Navigation mode, function

 On vehicles as of 01.09.2015 (model year 2016) there are two chassis CAN variants.
Variant 1:
If the vehicle does not contain any of the equipment codes specified in variant 2, then, as before, only one chassis CAN (CAN E) is available.
Version 2:
If the vehicle has one of the following equipment codes, then one chassis CAN 1 (CAN E1) and one chassis CAN 2 (CAN E2) is available:

 Code 218 (Reversing camera)

 code 234 (Blind Spot Assist)

 Code 459 (Steel suspension with adjustable damping)

 Code 475 (Tire pressure monitor)

 code 476 (Lane Keeping Assist)

 Code 513 (Speed Limit Assist)

 code 614 (Bi-xenon headlamp)

 code 615 (Bi-xenon headlamps with active curve lights)

 Code 618 (Bi-xenon headlamps)

 Code 621 (Intelligent Light System (left-hand traffic))

 code 622 (Intelligent Light System)

 Code 631 (Static LED headlamps for left-hand traffic system)

 Code 632 (Static LED headlamps for right-hand traffic system)

The differences between variant 1 and variant 2 are explained in the following text.

P82.89-2066-79

P82.89-2067-79

Function requirements for navigation mode in general

 Status circuit 30g ON

 Signal reception from at least three GPS satellites (Global navigation system)

 Transport mode not active

 No smartphone connected via Android Auto or CarPlay

General navigation mode

The navigation module is integrated in the COMAND controller unit. The navigation system includes the following functionalities:

 Position finding

 Destination entry

 Route calculation

 Display of navigation maps

 Intersection zoom

 Visual driving instructions in form of pictograms

 Acoustic driving instructions

The location of the vehicle and the direction and distance to the destination are determined with the aid of the navigation system.

After entering or retrieving a destination location, route calculation starts. A range of options can be selected for route calculation according to the national version, e.g.:

 "Fast route"

 "Dynamic route"

 "Eco Route"

 "Short route"

 Avoid options (e.g. "Avoid area", "Avoid tunnel", "Avoid ferries", "Avoid toll sticker roads")

If observance of the options is not possible, then the options set are ignored for the sections in question and a message is displayed and signaled audibly. The set options can be displayed and changed at any time. Once calculated, the route is displayed using arrow pictograms on the Audio/COMAND display and this information is also issued as an acoustic notification: "The route is being calculated".

If the vehicle is no longer moving on the precalculated route, the route is recalculated. If the recalculated values are plausible for the navigation system, then the modified route is displayed.

 Dynamic route guidance (with "Dynamic route", "Dynamic route with confirmation" or "Eco route" ): An alternative route is offered under dynamic route guidance, in the event of a sufficiently long traffic jam or road closure on the calculated route.

The navigation system also has lists and card data for points of interest (e.g. restaurants, filling stations, parking lots, shopping centers), which can be selected as the destination or for a stopover.

 Destinations can be sent from the Internet via the "Mercedes-Benz Application Gateway" to the vehicle and imported into the navigation system.

 Model 117.3 as of 11/3/14, 242 as of 11/3/14, 246 as of 11/3/14
as of model year 2015
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
except code 498 (Japanese version)
Model 117.9
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
except code 498 (Japanese version)
Model 156 as of 9/1/15, 176 as of 9/1/15
as of model year 2016
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
except code 498 (Japanese version)
Routes can be sent from the Internet via the "Mercedes-Benz Application Gateway" to the vehicle and imported into the navigation system.

 Destination entries or points of interest can be made available to the navigation module of the COMAND controller unit by the Service Center.

The navigation system can be operated with the following components:

 Audio/COMAND control panel

 Switch panels at COMAND controller unit

 Left multifunction steering wheel button group and right multifunction steering wheel button group

 Voice control system

When entered using the Audio/COMAND control panel, the control signals are transmitted via the telematics CAN to the COMAND controller unit.

 Model 117.3 as of 11/3/14, 242 as of 11/3/14, 246 as of 11/3/14
as of model year 2015
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B62 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 5s/5c/5)
Model 117.3 as of 11/3/14, 246 as of 11/3/14
as of model year 2015
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B56 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 4/4s)
Model 117.9
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B56 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 4/4s)
Model 117.9
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B62 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 5s/5c/5)
Model 156 as of 9/1/15, 176 as of 9/1/15
as of model year 2016
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B56 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 4/4s)
Model 156 as of 9/1/15, 176 as of 9/1/15
as of model year 2016
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B62 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 5s/5c/5)
The operation signals from the Audio/COMAND control panel are forwarded over the drive kit for the Apple® iPhone® control unit to the COMAND controller unit. The navigation function of the COMAND controller unit cannot be called up using the "NAVI" button as long as the "Digital DriveStyle App" is switched on.

When entries are made via the switch panels on the COMAND controller unit, the operation signals are processed within the unit.

The control signals from the left multifunction steering wheel button group and the right multifunction steering wheel button group are forwarded via the following route:

Steering wheel electronics 

Steering LIN 

Steering column tube module control unit 

Variant 1:

Chassis CAN 

Version 2:

Chassis CAN 1 

Electronic ignition lock control unit 

Chassis CAN 2 

Instrument cluster 

Interior CAN 

COMAND control unit

When operating with the voice control system, voice input takes place using the hands-free system microphone. The words spoken are converted into an electrical signal by the hands-free system microphone and forwarded to the COMAND controller unit.

 In the voice control system, additional name lists are provided for navigation e.g. for the following information: place names for selected towns on the data medium, street names for all cities, city centers, and points of interest.

The navigation function consists of the following subfunctions:

 General information on GPS position finding

 GPS position finding function sequence

 General information on basic position finding

 Basic position finding function sequence

 Calibration

 Recalibration

 General information on route calculation

 Route guidance function sequence

 General information on dynamic route guidance

 Function sequence for dynamic route guidance (except code 494 (USA version), except code 498 (Japan version), except code B54 (Live Traffic Information) and except code 367 (Live Traffic Information))

 Function sequence, Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) via FM multiplexer (with code 498 (Japan version))

 Function sequence for dynamic route guidance with VICS (with code 498 (Japan version), dealer option)

 Function sequence for dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data (RTTD) (with code 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio))

 Function sequence for dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data via the telematics services communication module (with code B54 (Live Traffic Information) or via the HERMES control unit (with code 367 (Live Traffic Information)))

 Map function

 Extended navigation functions

 The navigation system uses a special interface to provide data that is used by other systems in the vehicle. The COMAND controller unit sends the data via interior CAN.

General information on GPS position finding

The GPS is a satellite-based position finding system, which is available on a global basis. GPS position finding is irretrievable after vehicle transport (e.g. by train or ferry or after towing). Recalculating the GPS position (after satellite reception has been interrupted) can take several minutes (up to 5 minutes during initial commissioning). The accuracy of the position finding and the actual calculation are essentially based on the measurement of the run times of the signals sent synchronously by the various satellites. A vital precondition is the synchronicity of the clocks in the satellites and in the receiver. To ensure synchronicity, the receiver is equipped with an automatic time correction that is possible thanks to the satellite signals.

GPS position finding function sequence

The GPS receiver in the COMAND controller unit receives the GPS signals from the GPS antenna (model 246, 242 except CODE 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio), model 117.9, 176, model 156) or from the multifunction antenna (model 246, 242 with CODE 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio), model 117.3). On vehicles with CODE 348 (Emergency call/Assist system), the signals are received by the GPS antenna or the multifunction antenna via the Global Positioning System antenna splitter. The GPS signals are used by the COMAND controller unit to calculate the current vehicle position (receiver). The vehicle's direction of travel is also determined using the sequence of GPS calculated locations.

 Since GPS operates in the gigahertz range and the signals are weak, the following events may lead to reception interference: Atmospheric interferences (e.g. bad weather, water vapor, fog), multi-path reception due to reflections of the signals (e.g. at building walls) or signal shadowing (e.g. in built-up areas, in tunnels, due to tall buildings or trees).

General information on basic position finding

Navigation can be continued without a GPS signal using basic position finding. A defect (e.g. in the GPS antenna) is therefore not immediately perceptible. Basic position finding runs parallel to GPS position finding. For basic position finding the COMAND controller unit requires the following information:

 Wheel speed and direction of rotation (forwards or backwards)

 Gyro sensor (rotational angular velocity)

 3-D acceleration sensor (ramp detection)

Basic position finding function sequence

For basic position finding, the COMAND controller unit requires signals from the following components:

 Electronic Stability Program control unit (wheel speed signals including direction of travel)

 Gyro sensor, integrated into COMAND controller unit

 3-D acceleration sensor, integrated into COMAND controller unit

The gyro sensor and 3-D acceleration sensor data is forwarded within the COMAND controller unit.

The Electronic Stability Program control unit sends the wheel speed signals and the wheel rotation direction signals via the following route:

Chassis CAN (with variant 1) or chassis CAN 1 (with variant 2)  

Electronic ignition lock control unit 

Interior CAN 

COMAND control unit

The basic position finding calculation is performed approx. once per second.

 Position finding errors in position finding, rolling backwards with "circuit 15 OFF" (ignition switched off) or transport of the vehicle falsify the basic position finding. In both instances the deviation is automatically corrected by the COMAND controller unit's integrated navigation processor upon reception of GPS data.

Calibration

The calibration following a tire replacement is performed automatically.

Recalibration

Because of the tire abrasion, a constant recalibration of the tire circumference is required. It is carried out automatically and uses the difference between the calculated and actually traveled distance between turning points calculated with the aid of map-based position finding.

General information on route calculation

Route calculation is accomplished using the options set to the best possible extent. If observance of the options is not possible, then the options set are ignored for the sections in question and a message is displayed and signaled audibly. The set criteria and options can be displayed and changed at any time. Acoustic information is output ("Route is being calculated") and following successful calculation the route is displayed on the map.

Route guidance function sequence

The integrated navigation processor continuously compares the route calculation data with the position finding data and uses the data to deduce measures for further route guidance. The route guidance is carried out by outputting visual and acoustic information and is divided up into the following areas:

 Map route guidance

 Route guidance through driving lane recommendations

 Route guidance by means of voice output

Map route guidance

The signals for visual display of the route guidance (map navigation) are generated by the COMAND controller unit and sent over an LVDS line to the Audio/COMAND display, on vehicles with code B56 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 4/4s)), with code B62 (Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 5s/5c/5) via the Drive Kit control unit for the iPhone®. The Audio/COMAND display is switched on via the telematics CAN by the COMAND controller unit.

Route guidance through driving lane recommendations

For certain turnoff situations on multiple-land exit points (e.g. freeway intersection) driving lane recommendations are shown in the bottom line. In addition, when a turnoff recommendation is given, the distance to the actual turnoff point is also displayed by means of a bar graph. The lanes have arrows assigned to them, which indicate on which lane the destination can be reached or the best way to reach it.

The following colors are valid for display in the Audio/COMAND display:

 White: Denotes the best or recommended lane.

 Light gray: the lane is correct, but a lane change will soon be required.

 Dark gray: this lane will not take you to the destination.

 The instrument cluster only displays the white arrows.

Route guidance by means of voice output

Route guidance by means of voice output is an assistance function that assists the driver without distracting him from the traffic. Voice is output with the selected system language. The route guidance of the navigation system is supported by voice outputs with the following information:

 Directional instructions

 Name of the next road to turn into.

Further voice messages take place, for example, at the start of route calculation, when an intermediate destination has been reached, or when the destination has been reached.

During dynamic route guidance, additional voice messages are issued due to traffic messages affecting the route. Special information is issued in some instances by voice output, for example:

 Destination lies in area where driving is only possible to a limited extent

 Route via ferry

The COMAND controller unit's navigation processor links word segments during a voice output to form complete instructions or information.

 The announcement volume can be adjusted when voice output is active.

On vehicles except code 810 (Sound system), the COMAND controller unit forwards the voice output to the speaker system. On vehicles with CODE 810 (Sound system), the COMAND controller unit sends the voice output via MOST to the sound system amplifier control unit. The sound system amplifier control unit amplifies the signals and forwards them to the speaker system.

General information on dynamic route guidance

Dynamic route guidance takes place in "Dynamic route", "Dynamic route with confirmation" or "Eco route" mode (except code 494 (USA version) and except code 498 (Japan version)). During dynamic route guidance the current traffic situation is taken into consideration when appropriate traffic data is received. The traffic data recorder decodes the traffic information and forwards it internally to the navigation processor upon request. The navigation processor makes the decision whether the route should be changed.

During dynamic routing with confirmation, the user is notified of the effects of the route change on the travel distance and driving time. The route is only changed with the user's agreement.

If necessary, a message that the route should be changed is output via the speaker system.

Function sequence for dynamic route guidance (except code 494 (USA version), except code 498 (Japan version), except code B54 (Live Traffic Information) and except code 367 (Live Traffic Information))

The incoming information about the traffic situation can be received by the Radio Data System/Traffic Message Channel (RDS/TMC) function via FM radio or digital radio (DAB) (with code 537 (Digital radio (DAB))) if an appropriate station has been selected.

 Model 117 as of 6/1/16, 156 as of 6/1/16, 176 as of 6/1/16, 242 as of 6/1/16, 246 as of 6/1/16
as of model year 2017
with code 367 (Live Traffic Information)
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
Model 117.3 as of 11/3/14, 242 as of 11/3/14, 246 as of 11/3/14
as of model year 2015 up to model year 2017
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B54 (Live Traffic Information)
Model 117.9
up to model year 2017
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B54 (Live Traffic Information)
Model 156 as of 9/1/15, 176 as of 9/1/15
as of model year 2016 up to model year 2017
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B54 (Live Traffic Information)
Dynamic route guidance via RDS/TMC takes place if no real-time traffic data are received (e.g. no valid subscription or the vehicle is not located within the geographical area for which the traffic data service is offered).

The FM receiver in the COMAND controller unit receives traffic information, which is then forwarded internally to the traffic data recorder in the COMAND controller unit.

FM-1 signals are received via the following route:

Rear spoiler antenna (except model 117.3) or rear window antenna (model 117.3) 

FM, AM and CL [ZV] antenna amplifier 

COMAND control unit

FM-2 signals are received via the following path:

Rear window antenna 

FM2, DAB and TV2 antenna amplifier (except model 117.3) or FM 2 and DAB antenna amplifier (model 117.3) 

COMAND control unit

In vehicles with code 537 (Digital radio (DAB)), the traffic messages in the digital radio are forwarded from the tuner unit via the MOST to the COMAND controller unit.

With code 537 (Digital radio (DAB)), a DAB Band III signal (DAB 1) is received as follows:

Rear window antenna 

FM2, DAB and TV2 antenna amplifier (except model 117.3) or FM 2 and DAB antenna amplifier (model 117.3) 

Tuner unit

With code 537 (Digital radio (DAB)), another DAB band-III signal (DAB 2) is received as follows:

Model 246, 242, 117.9, 156, 176:

Windshield antenna 

TV1 and DAB antenna amplifier 

Tuner unit

Model 117.3:

Rear window antenna 

TV2 and DAB antenna amplifier 

Tuner unit

The traffic messages are stored in the traffic data recorder of the COMAND controller unit and made available to the integrated navigation processor.

Function sequence, Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) via FM multiplexer (with code 498 (Japan version))

The driver is provided with vital information by the VICS on the current traffic situation. Traffic impairments and traffic jams are shown on the map, however they are not incorporated into the dynamic route guidance. The VICS messages are transmitted as FM radio signals.

FM-1 signals are received via the following route:

Rear spoiler antenna (except model 117.3) or rear window antenna (model 117.3) 

FM, AM and CL [ZV] antenna amplifier

FM-2 signals are received via the following path:

Rear window antenna 

FM2, DAB and TV2 antenna amplifier (except model 117.3) or FM 2 and DAB antenna amplifier (model 117.3)

The VICS information is processed in the FM multiplexer integrated into the COMAND controller unit. The information is then sent over the LVDS line to be shown on the Audio/COMAND display.

Function sequence for dynamic route guidance with VICS (with code 498 (Japan version), dealer option)

The Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) control unit and the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit are required for dynamic route guidance. The Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) control unit contains both the receiver and the antenna. The antenna communicates with the VICS beacons (transmitter masts) installed at the roadside, that send signals within the 2.5 Gigahertz reception range or infrared signals. Received signals are transmitted directly to the COMAND controller unit where they are decoded. The Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit receives VICS signals in the 5.8 gigahertz reception range via the ETC/DSRC antenna and forwards them to the COMAND controller unit. The traffic messages are stored in the traffic data recorder of the COMAND controller unit. The traffic data recorder decodes the traffic information and forwards this to the navigation processor upon request. The navigation processor makes the decision whether the route should be changed. If necessary, a message saying that the route was changed is issued.

Function sequence for dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data (RTTD) (with code 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio))

RTTD are real-time traffic data that is transmitted through the "Sirius" satellite radio provider and the reception and processing of the data is made possible by the tuner unit. The real time traffic data contain accident and traffic jam messages as well as traffic flow information. The real-time traffic data is available around the major cities in the USA, and is transmitted every 5 minutes.

The tuner unit receives the real-time traffic data over a direct line from the multifunction antenna (model 117.3 except code 413 (Panoramic sliding sunroof), model 242, 246) or from the SDAR antenna (model 117.3 with code 413 (Panoramic sliding sunroof) or model 156) and sends them to the navigation system of the COMAND controller unit over MOST. The COMAND controller unit uses the data to calculate alternative routes and displays them on the Audio/COMAND display over the LVDS line.

Additional function requirements for dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data via the telematics services communication module (with code B54 (Live Traffic Information) or via the HERMES control unit (with code 367 (Live Traffic Information)))

 Subscription for real-time traffic data

 Vehicle is located within the geographical area that is covered by the traffic data service.

 Model 117 as of 6/1/16, 156 as of 6/1/16, 176 as of 6/1/16, 242 as of 6/1/16, 246 as of 6/1/16
as of model year 2017
with code 367 (Live Traffic Information)
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
Model 117.3 as of 11/3/14, 242 as of 11/3/14, 246 as of 11/3/14
as of model year 2015 up to model year 2017
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B54 (Live Traffic Information)
Model 117.9
up to model year 2017
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B54 (Live Traffic Information)
Model 156 as of 9/1/15, 176 as of 9/1/15
as of model year 2016 up to model year 2017
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B54 (Live Traffic Information)
Once the subscription has ended, or when outside the geographical area for which the traffic information service is made available, only dynamic route guidance is then available with radio traffic messages.

Function sequence for dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data via the telematics services communication module (with code B54 (Live Traffic Information) or via the HERMES control unit (with code 367 (Live Traffic Information)))

The telematics services communication module or the HERMES control unit receives the real-time traffic data via the emergency call system antenna from the service provider and sends the data over a direct line (universal serial bus (USB)) to the COMAND controller unit.

The HERMES control unit receives the real-time traffic data over the following antennas from the service provider, and sends them over a direct line (Universal Serial Bus (USB)) to the COMAND controller unit:

 Emergency call system antenna or emergency call system antenna 1

 Emergency call system antenna 2 or telephone and stationary heater antenna or multifunction antenna (as of 01.06.2018 or model 156 or model 176 with code 379 (Telephone module with Bluetooth® (SAP profile)), code 386 (Convenience Telephony) or code B24 (Remote control for stationary heater))

 With code 367 (Live Traffic Information) as of 01.06.2018:
To achieve transmission and reception diversity, two antennas are used to establish the connection.

The COMAND controller unit sends position data cyclically over a direct line (USB) to the telematics services communications module or the HERMES control unit, which sends this position data to the service provider. In this way, the telematics services communications module or the HERMES control unit contributes to collecting the traffic information, from which the dynamic route guidance then benefits in turn.

Map function

Map display is always controlled by the COMAND controller unit. The following display functions are supported:

 Route guidance map

 Positioning map

 Route map

 Scrollable map

 Destination entry map

Extended navigation functions

The navigation system is extended with regard to convenience, customization and tourist information by the following functions:

 Integration of electronic travel guide, accumulation of destinations and downloading of routes via a Secure Digital (SD) card and the SD card slot in the COMAND controller unit

 Special search engine that also makes fuzzy destination entries possible (e.g. parts of destination town, road or special destinations).

 "Route flight" (provides a visual overview of the planned route from a bird's eye view)

 "Drive Show" (sequence of pictures, which show the current position, route, traffic information along the route, vicinity of the destination and the altitude course of the route currently being navigated)

 "Compass" (display of a compass screen, which also contains the geo-coordinates for the current position and the current altitude)

 Access option to Mercedes-Benz "Travel Guide" (accessory) through SD card slot

The extended navigation functions are implemented internally in the COMAND controller unit, and - where applicable - shown over the low voltage differential signaling line on the Audio/COMAND display.