Audio/COMAND Operating Instructions - GF82.85-P-0014-11CE

MODEL 204.0/2 as of model year 2012 

MODEL 204.3 

MODEL 204.9 as of model year 2013 

General 

This description attempts to present operation of the full functional scope for the audio units while taking all the vehicle's standard and special equipment, as known at the copy deadline, into account. National-specific and equipment-specific deviations hereto are possible.

The telematics functions cannot be operated when the transport mode is active.

The driver information system is operated using the:

• Buttons on audio equipment
• Audio/COMAND control panel (A40/9)
• Left multifunction steering wheel button group (S110) and right multifunction steering wheel button group (S111)
• Hands-free system microphone (A67b1) for the voice control system (VCS) (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)), with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer))
• Remote control (A8/7) (model 204.9 with CODE 867 (SPLITVIEW))

The driver information system functions are shown on the Audio/COMAND display (A40/8).

The control description comprises the following subfunctions:

• Audio base function 
• Video base function (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)) 
• Navigation base function (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)) 
• Navigation base function (with CODE 509 (Navigation box)) 
• Basic telephony function 
• Internet access base function (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)), with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer), except CODE 494 (USA version) or with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer), with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) and CODE 348 (Emergency call/assist system)) 
• Digital operator's manual (as of 01.06.2012, with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)) 
• System settings 

Selection or settings in the basic functions are generally made using the Audio/COMAND control panel.

Audio base function 

If the audio base function is activated, the audio application last performed is started. If a different audio application is to be started, the application bar must be activated and the "Audio" menu item selected.

It is possible to scroll through the various types of reception (with CODE 498 (Japan version) e.g. FM 1, FM 2, AM 1, AM 2) by repeatedly pressing the "Radio" button on the audio equipment. It is possible to scroll through the various media (except CODE 498 (Japan version)) by repeatedly pressing the "Disc" button on the audio equipment.

Menu entries "Active source to rear" and "Rear off" are available for the COMAND controller unit (with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or with code (527) COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) in combination with code (864) Rear Entertainment System. The following audio sources can be selected using the "Audio" menu item:

• Radio (FM, AM) 
• Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio (Digital Radio) (with CODE 537 (Digital radio)) 
• Satellite Digital Audio Radio (SDAR) (satellite radio) (with CODE 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio)) 
• Media Interface (with CODE 518 (Media Interface)) 
• Bluetooth® Audio 
• AUX (except CODE 518 (Media Interface)) 
• Data medium, disc (DVD, CD audio, MP3) and universal serial bus (USB) memory, memory card and Music Register (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)) 

Radio (FM/AM) 

If the "Radio" menu item is activated, the default screen appears. The following are shown on the Audio/COMAND display (A40/8):

• Current stations and number of their memory locations
• Cursor for selecting station

Selection and settings via function bar (examples) 

• "Radio": "Station list", "Frequency entry", "Frequency fix", "Traffic Announcement (TA)"
• "Memory": "Auto memory for automatic search" and storage of the ten stations with the best reception
• "Info" (with "FM" and except CODE 498 (Japan version)): Station name, information on current station/track and news
• "FM": "FM", "MW" and (not in all national versions) "SW", "LW", "DAB"
• "Tone": "Treble", "Bass", "Bal/Fad", "Surround sound"
• "TI" (with CODE 498 (Japan version)): Only shown for AM reception; change for reception frequency 1620 kHz

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio (Digital Radio) (with CODE 537 (Digital radio)) 

If the "DAB" menu item is activated, the default screen appears.

The following is shown in the Audio/COMAND display:

• The ensemble (DAB package for a region)
• The current stations and the numbers of their memory locations
• Cursor for selecting station

Selection and settings via function bar (examples) 

• Selection of ensembles, stations, subprograms, storage of stations or the 10 stations with best reception
• "Station fix": No switch from DAB to FM station
• "Ensemble": Selection of ensemble (DAB package)
• Sound settings
• "Info": station name, information on the current station or track and news

Satellite Digital Audio Radio (SDAR) (with CODE 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio)) 

If the "Sat Radio" menu item is activated, the default screen appears. The following is shown in the Audio/COMAND display:

• The category, the stations which can currently be received and the number of their memory locations
• Cursor for selecting station

Selection and settings via function bar (examples) 

• Selection of program categories, stations, subprograms, storage of stations or the 10 stations with best reception
• Sound settings
• "Info": Display of additional information

Media Interface (with CODE 518 (Media Interface)) 

If the "Audio" menu item and the "Media interface" function are activated, the default screen appears.

The following is shown in the Audio/COMAND display:

• "Play lists"
• "Artists"
• "Albums"
• "Genres" or "Audio books"

Selection or connection possibilities:

• "iPods": Are connected to the iPod connector.
• "AUX devices": Are connected to the AUX connection (up to 31.05.2013).

Selection or settings using the function bar 

• "Media Interface": Settings for track sequence (e.g. track mix (with CODE 523 (MB Audio 20 radio) or CODE 510 (Audio 20 with CD changer)), track list mix, medium mix (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)) and Traffic Announcement (TA)
• "Music" (with CODE 523 (MB Audio 20 radio) or CODE 510 (Audio 20 with CD changer)) or "Search" (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer): Track lists and search functions (e.g. track lists and search functions (e.g. albums, playback list, artists, podcasts, type of music)
• "Media": Changing to other audio sources (e.g. Disc 1 up to 6 (with changer), USB memory, AUX, Bluetooth® Audio)
• "Tone": sound settings (e.g. treble, bass)

Bluetooth® Audio 

If the "Bluetooth® Audio" menu item is activated, the default screen appears.

The following is shown in the Audio/COMAND display:

• Current track with elapsed play time
• Album title

Selection or settings using the function bar 

• "BT Audio": "Bluetooth Audio equipment list", volume (standard, boost effect), "TA"
• Play/stop symbol
• "Media": "CD/DVD" or "CD/DVD changer", "Memory card", "MUSIC REGISTER", "USB memory", "Media interface" and "Bluetooth® audio"
• "Tone": sound settings

AUX (except CODE 518 (Media Interface)) 

The "AUX" menu only has "TA", "Volume" ("Standard" or "Boost effect", which raises the output level) and "Tone" available for selection.

The AUX connection electrical connector (X39/45) (up to 31.05.2013) for connecting appropriate devices is located in the stowage compartment (telephone compartment) beneath the armrest.

Data medium, disc (DVD, CD audio, MP3) and universal serial bus (USB) memory, memory card and Music Register (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)) 

The data medium or medium sources can be selected in the menu item "Audio". The default screen appears when the corresponding menu item is activated.

The following are shown in the audio/COMAND display (example):

• Number of titles on DVD, CD, in directory or folder
• Current track with elapsed play time
• Artist
• Cover sheet

The following selection possibilities are available:

• Selection and settings via function bar (examples) 
• Track selection with skip function 
• Fast forward/rewind 

Selection and settings via function bar (examples) 

• track sequence settings (e.g. normal track sequence, track list mix, medium-mix)
• Search functions (e.g. for titles, albums, artists, composer, covers, type of music, photos, keywords)
• Change to different audio source (e.g. Disc 1 to 6 (with changer), USB storage device, AUX, Bluetooth® Audio)
• Sound settings (e.g. treble, bass, surround)
• TA
• "Gracenote Media Database" (with audio CD, with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)))

Music Register: On vehicles except CODE 498 (Japan version), MP3 files in the menu "Music Register" can be copied to the hard disk of the COMAND controller unit. In vehicles with CODE 498 (Japan version), this is not possible due to legal regulations. Instead of this, in the "Disc" menu one can use "REC" to store music tracks from an audio CD as MP3 file on the COMAND controller unit's hard disk ("rip").

Track selection with skip function 

The desired track is played using the keys on the audio equipment or through corresponding actuation of the Audio/COMAND control panel.

Fast forward/rewind 

The playback position can be changed by means of corresponding actuation of the Audio/COMAND control panel.

Video base function (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)) 

If the "Video" base function is activated, the video application last performed is started. To start a different video application, it is necessary to return to the menu bar and select the "Video" menu item.

The following media sources can be selected using the "Video" menu item:

• "TV" (with CODE 865 (TV tuner))
• "Video DVD"
• "AUX" (if accessories and configuration are present)

If, for example, the "TV", "DVD Video" or "AUX" menu item is activated, the corresponding default screen appears in the Audio/COMAND display and the corresponding TV or video image is shown.

Selection and settings via function bar (examples) 

• "TV": TV settings
• "Memory": Saving of the ten stations with the best reception (button assignment from 1 to 0)
• "Info": Station information
• "Text": Video text
• "Treble"
• "Bass"
• "DVD video": DVD video settings
• "Play/pause" symbol
• "Stop" symbol
• "Stop": Discontinue playback
• "Media"
• "Sound"

Navigation base function (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)) 

Since the design and contents of the navigation menu differ in vehicles with and without CODE 498 (Japan version), the menu contents in the application and function lines are first shown in these two national versions below. Further description of the "Navigation" base function is then accomplished using the navigation system in vehicles without CODE 498 (Japan version) as an example. Operation of the basic "Navigation" function includes the following areas:

• Vehicles with CODE 498 (Japan version) 
• Vehicles without CODE (498) Japan version 
• Destination entry 
• Entry of POIs via map display 
• Detailed display of "TMC" messages 
• Route information 
• Positions (current vehicle position, target position) 
• Navigation base function (with CODE 509 (Navigation box)) 

Vehicles with CODE 498 (Japan version) 

If the basic "Navigation" function ("Navi") is activated, the basic display appears. Activating "Navi" again in the application bar causes the following submenus to be displayed:

• "Aspect" (map view), e.g. 2D alignment with north, 2D alignment with destination, 3D, "3D map rotation"
• "Map style" (map depiction), e.g. "Expressway Facility", "Urban Expressway Map", "Guidance Display", "Satellite Map", "Memory Point Name"
• "VICS display" (display of traffic information using Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS)), e.g. "VICS public", "VICS Expressway", "Map of traffic jams", "Map of roads without traffic jams", "Restriction Info"
• "POI display" (display of points of interest on map), e.g. Mercedes-Benz Service, gas stations, hide points of interests
• "Settings", e.g. Dynamic route guidance (use traffic statistics, announce before entering, before RR crossings, before curves, before departing prefecture), VICS settings, Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) settings, avoid options, learn route, fuel low, version display for map or ETC, read out position
• "Discontinue or continue route guidance"
• Compass

Selection and settings via function bar (examples) 

• "Guide", e.g. back, forward, next, "Set", "Spot Data"
• "VICS Info", e.g. traffic jam ahead, route, diagram, information, text information, warning
• "Route" (only during navigation), e.g. way point, detour (0.5 to 10 km), recalculate, alliterative route (recommended (Eco), toll roads, public road, short route, other route), map of complete route, route (map view, route browser), information
• "Save" (only during navigation), e.g. "Memory Point", address book
• "Rpt" (repeat last driving recommendation)
• "Dest." (designation), e.g. find, destination, home address, preset (1 to 3), via map, delete

Special features 

• Destination entry: it is possible to enter a destination using routes or geographical coordinates. It is not possible to define intermediate stops, however, up to 4 way points can be entered.
• Traffic information service: The Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) is used instead of the Traffic Message Channel (TMC).
• Position: One vehicle position can be saved as "Home" and three vehicle positions as favorites. The functions "Map to destination" and "Map intermediate stop" are not available.

Vehicles without CODE (498) Japan version 

If the basic "Navigation" function ("Navi") is activated, the basic screen appears (map view and function line, the application bars remain unchanged).

Selection and settings via function bar (examples) 

• "Guide", e.g. back, forward, next, details, start
• "TMC", e.g. Traffic Message Channel (TMC) messages as symbols or as list
• "Route" (only during navigation) e.g. traffic jam ahead, destination information, alternative route, route presentation
• "Position", e.g. save crosshair position, save position of pers. POI, vehicle position on map, designation on map, stopover on map
• "Ear" symbol (only during navigation): Repeat the last route recommendation
• "Destination": e.g. continue or cancel route guidance, address entry, from memory, from last destinations, from points of interest, from personal points of interest, via map, stopover, save destination, waypoints, routes, via geo-coordinates

If "Navi" is activated again in the application bar on the basic screen, the menu item for navigation settings appears with the following submenus, for example:

• "Route settings", e.g. fastest route, dynamic route, eco route, shortest route, avoid options (e.g. freeways, toll roads, tunnels, ferries, car trains, toll sticker roads)
• "Map settings", e.g. map orientation, points of interest on map, text information on map, topographical map, freeway information, city model, next cross street, compass on map
• "Personal points of interest"
• "Automatically read out TMC messages"
• "Announce street names"
• "Audio lowering"
• "Calculate alternative routes"
• "Avoid area", e.g. via map, from memory, from personal points of interest
• "Map version"

Destination entry 

The destination is entered via the "Destination" menu item. The default screen appears.

Selection and settings (examples) 

• "Discontinue route guidance": Route guidance is discontinued when the menu item "Continue route guidance" appears
• "Address entry": Entering a destination address
• "From memory": Calling up a destination address from the "Destinations" memory
• "From last destinations": Calling up a destination address from "Last destinations" memory (contains last 20 destinations)
• "From POIs": Select destination from list of points of interest
• "From personal POIs": Select designation from list of personal points of interest
• "Via map": Entering a destination by marking on the map
• "Stopover": Specifying a stopover (via destination)
• "Save destination": Saving an address entered in the navigation system
• "Waypoints": Definition of up to two waypoints
• "Routes"
• "Via geo-coordinates"

Entry of POIs via map display 

POIs can be entered on the map display with the menu item Guide.

The default screen appears.

Selections and settings can be made with the Audio/COMAND control panel.

Detailed display of "TMC" messages 

The "TMC" menu item provides a detailed display of TMC messages. The default screen appears.

Selection and settings (examples) 

• "Traffic symbol information": back, previous, next, details
• List of all traffic messages on the route

The TMC messages can be output as the list or displayed on the map.

If navigation is not active when the "TMC" menu item is activated, a list of all available traffic messages is then shown.

Route information 

Display of route information and options (arrival time, distance, view route on map (route browser)) is performed via the "Route" menu item.

The default screen appears.

Selection and settings (examples) 

• "Destination information": Information on distance, destination address, arrival time, journey time
• "Traffic jam ahead": Information on disruptions to traffic on the route
• "Route settings": quick, dynamic route, etc.;avoid freeways, toll roads, etc.
• "Route browser": Arrival time, distance, destination address
• "Alternative route": An alternative to the existing route calculation is created
• "Route presentation": Preview of selected route

Positions (current vehicle position, target position) 

The current vehicle position can be displayed and saved or the target position displayed with the "Position" menu item. The default screen appears.

Selection and settings (examples) 

• "Save vehicle positions": Current vehicle position is saved as last destination
• "Save position as pers. "Save POI": Current vehicle position is saved as personal POI on the memory card (memory card must be inserted).
• "Vehicle position on map": Shows the current vehicle position on the map.
• "Destination on map": Shows the position of the destination on the map
• "Stopovers on map": Indicates position of stopovers on map.

Navigation base function (with CODE 509 (Navigation box)) 

On vehicles with CODE 509 (Navigation box), the navigation can be activated either by pressing the "Navi" button the audio equipment or with the application bar in the menu or by pressing the ON button for the voice control system (S111s4). After this, the display on the Audio/COMAND display changes, and a view and menu navigation, generated in the navigation module (A2/30), are shown. The audio/COMAND operating unit is still used to operate it.

The buttons on the audio equipment can be used to change to other basic functions.

Basic telephony function 

A differentiation is made between the variants in the mobile phone system:

• Basic telephony (hands-free system, receipt of calling cards (vCards) and SMS (if Message Access Profile is supported), automatic download of phone book of mobile phone)
• Comfort telephony (with CODE 386 (Mobile phone) (in addition to basic functions: establish connection via multifunction antenna (A28/11), mobile phone charging, Internet capability with use of mobile phone contact plate (X237/1))
• Telephony with CODE 379 (Telephone module with Bluetooth SAP) (in addition to the basic functions: connection set-up via the multifunction antenna, mobile phone charging via a connection on the telephone module with Bluetooth® (SAP profile) (A34/1) possible, Internet capability)

Basic telephony is also possible in vehicles with CODE 386 (Comfort telephony) or CODE 379 (Telephone module with Bluetooth SAP).

To be able to use a mobile phone with the vehicle's mobile phone system, it must be authorized and connected. With basic telephony, the mobile phone is authorized at the audio equipment. In the "Telephone" menu, the list of "Bluetooth telephones" is called up. The "Update" entry is used to search for new mobile phones. After the update, it is possible to select the mobile phone from the displayed list and thereby authorize it.

When the entry "Update" is selected, "External authorization" can also be selected with the "Options" symbol (top right). The audio device is then visible as a Bluetooth® unit and can then be selected and authorized on the mobile phone. Up to 15 telephones can be authorized at the same time.

With comfort telephony, the mobile phone is connected to the mobile phone cradle. With telephony with CODE 379 (Telephone module with Bluetooth SAP), the mobile phone is authorized once at the telephone module with Bluetooth® (SAP profile) and then shown in the list of SIM Access Profile (SAP) telephones. Up to 15 SAP telephones can be authorized at the same time.

The procedure is described in detail in a separate operator's manual.

After starting the system an authorized telephone is automatically connected according to the following strategy:

• On vehicles with CODE 379 (Telephone module with Bluetooth SAP), a search is made for the last two connected SAP telephones (and the first one to respond is connected).
• On vehicles with CODE 386 (Mobile phone), the audio equipment sets up a connection to the mobile phone inserted into the mobile phone cradle (A34/15) (accessories).

Another telephone can be manually connected by selecting it from the list of Bluetooth® telephones or SAP telephones (with CODE 379 (Telephone module with Bluetooth SAP)).

If the basic "Telephony" function ("TEL") is enabled, then the following selection options or settings are displayed on the Audio/COMAND display:

• "Telephone", e.g. Bluetooth® telephones, SAP telephones, import contacts, delete contacts, connect or disconnect SAP module (if an SAP module is used)
• "SMS" (except CODE 498 (Japan version)), list of text messages received (management of messages received)
• "Call lists", e.g. received, dialed, delete call lists, speed dial list

Incoming calls are signaled acoustically and shown on the Audio/COMAND display. A connection can be made as follows, for example:

• On mobile phone
• By selecting telephone book entries on the steering wheel control or with the voice control system
• By selecting telephone numbers from the call list

Selection or settings via application bar 

When the basic "Telephony" function is activated, the following settings are possible after actuating "Tel" again in the application bar:

• "Telephone book", name (e.g. MB-list with entries)
• "Address book" (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or CODE 512) COMAND APS with DVD changer)), e.g. address book, search, new, delete
• On vehicles except code 386 (Mobile phone) or CODE 379 (Telephone module with Bluetooth SAP) or if neither a mobile phone is inserted into the mobile phone cradle nor a telephone module with Bluetooth® (SAP profile) plugged in, a connection is made to one of the last two Bluetooth® telephones used in the vehicle.

Internet access base function (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)), with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer), except CODE 494 (USA version) or with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer), with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) and CODE 348 (Emergency call/assist system)) 

After activating the function through the "Globe" symbol in the Audio/COMAND display application bar on vehicles except CODE 348 (Emergency call/assist system), the mobile telephone network provider has to be specified first (selection through country-specific lists or free entry through the character bar on the Audio/COMAND display). Operation is possible on the Audio/COMAND control panel and text entries can be made using the character bar. The services grouped under "COMAND Online" such as, e.g. ("Search for POIs", "Weather", "Load POIs or routes" (including during a journey) can be used as well as browsing the Internet (in stationary vehicle).

In vehicles with CODE 498 (Japan version) points of interest, but not routes, can be loaded.

When using the services, the "Back" button (A40/9s2) of the Audio/COMAND control panel takes you back to the services home screen, or when surfing the Internet back to the last page viewed. With free surfing, the cursor can be moved by moving the Audio/COMAND controller (A40/9s11) on the Audio/COMAND control panel. The menu can be opened or a marked object called up by pressing the Audio/COMAND controller (vertically downwards). Turning the Audio/COMAND controller on the Audio/COMAND control panel enables one to jump on the current page from a selectable object (e.g. link) to the next one, the object is then highlighted.

Digital operator's manual (as of 01.06.2012, with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)) 

The digital operator's manual comes with the vehicle as a CD. The digital operator's manual is installed via the DVD drive integrated in the COMAND controller unit. Installation lasts approx. 20 minutes. As soon as the digital operator's manual has been installed, it can be activated in the "Globe" menu (COMAND Online) using the "Offline operator's manual" panel. Turning the Audio/COMAND controller puts the "Offline operator's manual" panel into the foreground. When the Audio/COMAND controller is pressed down vertically, the digital operator's manual is activated.

Vehicles with digital operator's manual come with a version of the printed operator's manual that is reduced to what is legally required.

System settings 

The system settings are made using the "System" menu item.

The following selection possibilities or settings are shown in the function line:

• "System settings"
• "Time": set time, format, time zone
• "Display off"

The following system settings can be made under the "Settings" menu:

• "Display", e.g. brightness, day or night design, "automatic"
• "Reading speed", e.g. fast, medium, slow
• "LINGUATRONIC" (voice control system) (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)), e.g. help window, new follow-up training, delete follow-up training, follow-up training on
• "Language", selection of system language
• "Audio reduction" during nav. announcement With CODE 509 (Navigation box)
• "Activate Bluetooth"
• "Data import/export" (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer))
• "Reset": All settings and data are deleted

Fuel consumption indicator: When the "System" menu item is activated, an analog clock is shown on the Audio/COMAND display. When the audio/COMAND controller is turned or pushed to the left or right, the display changes from clock to fuel consumption. The fuel mileage display shows the fuel mileage for the last 15 min. in the form a beam diagram.