Mercedes command

[subtensecond]

Hi I was just wondering if someone could help me out here. My friends friend has a mercedes command 2.0 in germany. I cant remember whether it can bus or not. If it is german will it work here. he has the cd as well and all wiring loom etc.
also can someone explain all this can bus stuff etc to me please. i dont understand why some commands work in most mercs, whilst some work only in specific mercs. also mercedes told me it cant be retro fitted-thats crap!!

thanks

 

[Arnie]

hello,

there is a lot of information about refitting Command systems on the internet.

It is definately possible, but involves a great deal of work. There are also many different versions, some of which will and some of which will not be compatible.

The systems are multi-language so that is not a problem.

The CAN-Bus (Controller Area Network) is a bit like your home computer's network connection, with data travelling in a digital fashion at 500kbits/sec between various units. It was first developed by BOSCH for communication between engine ECU, ABS brake system and gearbox, but is now being used to control most functions in new vehicles. Most modern cars have three of four sperate CAN networks (Engine/brakes/transmission; body electronics; lighting systems; sound and ICE etc) Do you think that your light swicth is now directly connected to your headlights?? The main features are that data is sent around the network with a lot of error checking information and so is very robust. Each item has its own address and needs to be programmed in so that it can be recognised by the master unit on the network. (A bit like adding an extra PC to a server-supported office network, where IP addresses, usernames and passwords need to be set-up.)

The CAN-Bus operates with electrical signals on a simple twisted-pair wiring scheme. Additionally, there is a D2B (to be replaced by MOST) fibre-optic bus which links the COMAND unit with the Phone module, the TV module, CD Changer etc, and because of pre-programmed, fixed addresses, these need to be connected in a special defined order.

So for your Command system to be able to control and communicate with the rest of the car's systems (Principally, engine ECU for trip-computer functions; the lighting network, for illumination control; the display in the instrument panel and steering wheel buttons; phone system etc...) you will need to be sure that you get the correct version to fit with your existing CAN-bus system. Basically, you want to find one that is already programmed with all the correct addresses and set-up for your car's existing system to that the retrofit will be "plug and play": Ideally, one from a similar age and model family of car. Fortunately, not too many updated versions were produced and I think that the choice is just between early, non-CAN-bus and two or three later CAN-bus versions, with small difefrences.


See here for more ideas:

Fitting notes:
http://www.ibex.co.uk/mbstuff/Retrofitting Comand.htm

Parts and help:
http://www.megacomm.de/menu/index.htm (use GOOGLE translator, if necessary)
http://www.audiocomp.at/

General info:
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/radios.html

C-Class install:
http://www.benzworld.org/publications/pub.asp?id=201

E-Class Install:
http://users.pandora.be/miata/english/Comand/comand_mercedes.htm

Links:
http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsite/COMAND 2.0.htm

 

[subtensecond]

thanks a lot for your help.