Audio/COMAND operating instructions - GF82.85-P-0014-11FLA

MODEL 212 as of 6/1/12 up to 3/1/15 up to model year 2016 with CODE 510 (Audio 20 with CD changer) 

MODEL 212 as of 6/1/12 up to 3/1/15 up to model year 2016 with CODE 523 (MB Audio 20 radio) 

MODEL 212 as of 7/1/11 up to 3/1/15 up to model year 2016 with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) 

MODEL 212 as of 7/1/11 up to 3/1/15 up to model year 2016 with CODE 526 (COMAND with single DVD drive (without navigation)) 

MODEL 212 as of 7/1/11 up to 3/1/15 up to model year 2016 with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) 

MODEL 212 as of 7/1/11 up to 8/31/14 up to model year 2015 with CODE 528 (COMAND with DVD changer) 

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.

During the operation of air conditioning functions, information that conceals the function bar is shown on the Audio/COMAND display (A40/8).

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 [SBS]) (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer))
• Remote control (A8/7) (with CODE 867 (SPLITVIEW))

The driver information system functions are shown on the Audio/COMAND display.

The control description comprises the following subfunctions:

• Audio base function 
• Video base function (with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer), with CODE 526 (COMAND with single DVD drive (without navigation)), with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or with CODE 528 (COMAND incl. 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) and CODE 348 (Emergency call/assist system)) 
• System settings 
• Digital operator's manual (as of 1.6.12, with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)) 

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. To start a different audio application, it is necessary to return to the menu bar and select the "Audio" menu item. The following audio sources can be selected using the "Audio" menu item:

• Radio (FM, AM) 
• Digital radio (DAB) (with CODE 537 (Digital radio)) 
• Satellite Digital Audio Radio (SDAR) (satellite radio) (with CODE 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio)) 
• AUX (except CODE 518 (Media Interface), up to 28.2.13) 
• Media Interface (with CODE 518 (Media Interface)) 
• Bluetooth® Audio 
• Disc data medium (DVD, CD audio, MP3) and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card and music register 

The "music register" and "memory card" audio sources are available on vehicles with the Cockpit Management and Data System (COMAND), depending on equipment.

Pressing the "Radio" button on the audio equipment several times enables scrolling through the reception modes, and pressing the "Disc" button several times enables scrolling through the different media.

Radio (FM/AM) 

If the "Radio" menu item is activated, the default screen appears. The following are shown on the audio/COMAND display:

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

The following functions can be activated via the function bar:

• Selection of stations or frequency bands, input or fixing of frequencies, storage of the 10 stations with the best reception
• Sound settings, e.g. Logic 7® (with CODE 810 (Sound system)), treble, bass, balance, fader, surround sound
• "Info" (with FM): station name, information about current station or track and news (except CODE 498 (Japan version))

Digital radio (DAB) (with CODE 537 (Digital radio)) 

If the "DAB" menu item is activated, the default screen appears. The following are shown on the audio/COMAND display:

• All receivable ensembles (DAB packages for a region)
• The current stations and the numbers of their memory locations
• Cursor for selecting station

The following functions can be activated via the function bar:

• Selection of ensembles, stations, subprograms, storage of stations or the 10 stations with best reception
• "Station fix": No switch from DAB to FM station
• 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 are shown on the audio/COMAND display:

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

The following functions can be activated via the function bar:

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

AUX (except CODE 518 (Media Interface), up to 28.2.13) 

The AUX connection electrical connector (X39/45) for connecting the corresponding devices is located in the stowage compartment (telephone compartment) under the armrest. "TA", "Volume" and "Sound" are available in the AUX menu. Further operation is performed on the device connected.

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 are shown on the Audio/COMAND display for example:

• Track lists
• Artists
• Albums
• Music styles or audio books

The following selection and connection options are available:

• "iPods": They are connected using the adapter cable for iPods.
• USB devices for Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) or Zune MP3 player: They are connected using the adapter cable for USB devices.
• "AUX devices": They are connected using the adapter cable for AUX devices.

The following functions can be activated via the function bar:

• "Media Interface": Settings for track sequence (e.g. track mix (with CODE 510 (Audio 20 with CD changer), track list mix, medium mix (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation), CODE 528 (COMAND incl. DVD changer) or CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)) and traffic announcement (TA) (traffic message)
• "Music" (with CODE 510 (Audio 20 with CD changer)) or "Search" (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)), CODE 528 (COMAND incl. DVD changer) or CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)): track lists and search functions (e.g. albums, playlist, 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)
• "Sound": sound settings (e.g. treble, bass, surround sound)

Bluetooth® Audio 

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

The following are shown on the audio/COMAND display:

• Current track with elapsed play time
• Album title

The following functions can be activated via the function bar:

• "BT Audio": "Bluetooth audio equipment list", "TA"
• Play/Stop symbol
• "Media": changing to other audio sources (e.g. discs 1 to 6 (with changer), USB memory, AUX, media interface)
• Sound settings

Disc data medium (DVD, CD audio, MP3) and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card and music register 

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 on the Audio/COMAND display (by way of 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 or configuration via the function bar (e.g. settings for track sequence, search functions, changing to other audio sources, tone settings, "TA", "Gracenote Media Database" (for audio CD, with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)))
• Track selection with skip function
• Fast forward/rewind

On vehicles except CODE 498 (Japan version), in the "Music Register" menu, MP3files can be copied to the hard disk of the COMAND controller unit (A40/3). 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").

Video base function (with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer), with CODE 526 (COMAND with single DVD drive (without navigation)), with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or with CODE 528 (COMAND incl. 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 863 (Digital/analog TV tuner) or 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 on the Audio/COMAND display and the corresponding TV or video image is shown.

The following functions can be activated via the function bar:

• "TV": TV settings
• "Memory": saving of the 10 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
• "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.

Control 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 (Traffic Message Channel) messages 
• Route information 
• Positions (current vehicle position, target position) 

Vehicles with CODE 498 (Japan version) 

If the navigation base 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 entrance ramp, 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

The following functions can be activated via the function bar:

• "Guide", e.g. "back", "previous", "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, bypass (0.5 to 10 km), recalculation, alternative route, overall route map, 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

The navigation mode on vehicles with CODE 498 (Japan version) has the following 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).

The following functions can be activated via the function bar (examples):

• "Guide", e.g. back, forward, next, details, start
• "TMC", e.g. 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 interests 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"
• "Map version"

Destination entry 

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

The following functions can be activated via the function bar (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 destination 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 (Traffic Message Channel) messages 

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

The following functions can be activated via the function bar (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.

The following functions can be activated via the function bar (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
• "Route presentation": Preview of selected route
• "Alternative route": An alternative to the existing route calculation is created.

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.

The following functions can be activated via the function bar (examples):

• "Save vehicle positions": Current vehicle position is saved as last destination
• "Save position as pers. POI": Current vehicle position is saved as personal POI on the memory card.
• "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)) 

In vehicles with CODE 509 (Navigation box), navigation is performed either by pressing the "NAVI" button on the audio equipment or with the application bar in the menu or by pressing the voice control system ON button (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. Further operations are performed via the Audio/COMAND operating unit.

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 (Comfort telephone)) (in addition to the 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 basic functions: establish a connection via the multifunction antenna, mobile phone charging via connection on telephone module using Bluetooth® (SAP profile) (A34/1) possible, Internet capability, transmission of SMS)

Basic telephony is possible in all vehicles.

To be able to use a mobile phone with the vehicle's mobile phone system, it must be authorized and connected.

With basic telephony and comfort telephony the mobile phone is authorized at the audio equipment. In the "Telephone" menu, the "Bluetooth telephones" submenu item 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 telephony with CODE 379 (Telephone module with Bluetooth SAP), the mobile phone is authorized once at the telephone module with Bluetooth® (SAP profile). Up to 15 mobile phones can be authorized at the telephone module with Bluetooth® (SAP profile). The mobile phones that have been authorized at the telephone module with Bluetooth® (SAP profile) are kept in a separate list ("SAP telephones"). With comfort telephony a mobile phone that is inserted into the mobile phone cradle is connected automatically, with basic telephony or with telephony with CODE 379 (Telephone module with Bluetooth SAP) one of the two previous devices used is connected. Should a different mobile phone be connected, the connection must be disconnected and the desired mobile phone connected manually.

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))
• "Call lists", e.g. received, dialed, speed dial list

A connection can be made as follows, for example:

• By means of manual entry via the keypad on the audio equipment or the remote control (with CODE 867 (SPLITVIEW)), the character bar on the Audio/COMAND display
• By selecting telephone book entries via the steering wheel controls, the Audio/COMAND control panel, the remote control (with CODE 867 (SPLITVIEW)) or the voice control system
• By selecting telephone numbers from the call list
• On the mobile phone (except CODE 379 (Telephone module with Bluetooth SAP))

Incoming calls are signaled acoustically and shown on the Audio/COMAND display.

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

• "Telephone book" name (e.g. MB contact, list with entries)
• "Address book" (with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) or with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)), e.g. address book, search, new, delete

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) and CODE 348 (Emergency call/assist system)) 

After activating the function via the "Globe" symbol in the Audio/COMAND display application bar, the mobile telephone network provider (except CODE 348 (Emergency call/assist system)) must first be specified via the "System" panel (selection via country-specific lists or free entry via the character bar on the Audio/COMAND display).

The panel is brought into the foreground by rotating the Audio/COMAND controller (A40/9s11) on the Audio/COMAND control panel and activated by pressing the Audio/COMAND controller (vertically downwards).

Operation takes place via the Audio/COMAND control panel or the remote control (with CODE 867 (SPLITVIEW)). The character bar on the Audio/COMAND display is also used for text entry.

The "Search for points of interest", "Weather", "Load points of interest or routes" and other services pooled under "COMAND Online" can be used during a trip. Browsing on the Internet is only possible when the vehicle is stationary.

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. When browsing the cursor can be moved by sliding the Audio/COMAND controller. The menu can be opened or a marked object called up during free surfing by pressing the Audio/COMAND controller (vertically downwards). Turning the Audio/COMAND controller enables one to jump on the current page from a selectable object (e.g. link) to the next one, the object is then highlighted.

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 mileage display: When the menu item system 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.

Digital operator's manual (as of 1.6.12, 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. The installation takes about 20 min.

As soon as the digital operator's manual is installed, it can be called up in the "Globe" menu via the "Off-line operator's manual" panel. Turning the Audio/COMAND controller puts the "Off-line 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.