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

Model 172.4 

up to model year 2017 

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)
• Inside rearview mirror microphone (A67b1) for the voice control system (VCS [SBS])

The control description comprises the following subfunctions:

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

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 menu bar must be activated and the "Audio" menu item selected.

Pressing the "Radio" button several times on the audio unit enables you to browse through the various reception modes.

Pressing the "Disc" button several times on the audio equipment enables you to browse through the various media.

The following audio sources can be selected using the "Audio" menu item:

• Radio (FM/AM) 
• Digital radio (DAB) (with CODE 537 (Digital radio (DAB))) 
• Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) (with code 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio)) 
• Media Interface (with CODE 518 (Media Interface)) 
• Bluetooth® Audio 
• AUX (except CODE 518 (Media Interface), up to 29.11.2013) 
• Disc data medium (DVD audio, CD audio, MP3) and USB memory (universal serial bus), memory card and Music Register (with code 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer)) or with code 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) 

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 or settings via function bar (examples): 

• Selection of stations or frequency bands, input or fixing of frequencies, storage of the 10 stations with the best reception
• Sound settings, e.g. treble, bass, balance, surround
• "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 (DAB))) 

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 or 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
• Tone settings
• "Info": station name, information on the current station or track and news

Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) (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 or settings via function bar (examples): 

• Selection of program categories, stations, subprograms, storage of stations or the 10 stations with best reception
• Tone 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 options:

• "iPods": Are connected to the iPod connector.
• "AUX devices": Are connected to the AUX connection.

Selection or settings via function bar (examples): 

• "Media Interface": Settings for track sequence (e.g. track mix (with code 523 (MB Audio 20 radio) or code 510 (Audio 20 CD with 6-disk CD changer)), track list mix, medium mix (with code 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or with code 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation))) and Traffic Announcement (TA)
• "Music" (with code 523 (MB Audio 20 radio) or code 510 (Audio 20 CD with 6-disk CD changer)) or "Search" (with code 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or with code 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation))): 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)
• "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 is shown in the Audio/COMAND display:

• Current track with elapsed play time
• Album title

Selection or settings via function bar (examples): 

• "BT Audio": Bluetooth® Audio device list, volume ("Standard" or "Boost effect"), TA
• Symbol Playback/Stop playback
• "Media": changing to other audio sources (e.g. discs 1 to 6 (with changer), USB memory, AUX, media interface)
• "Sound": sound settings (e.g. treble, bass, surround sound)

AUX (except CODE 518 (Media Interface), up to 29.11.2013) 

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) for connecting the corresponding devices is located in the stowage compartment (telephone compartment) under the armrest.

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

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 or settings via the function bar (examples): 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 with code 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)))
• 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.

Model 172.4

up to model year 2017

except code 498 (Japanese version)

In the "Music Register" menu, MP3 files can be copied to the hard disk of the COMAND controller unit.

Model 172.4

up to model year 2017

with code 498 (Japanese version)

In the "Disk" menu, you can use "REC" to store music tracks from an audio CD as an MP3 file on the COMAND controller unit's hard disk ("rip").

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

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 498 (Japan version))
• "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 or settings via function bar (examples): 

• "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
• "Stop": Discontinue playback
• "Media"
• "Sound"

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

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

Selection or 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 or settings via function bar (examples): 

• "Guide", e.g. back, forward, next, details, start
• "TMC", e.g. TMC messages (Traffic Message Channel) as symbols or as a 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, last destinations, points of interest, 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", 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 or 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 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.

Selection or 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 or 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
• "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.

Selection or settings (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), the navigation can be activated by pressing the "NAVI" button on the audio equipment or over 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 

In order to be able to operate a Bluetooth-compatible mobile phone that is authorized on the audio equipment in the vehicle, the mobile phone must support the hands-free profile (HFP) 1.0 or higher.

Additional information is available at:

http://www.mercedes-benz.com/connect. 

When starting, the audio equipment proceeds with the following strategy:

• In vehicles with code 379 (Telephone module with Bluetooth® (SAP)), the audio equipment first searches for the last two SAP phones used in the vehicle (SIM Access Profile). The first one to respond to the request is connected if the following conditions are met:
  • The SAP telephone is not connected via Bluetooth® to any other device.
  • There is no SIM card in the telephone module with Bluetooth® (SAP) (A34/1).
• On vehicles up to 31.05.2013, a check is then performed as to whether an authorized telephone is inserted into the mobile phone cradle (A34/15) (with code 386 (Comfort telephony), accessories). If this is the case, the audio equipment connects to this telephone and goes into the comfort telephony status.
• If no connectable device is found with the listed connection strategies and on vehicles as of 01.06.2013 and except code 379 (Telephone module with Bluetooth® (SAP)), the last two mobile phones used in the vehicle are searched for. If one of these devices is found, the audio equipment connects to this device. If the mobile phone also supports AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) or A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), these profiles are also connected.

Mobile phones unknown to the system can be activated with the basic function "Tel", in the "Telephone" menu item and the "Bluetooth telephone" submenu item. A list of mobile phones already recognized is displayed. This list can be used to select and authorize the required mobile phone. The "Update" entry is used to search for new mobile phones. After the update, it is possible to select and authorize the mobile phone to be connected from the displayed list. 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.

Using the list of Bluetooth® telephones, connections to trusted Bluetooth® telephones can be canceled or Bluetooth® telephones deauthorized.

Model 172.4

up to model year 2017

with code 379 (Telephone module with Bluetooth® (SAP profile)) SAP telephones are listed in a separate list that can be used in a similar way to the list of Bluetooth® telephones.

If the basic telephony ("TEL") function is activated, the following selection options or settings are shown:

• "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

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

Internet access base function (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) or on vehicles with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) except CODE 494 (USA version) or 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, 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 performed through the Audio/COMAND control panel; for text entries the character bar on the Audio/COMAND display is also used.

The services grouped under "COMAND Online" such as "Search for POIs", "Weather", "Load POIs or routes" (including during a journey) as well as freely surfing the Internet (in stationary vehicle).

Model 172.4

up to model year 2017

with code 498 (Japanese version)

Points of interests can be loaded, but no routes.

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 during free surfing by pressing the Audio/COMAND controller (vertically downwards). Turning on 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 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation))), e.g. help window, new follow-up training, delete follow-up training, follow-up training on
• "Language", selection of system language
• "Audio fadeout during navigation announcement" (with code 509 (Navigation box))
• "Activate Bluetooth"
• "Data import/export" (with CODE 512 (COMAND APS with DVD changer) or with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)))
• "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.

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

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.