COMAND system... any use?

[j4ckplu9]

Hi, first post, be kind

Over the last few months [well since January really] I've been snooping round the net to help me guage whether I upgrade my driving experience to a BMW or Mercedes. Ever since the new C-Class came on my radar though, I've been really intrigued and feel this is the way to go.

So I'm sitting here idly tapping away on the MB 'configurator' for the new c-class. Each time I come to adding the COMAND system, I'm reminded of a series of negative posts on a few US-based car review sites slating the systemas out of daye and unusable. Is anyone willing to share their experiences of the COMAND system?

Also, I read that MB have signed a deal with Apple to have them redesign the user interface... any thoughts on this? I can't wait to 2009 for my car

Thanks in advance.


Paul

 

[Blobcat]

I have comand in my E and like it. I wouldn't pay serious money for it but it is nice to have.

 

[j4ckplu9]

oops, excuse my typing... it was late at night:

"systemas out of daye" should have read "system as out of date"

-----

Well, to be honest, I've taken it out of the spec recently and it saves £2k. I'll have to see it for myself at the garage this weekend to see if it seems worth the extra dough.

I mean, do I really need voice activation?

 

[jberks]

It looks great and is a very impressive toy to show off to your passengers.
However,
it's very expensive for what it is. If you reckon that you can buy an after market unit for £400 that has all the same functionality of the command, I struggle to understand why command is as expensive as it is. To me, it's real value is around £1000. Factor in the cost of replacement dvds and its a pricey proposition.

I wouldn't be upset if my next car came with it but at the same time, like Blobcat, I wouldn't pay for it.

After all, my Audio20 (standard) and a tomtom for the rare occasions that I actually need satnav, do just as well, for £2500 less.

 

[verytalldave]

When I saw what was to become my car advertised, it came with quite a few nice extras - sunroof, sports pack, park sensors, leather trim etc......and COMAND.
At the time, I had no idea what COMAND was. However, I bought the car and discovered that its a nice extra to have. However, to make full use of its functions you must use the phone facilities as well. If you have no intention of integrating your phone with it, then it just becomes avery expensive statnav and entertainment centre. If I was buying new, I would think long and hard whether it would be money well spent. OK, the arguement is that its cost is recoverable on resale. This is not true. I would argue that while you could get a little bit more for a COMAND equipped car, the difference would NOT cover the initial cost. Nothing like.
Then again having 2 cars side-by-side for sale and one is COMAND equipped and the other isnt, it would undoubtably be the COMAND equipped car that would sell first. Even with the price premium.
So there you have it.
If you have deep pockets and cost is not an issue, then go for it.
If however you feel that the money could be better spent elsewhere, like sunroof, leather, etc....etc....then go down that road.
As many will say I am sure, the satnav capabilities of the unit is OK, but not the best. The audio is superb however.
My bottom line answer would have to be this.
I wouldnt spec it on a a new car.
But if you are buying used, then try to find one with it fitted.
Sounds like conflicting advice I know, but its all down to economics............

 

[television]

After taking my grand children on 6 individual runs in the SL (all under 7 years old) the voice activation was great for them, but for me, its just as easy to push the required button 95% of the time. I also spent a day in the new S class, the Command in that is something else again, I think that could even scare me if it went wrong.

The cost is going to remain high due to all of the models have their own slot or hole to put the thing in, and the once standard ISO slot is no more, so the cost remains very high due to the small production runs. In the electronic world any run of less than 1 million is expensive.

Yes the C class is very nice and quite simple (thank god) when compared to many others.

Like Jberks if the command had not been in the car, then My Navman would have done the job just as well,if not better in some ways

 

[whitenemesis]

COMAND with TMC has saved my bacon numerous times! Even when not using the route guidance I have the map on and can see at glance if there are any hold-ups nearby (on any road within the map window).
A quick press of the TMC button gives detailed info arranged by road.

Brilliant device best upgrade ever

 

[kingsize]

Out of curiousity, does anyone know if TMC works in Northern Ireland?

 

[AbbieCadabra]

we're just about to take the plunge on a CLK 280 Cab & i've been asking myself whether comand is worth it or not.

i completely agree with VeryTallDave at the moment - definitely look for it in a used car BUT i'm very loathe to pay £2k for it when buying new.

looking at the pricing info, MB Audio 50 APS is spec at £1185 - mentions the TMC feature. what exactly is this option? a 'cheap' version of comand??

 

[verytalldave]

COMAND with TMC has saved my bacon numerous times! Even when not using the route guidance I have the map on and can see at glance if there are any hold-ups nearby (on any road within the map window).
A quick press of the TMC button gives detailed info arranged by road.

Brilliant device best upgrade ever

Agreed 101%. It has saved me hours of frustration as well. I always switch it on whenever I am doing more than a mile or two for that very reason.
Consequently, I usually have TA switched off and dont get those annoying interuptions to the radio programs. TMC is certainly a great tool.

 

[verytalldave]

Just one further point on having a car fitted with COMAND. If you do ever consider ordering a car new with COMAND then you MUST order a CD multichanger as well (and thats another £500).
If you dont, then you have to eject your Navigation disk every time you want to play a music CD.
Both a pain - and you lose your satnav capabilities too while enjoying your music.

 

[jon_harley]

Unless you leave CDs behind in the 20th century and use an iPod.

 

[verytalldave]

Unless you leave CDs behind in the 20th century and use an iPod.

Even then you need to have an MP3 interface fitted to your COMAND unit.
The CD multichanger does have MP3 connection capabilities - so you can use it for CD's or a MP3 player.

 

[oldcro]

Just one further point on having a car fitted with COMAND. If you do ever consider ordering a car new with COMAND then you MUST order a CD multichanger as well (and thats another £500).
If you dont, then you have to eject your Navigation disk every time you want to play a music CD.
Both a pain - and you lose your satnav capabilities too while enjoying your music.

I believe the COMAND in the new C class has the CD multichanger built in. So that would save £500 while allowing you to listen to music and navigate at the same time.

 

[parthiban]

COMAND with TMC has saved my bacon numerous times! Even when not using the route guidance I have the map on and can see at glance if there are any hold-ups nearby (on any road within the map window).
A quick press of the TMC button gives detailed info arranged by road.

Brilliant device best upgrade ever

Does this mean TMC now works in cars with COMAND? Should it all just work automatically, or does it need something to be upgraded? We have a 2005 CLS but it doesn't seem to do anything.......

 

[verytalldave]

I believe the COMAND in the new C class has the CD multichanger built in. So that would save £500 while allowing you to listen to music and navigate at the same time.

If that is the case, then thats how it should always have been - however on W203 and earlier models, it doesnt. I have a 54 plate facelifted W203 with COMAND but without a CD multichanger.
I now have to fork out an extra £500 approx for a multichanger because I dont want to keep ejecting my nav disk.

 

[verytalldave]

Does this mean TMC now works in cars with COMAND? Should it all just work automatically, or does it need something to be upgraded? We have a 2005 CLS but it doesn't seem to do anything.......

Check your navigation disk version. I think TMC was introduced at version 6.2 or 6.3.
I am unsure of that - I am sure someone can give you a definative answer.
If you want TMC capabilities you will need to buy a disk with that on it. Then load and install the disk on your COMAND unit. Once that is done, TMC is enabled.

 

[television]

I have TMC in my Command 2, not used it yet as life is so peaceful down here, one day I will venture out and go a little further

 

[Peter De La Mare]

And what might TMC be?

 

[Rory]

Hi, first post, be kind

Over the last few months [well since January really] I've been snooping round the net to help me guage whether I upgrade my driving experience to a BMW or Mercedes. Ever since the new C-Class came on my radar though, I've been really intrigued and feel this is the way to go.

So I'm sitting here idly tapping away on the MB 'configurator' for the new c-class. Each time I come to adding the COMAND system, I'm reminded of a series of negative posts on a few US-based car review sites slating the systemas out of daye and unusable. Is anyone willing to share their experiences of the COMAND system?

I have it on a 54 reg W203 and it is handy (esp now TMC is working) but it's cost is just ridiclous compared to (say) TomTom. However it's obviously a lot handier, and passengers are always impressed!

On that last point, what happens with the W204 and the pop-up screen? Is it hidden in normal use, or does it always pop-up, and is the screen the same whether you have COMAND or not?