions on Mercedes-Benz vehicles and includes a dedicated flat display screen. In addition to the GPS navigation system and general processing and control logic, COMAND includes components such as an address book, telephone, radio and in many cases a CD/DVD drive. It is connected to other (often separate) devices such as CD/DVD changers, sound system and surround sound amplifier, TV receiver and the optional Linguatronicvoice control system via an optical fibre network. The first generations of COMAND used the D2B optical network standard whereas later models are based on MOST.
A key feature of all COMAND systems is to provide deep integration between the various functions such as multimedia, navigation and telephony and to also allow multiple presentation and control facilities. An example of functional integration is where other audio sources can be muted when a phone call comes in or when navigation guidance is being given. It is also the case that the main audio system, speakers and microphone are used for all these functions instead of being logically and functionally separate. With regard to multiple presentation and control facilities, COMAND based vehicles allow steering wheel controls to be used alongside the main COMAND buttons and controller and COMAND related status information and instructions can be displayed in the instrument cluster in addition to the main COMAND display. On vehicles with a factory fitted Mercedes-Benz rear seat entertainment system, this also provides integration with the COMAND system, allowing for instance the rear seat displays to show content from the COMAND TV receiver or to play out the rear DVD audio over the car's surround sound system.
On newer S-Class and CL-Class models such as the W221, the integration between COMAND and other vehicle functions is even more complete, including access via COMAND to the HVAC system, seat controls, etc. On these cars, in contrast to most other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, COMAND is part of the standard specification rather than an optional extra.
COMAND was introduced first exclusively on the flagship S-Class and CL-Class models. Later, it became available on other Mercedes cars too.
- 1Model History
Model History[edit]
COMAND 2.5[edit]
An early model UK-spec (right hand drive) W220 S-Class, with the COMAND system screen and buttons on the center console.
Somewhat confusingly, COMAND 2.5 (not to be confused with the much later COMAND-APS NTG2.5) actually refers to the first generation of COMAND systems, introduced on the W220. The '2.5' label seems to refer to the fact that the main COMAND unit for this first generation had a height of 2.5 DIN. This COMAND system had a cassette drive, a built-in CD drive for the navigation map discs, an FM/AM radio tuner, a 4-channel amplifier and external connectors to other systems. The European models used Tele Atlas map discs (CD). Towards the end of 1999, the system was upgraded to use the improved DX type navigation discs. COMAND 2.5 uses a D2B optical bus for connection to the external CD changer, the telephone system, the optional Bose surround sound system and the optional Linguatronic voice control system. The COMAND 2.5 unit was made by Bosch.
COMAND 2.5 was an option on almost all models and denoted by Mercedes-Benz option code 352.
COMAND 2.0/COMAND 2.0 MOPF[edit]
The same COMAND 2.5 technology (with DX navigation maps) was next incorporated in a somewhat different form factor known as COMAND 2.0 (with '2.0' referring to the fact that this modified unit had a 2 DIN height), but with the cassette drive removed. These units were introduced on the W210 E-Class as rectangular units, later also in a more rounded form on amongst others the W203 and R230 models.
From S-Class model year 2003, COMAND 2.5 was replaced by a widescreen version of COMAND 2.0 known as COMAND 2.0 MOPF.
Note that COMAND 2.5, COMAND 2.0 and COMAND 2.0 MOPF are collectively referred to as 'COMAND 2' systems (despite these being the first generation COMAND systems and, confusingly, despite the successor being known as COMAND-APS NTG1.
COMAND-APS NTG1[edit]
This new generation of COMAND systems was introduced on the model year 2002 W211 E-class and is in fact a complete redesign. MOST replaces the D2B optical ring network. The Mercedes-Benz option code became 527 (although, confusingly, COMAND 2.0 MOPF was also given this option code). These new MOST based systems were given the name COMAND-APS to distinguish them from the older D2B systems.
The NTG1 system further distinguished itself from earlier models by having DVD based navigation instead of the CD based COMAND 2. This allowed to carry a whole region (such as Europe) on a single disc. NTG1 systems were also able to play MP3 CDs/DVDs.
COMAND-APS NTG2[edit]
The NTG2 evolution was a cheaper and more integrated version of COMAND-APS, having all core components in the single double DIN head unit instead of three separate components as had been the case with NTG1 (an audio gateway including the radio, amplifier, and MOST controller; a head unit with display; and a navigation processor) and thereby also simplifying the wiring. However, unlike NTG1 models, the NTG2 COMAND was unable to play MP3 discs. To use the navigation at the same time as listening to an audio disc requires the optional CD changer.
This version of COMAND was used in various models such as the W203 C-Class and the W209 CLK and even the Vito/Viano. It was also fitted to the Smart Forfour.
COMAND-APS NTG3/NTG3.5[edit]
The rotary controller for COMAND-APS NTG3 together with the telephone keypad and quick access buttons. The button with the * symbol on the left is a programmable 'favourite' button.
A W221 S-Class showing the location of the COMMAND screen to the right of the speedometer
Intended for the flagship W221 S-Class and the W216 CL-Class, COMAND NTG3 is a high-end system. Unlike for most other Mercedes-Benz cars, the S-Class and CL-Class from now on have COMAND as standard, allowing even better integration and for COMAND to operate even more vehicle functions. The navigation maps are stored on an internal hard disk instead of a DVD disc (although updates are installed from an update DVD). In addition to operating the audio, video, navigation and telecommunication systems, the NTG3 COMAND also controls a host of other features, such as the multi-contour and drive-dynamic seats, the HVAC system, the rear window shade, the vehicle locking, alarm and immobiliser, interior and exterior lighting functions, the optional ambient lighting feature, easy entry/exit settings, etc.
The NTG3 system comes with a large, high resolution 8' TFT 16:9 widescreen colour COMAND display mounted higher and more directly into the driver's line of sight and with a separate, large rotary controller mounted on the centre console in between the front seats. This system was the first COMAND to support DAB radio on the MOST bus.
NTG3 uses an in-dash DVD (and CD) changer and CompactFlash reader for MP3 music. A digital TV tuner and a harman/kardon Logic7 stereo sound system with 14 speakers and a 600W 13-channel DSP amplifier can be optionally installed and controlled via COMAND. Where a factory fitted rear seat entertainment package is installed, this can use the NTG3 digital TV tuner and the surround sound system for playing out its audio over the speakers instead of headphones. As with previous models, Linguatronic voice command and control is available as an option too.
The main controller for NTG3 is a large rotary dial with haptic feedback, although there are also buttons for quick access to commonly used functions and even a 'favourite' button that can be assigned a function of choice. In addition, buttons on the steering wheel give access to various COMAND functions too and the large screen in the instrument cluster can display various COMAND related settings and information in addition to the main COMAND display.
The model year 2009 W221 S-Class received an upgraded version, COMAND-APS 3.5 NTG. This includes improved Bluetooth support and split view (where the passenger watches a DVD while the driver sees other COMAND functions such as the navigation map on the same display). The new NTG3.5 system also features a new rights management provision to prevent the use of copied map update discs. This rights management function means it is not possible to upgrade NTG3 based vehicles to NTG3.5.
COMAND-APS NTG4[edit]
The NTG4 system is a reduced cost version of NTG3 technology. It was first introduced when the W204 C-Class launched in 2007 and features a 5' screen, much smaller than the higher resolution, bigger 8' screen on the flagship W221. It is the first version of COMAND that supports the Mercedes Media Interface. Like NTG3, it stores maps on a hard disk and has a card reader for MP3 music. It is also built with a somewhat larger 6' screen for other models such as the W212 and W218. Amongst other implementation differences are the fact that in the W204 version the screen electrically folds in and out whereas in other incarnations it is fixed. The Mercedes SLS has COMAND NTG4 too.
Unlike the NTG3 system, NTG4 did not support 7 character UK postcodes when first released (only 5 character postcodes), but some NTG4 units (e.g. those in the MY2010 W212 and up) have a firmware upgrade available from Mercedes dealers which does add 7 character UK postcodes.
NTG4 is also used in Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (X204).
COMAND-APS NTG2.5[edit]
Command APS in a 200C 2011 model
Somewhat confusingly, COMAND-APS NTG2.5 was introduced after NTG4, replacing COMAND in models previously fitted with NTG1 and NTG2 systems (apart from the W209 CLK as that model was replaced by the W207 E-Class coupe. The unit has a SD card reader in addition to the DVD drive. An optional DVD changer can replace the single drive. The Mercedes-Benz option code is 512 for the single drive unit and 527 for the unit with the optional DVD changer. Like NTG4 models, it supports the Media Interface. The unit also stores the navigation maps on an internal HDD which have some extra space for mp3 files.
COMAND-APS NTG4.5[edit]
In late 2011, Mercedes starting fitting the new COMAND-APS NTG4.5 to its W204 cars for Model Year 2012, and then to other models[1] such as the W212, W207 and R172 SLK. It thus became the latest generation of COMAND for its non-flagship cars (i.e. cars other than the S-Class and CL-Class). It is also referred to as COMAND Online as it can use the mobile broadband connection on the telephone to connect to Mercedes-Benz Internet based services. It allows the running of various downloadable apps (such as Facebook) in the COMAND system. It uses a 7' colour display and has a SD-Card slot. The resolution, which is quite good at the time, is 800*480.
Initially, the graphics were brown and black, and this system became known as GEN1. The colour scheme of the display were then changed to Grey/Black/Red at the same time as the graphics in the instrument cluster changed and this is known as GEN2 and coincided with the MY2013 update. Initially different firmware was used in GEN1 and GEN2, but later on the firmware for GEN1 and GEN2 was merged into 1 firmware release and the colour scheme became a run-time configuration item.
Again, Media Interface is supported and maps are stored on a hard disk and restricted, as with NTG3.5, by a PIN based rights management protection feature. Like NTG3/3.5 it also has a separate rotary controller (although smaller than for NTG3/3.5 based vehicles).
7' comes with the COMAND NTG4.5,
5.8' comes with the audio 20/50 APS versions.
COMAND-APS NTG4.7[edit]
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) COMAND Online NTG5.0
Comand 4.7 or 3rd generation of Comand NTG4.5 was installed in vehicles from June 2013 onwards, such as GLK350(2015). It now supports direct tethering of iPhone / iOS Devices / Android OS to support the internet function which was not previously possible with these devices.It also features internet radio plus slight changes to the route guidance.The differences to NTG4.5 are new Mercedes Apps; CPU upgrading; 80G to 100G SATA; better Navigator figure performance, which enable a more fluent system as a whole.
Supported file formats are:
- Audio
- MP3 (supported bit rates: fixed and variable 32 kbit/s to 320 kbit/s, sampling rates of 8kHz to 48kHz)
- WMA (fixed 5 kbit/s to 384 kbit/s, sampling rates of 8kHz to 48kHz)
- CD-A
- AAC (Apple formats): .aac, .mp4, .m4a, and .m4b (copy protection files are not supported)
- Video
- MPEG
- WMV
- M4V
- AVI
COMAND-APS NTG5.0[edit]
This is the latest in the Comand family and has been introduced in the 2013/2014 S class, 2014 GLA and C class. It includes Mercedes Online Radio which is broadcast from Europe 24/7. The maps zoom in/out more smoothly and are enriched with graphics and functions. The core of the system is an Intel Atom (CPU) processor.[2]
There are three generations of NTG5, NTG5*1, NTG5*2 and NTG5.5. NTG5*1 has a keypad, whereas NTG5*2 / NTG5.5 does not. COMAND NTG5*1 has support for Apple Car Play and Android Auto (Early units did not have this support but it can be added). NTG5*2 is fitted in S, CL, C, GLC, AMG-GTS, X-Class and the new generation Vito. NTG5*1 is fitted to facelift A, B, CLA, GLA, W207-E, W212-E, CLS, GLE and GLS vehicles. NTG5*5 was fitted to the new W213-E class and is replacing NTG5*2 as vehicles are face-lifted. such as the Mercedes W222 S class and W463 G Class. NTG5*5 has Apple Car-Play and Android Auto.
The NTG 5.0 plays the following file formats:
Audio:
- MP3 v1, 128 kbit/s, 44.1 kHz, Stereo (.mp3)
- MP3 v1, 320 kbit/s, 44.1 kHz, Stereo (.mp3)
- ISO Media, MPEG v4 system, iTunes AAC-LC (.m4a)
- PCM, 16 bit, stereo 44100 Hz (.wav)
Video:
- MPEG sequence, v1, system multiplex (DVD PAL, MPEG2) (.mpg)
- MPEG-4 AVC H264, AAC Audio (.mkv)
- ISO Media, MPEG v4 system, version 1 (.mp4)
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in Mercedes Comand systems[edit]
Many Mercedes-Benz models supports CarPlay and Android Auto since 2014/2015, including A, B, CLA, CLS, E, GLA, GLE, GLS class. To activate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in your Mercedes-Benz you will need to visit your Mercedes dealer, or a specialist independent with online Xentry Diagnosis or use an activation tools. Mercedes state that bypassing the official process and using an activation tool will invalidate the warranty. The wireless CarPlay for Mercedes-Benz is also available with an aftermarket wireless adapter.
COMAND-APS NTG6.0(MBUX)[edit]
MBUX in a Mercedes-Benz CLA
This comand is used in the new sprinter W907, the new A-class W177 (and new CLA and GLA) and the new W247 B-class and the EQC This COMAND features Mercedes voice assistant with 3D visuals in the instrument cluster and infotainment system such as the maps and animations. This COMAND typically features dual displays for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. The MBUX system is powered by Nvidia Parker 128 Chipset. A departure from intel processors used in COMAND 5. MBUX also features 4G LTE capabilities in some markets.[3]
References[edit]
- ^'(Mercedes-Benz Comand NTG4.5 pinout)'.
- ^'Multimedia features: Communication centre and concert hall' (Press release). Stuttgart, Germany: Daimler Media. 2013-03-26. Retrieved 2015-01-18.
- ^Shapiro, Danny (2018-01-09). 'NVIDIA Powers Mercedes-Benz MBUX, Its Next-Gen AI Cockpit'. The Official NVIDIA Blog. Retrieved 2019-02-06.
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Comand_APS&oldid=922772124'
Last Update April 4th, 2019: The new Mercedes navigation DVD for 2019 is out now and ready to purchase online. If you want to update the maps, routes, and directions on your Mercedes navigation system, then this is the only way you can do it.
Below you can find a link (click the banner below) that offers the lowest possible online prices. It won’t be free, but it will show you how to get the best price on a Mercedes Benz navigation system update.
On the banner link above you can get access to the new GPS map updates on an official disc from the HERE company who produce the CDs. This will be the only place where you can get official map updates that won’t corrupt your navigation system. HERE used to be known as Navteq – they are the same company.
Mercedes Benz navigation DVD – Why buy updates?
Navigation systems and GPS devices are only as good as the maps that are installed. I have no doubt that you’ve been in a situation before where you’ve been driving, only to come across a new road or intersection that isn’t available on your GPS.
It’s because the maps are loaded as software into the system, and with the frequent changes happening on our nation’s roads, your maps will need upgrading from year to year.
By buying and installing a Mercedes navigation update, you get a new disc for 2019 which has all the latest map updates. The new 2019 DVD comes with any chances that have happened over the last 12 months including roads, sub-divisions, highways, or business addresses.
The new data loaded onto the Mercedes Benz navigation update includes:
- 5 million more miles of roads and highways.
- 676,483 new street and road names added or updated.
- 307,684 new speed limits and restrictions updated.
- Millions of addresses updated including points of interest files.
That’s an insane amount of change since the last update, and just goes to show how comprehensive the coverage is with an official HERE navigation update for the Mercedes range of vehicles.
<< Get new map updates now at the lowest possible price >>
Is the Mercedes navigation update worth it?
You need to ask yourself how valuable your time and money is.
Let me give you an example; have you got lost recently or had to re-route you journey due to an out of date GPS route recently?
If you have, and you rely on your vehicle for business then an update is critical.
Nothing can be more painful than getting lost or delayed due to not being able to rely on your in-dashboard technology.
The more miles you drive, the more fuel you use, and the more money you burn through. It could have led to missed business meeting, delayed vacations, or just sheer frustration.
In worst cases, it could even be dangerous.
7 reasons to buy a new Mercedes navigation DVD
These are my top 7 reasons for why you should upgrade your Mercedes Benz navigation system with a new DVD disc of GPS map updates:
- New maps let you drive more efficiently with less money spent on fuel.
- New maps let you get to where you need to be on time with less delay.
- New maps let you find addresses that have changed and been built.
- New maps let you find millions of points of interest along your route.
- New maps let you avoid traffic congestion and take a cleverer route.
- New maps help you reduce your carbon footprint due to reduced fuel usage.
- New maps mean you won’t get lost and end up in places you don’t want to be.
The 2019 Mercedes Benz navigation DVD gives you total coverage of the entire United States, North America, and Canada.
It will genuinely save you money and time, which is the bottom line.
In fact, official research from HERE (formerly Navteq) showed that an American driver on average can save up to $500 dollars in fuel costs every 12 months just by using up to date maps and directions.
What does that mean in reality?
Well, the main thing I can think is that the Mercedes Benz navigation update will pay for itself 5 times over in the space of 12 months. That’s a no-brainer.
<< Click here to see the lowest possible online prices for a new DVD >>
How to update the Mercedes navigation system
Below is my easy to understand guide on how to update maps on a Mercedes navigation system. Before you can start, you will need to purchase the latest DVD, SD card, or USB install software.
Once you have received the latest disc, the install and update process is actually relatively straight forward. It will come with instructions in the box, but here’s a refresher if you have lost the manual.
- Start the ignition on your car or vehicle.
- The Mercedes GPS should initiate, if it does not then power it on.
- Eject your existing Mercedes Benz Navigation DVD and insert your new Mercedes navigation update 2019 disc.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and let the map updates install.
- You will need to enter your unique customer identification number off the packaging.
Whilst the navigation updates are installing do not turn off the in-dash navigation system because this can lead to a corrupted installation and you might need to seek assistance from your official car dealer.
If you cannot locate your unique registration number, you won’t be able to verify and install the map upgrade disc. However, when you buy online, you will get sent an email with your unique code in so keep that somewhere safe.
Mercedes-Benz navigation DVD download – is it free?
You might be tempted to try and download a Mercedes navigation system update for free.
Don’t do this!
It is not advisable for a number of reasons; the primary one being it is extremely unlikely that it will work.
By downloading hacked Mercedes map updates and installing them from CD you are breaking the law.
Plus, you won’t have your own serial number either, so the install will be impossible.
But here’s where it gets worse.
If you try and download a hacked version via torrent or pirate websites then there are a number of issues that you might face.
Firstly, download websites are known to carry viruses and could infect your PC when you download the DVD or CD disc.
It has been known for fans of this vehicle brand to deliberately infect the files that are uploaded to these illegal websites with viruses.
There are also reports of extra code being added to the download file, and the only way you can get this fixed is to then pay an expensive and not cheap visit to your local dealer.
You could corrupt your in-dashboard navigation system and need to pay for a repair job. With that in mind you should always take the official route and pay for an official Mercedes navigation DVD which you can buy online using our adverts and links.
Not only could you invalidate your Mercedes warranty, but you could also wreck your computer.
The only way that you can do a Mercedes-Benz navigation update that will actually work is by purchasing an official HERE DVD navigation CD for Mercedes-Benz using the links on this page.
<< Click here for the best deal on a new navigation upgrade >>
Which Mercedes models can you upgrade?
Whichever model and year of Mercedes you own, you will be able to find a new GPS map upgrade disc.
Below is a list of all models that you can get new updates for, including the compatible years.
If you can’t see your year or model here then do not worry – because if you click on the link below it will take you to a selection chooser that lets you choose your car, year, and model and then tells you which navigation CD you need to install into the in-dash GPS console.
- B-Class
- C-Class
- CL
- CLA
- CLK
- CLS
- E-Class
- G-Class
- GL
- GLA
- GLC
- GLC Coupe
- GLE
- GLE Coupe
- GLK
- GLS
- M-Class
- Maybach
- Mercedes AMG GT
- R-Class
- S-Class
- SL
- SLK
- SLC
- SLS AMG
Updates are available from every year since navigation was built into the dashboard on the models above including; 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Mercedes-Benz navigation update problems
From time to time, some Mercedes owners will have problems when trying to install the new GPS disc. There are two different scenarios of why this can happen, so please read on how you might be able to resolve any problems.
Problem 1: Disc not recognized: service disc required
If you buy a new Mercedes Benz navigation DVD and get the error “Disc Not Recognized” or “DVD Not Recognized” appearing on the display console when you try to install, then you will need to install a service disc into the system first.
This typically occurs if you have not updated the maps for a number of years, as each navigation system update disc comes with a software update in addition to the new maps.
If you skip a few years out, then the navigation system will sometimes fail to recognize later discs – which is another reason why you should update your GPS maps every year.
In order to fix the situation, you will need to speak to your local dealer.
They will be able to update your navigation system with the Mercedes service disc. This will apply all the missing pieces to your GPS device.
Once these updates have been applied you can then re-install your new Mercedes-Benz Navigation DVD and the map updates will then install.
If you update your GPS maps annually then this should never be an issue or problem for you. To avoid any problems, make sure you keep your system as up to date as possible with the latest discs when they come out.
Problem 2: COMAND firmware update: service disc required
The second issue you might encounter is when you need a COMAND firmware update. This helps to increase the cell phone strength whilst simultaneously using the navigation system.
This is again resolved by installing a new service disc via your Mercedes-Benz dealer. It will update the COMAND head unit, not the GPS navigation but will mean you then install the latest GPS map updates once you have done this.
New service discs can be purchased relatively cheap from an official dealer, with prices typically around the $25 mark – although many customers have told us that their dealer was kind enough to do the service disc update for free so it’s worth asking them first before you get your wallet out.
How to update your Mercedes navigation system for free
And lastly, I wanted to end on one of the most popular questions people ask about map updates; can you update your Mercedes navigation system for free?
The short answer is no.
I’ve already spoken in depth about the pitfalls and risks you will encounter if you do decide to try and download a free copy of the disc.
It won’t work, could damage your computer, and might invalidate your car’s warranty.
I always advise buying official map updates every year.
But that comes with a cost, and isn’t free is it?
Well, let me put another spin on this.
Earlier in this guide I explained how research shows you can save up to $500 dollars in fuel every year, just by virtue of having the latest directions and routes in your GPS.
If the new DVD costs $100 (which is a typical price), it’s not even going to take you 3 months before it completely pays for itself – any time after that it will work out as being free!
Conclusion
By using the links on this page, you can get an upgrade to your GPS with an official Mercedes Benz navigation update for 2019.
If you have spent thousands of dollars on a vehicle, and opted for the GPS package included, why would you then not pay a small amount to have it working correctly?
It just makes no sense.
Buy a map upgrade now. It will save you fuel. It will save you money. And it will save you time.