Mercedes Hacks

Mercedes hacking

Here will be presented different ways to manipulate COMAND and other electronics equipped in Mercedes-Benz automobiles.

A neat little trick for the adaptive automatic gearbox in S55 and E55 and more models..

MERCEDES COMAND UNLOCK CODES

Unlock the v2.0 console
W219 CLS
W211 E-Class 2004-
R171 SLK
W220 S-Class 2003-
R230 SL-Class
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Engineering mode
• Enable video viewing whilst the car is in motion.
• Enable MP3 playback
• Enable the playback of multi-region disks and DVDRW
• Modify many more hidden features
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
1.
Press the audio button to get into audio mode.
2.
To access the engineering mode
Press and hold the circled button (mute) in the bottom left of the photo
Press and hold the circled button (phone) in the bottom right of the photo
Press and hold the circled button (serv) in the top left of the photo
Simultaneously hold all 3 buttons for about 45 seconds until you get a message on the screen which says “Welcome to Engineering Mode”.
3.
To enter the secret menu
Press and hold the “*” star key
Press and hold the “#” hash key
Press and hold the “<” arrow left key
Simultaneously hold all 3 buttons as indicated above
4.
To access the video in motion menu press the button next to Dr.Dist. (Driver distraction)
Using the arrow keys deactivate all of settings with the OK button.
Press the back button to get back to the main menu.
5.
To access the MP3 enabling menu press the button next to Backd.
Using the arrow keys, highlight the MP3 feature and enable it using the OK button.
Now go back to the main menu using the back button.
6.
To access the DVD region menu, press the button next to regcod.
Using the arrow keys, highlight the region free setting and enable it using the OK button.
To activate the settings press back then end and switch the command console off then back on again.
All setting may be activated and de-activated as many times as you want.

RESETS

Handy Resets
I had posted this on this forum in the past, but it seems to be Missing In Action. For your convenience, with some new additions–First, the ECU reset procedure is included in my owner’s manual in the battery change instructions – along with some additional info on things that may need to be reset (it helps to read those manuals!!) However, not everything is addressed there, so here goes.
Windows, seats, mirrors, steering wheel position (easy entry/exit) and the like can be reset by running them fully in one direction, holding the switch at full travel for approximately 2 seconds (or longer), then running to the opposite limit, holding for about 2 seconds (or longer). It is not unusual to have to do this after the battery is disconnected.
The positioning of many of these features is controlled by a Hall’s Effect generator, a simple device that counts revolutions of a motor shaft, and it must be set to register the proper number of turns to reach both limits of travel.Synchronizing Head Restraints:If the power supply was interrupted (battery disconnected or empty), the head restraints are no longer adjusted automatically.
To resynchronize the adjustment feature, turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2, move the seat completely forward and the head restraint fully down, and hold respective buttons for approximately two seconds.

Synchronizing power windows:

If the power supply was interrupted (battery disconnected or low), the windows cannot be opened or closed by the Express feature. To resynchronize the express feature, press side of power window switch to resistance point until the window is completely closed and hold for additional 2 seconds.

Repeat procedure for each window. The automatic full opening and closing procedure of the windows should now be restored. (Note: This sometimes works as well for problems with manual operation of the windows, but not always).

Synchronizing sliding/pop-up roof:

If the power supply was interrupted (battery disconnected or low), or if the sliding/pop-up roof is blocked during closing/opening procedure, the system has to be synchronized. To do so, turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2, move and hold switch in direction (3), until the sliding/pop-up roof is completely raised at rear, and hold for additional 1 second.

If the pop-up roof simply will not open or close all the way after using this procedure, clean the tracks and lubricate them with the MB lubricant made for the purpose.

Global Synchronization of auto open/unlock (windows open/close when car is unlocked/locked):

Global synchronization synchs all of your windows and sunroof so that they all open or close by a single command (pointing the key at the IR receiver in the driver’s door handle, and pushing & holding lock or unlock). Place the A/C switch on the A/C control panel in Auto, and the recirc button on.

Then press the button between the temp controls and hold it until all of the windows and roof close. This should resynch them. After that, the Smart Key should open or close the windows and sunroof as well as lock or unlock the doors.

Also: Door locks are controlled from the key by radio frequency, and will operate regardless of direction the key is pointed. The auto window/sunroof features are infrared, however, and operate only if the key is pointed at the small square IR receiver in the driver’s door handle. The IR range is usually less than the RF range, and can be affected by bright sunlight directly on the door handle.

Synchronizing ESP (ECU):

If the power supply was interrupted (battery disconnected or empty), the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp may be illuminated with the engine running. Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to the right. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp should go out. For more on resetting the entire ECU, see .

Synchronizing remote control:

The remote control may have to be resynchronized, if the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked. To synchronize insert electronic key in steering lock. The remote control should once again be operational.”

Synchronizing Steering Column Height/Easy Exit:

Steering wheel height – basically the same procedure, but with a caution. Move your steering column down SLIGHTLY, and if you can then bring it back up to where it started (but not higher), then you need to reset the column with the simple procedure below. HOWEVER, if it goes down slightly, but will not go back up at all, do not try the reset – it probably will go fully down and not come back up!

You may not be able to get into the car to drive, if that happens. Get it serviced.

Run the steering column full down, and holding the switch down for about 10 seconds after it reaches the lowest position; then run it back up fully and hold the switch up for about 10 seconds after the column reaches its upper limit of travel. You may need to do this several times. That should reset the limits in the Halls’ Effect generator, and your column should function normally.

Seats (easy exit) – try running them to the limits also; however, the seats slide back in the easy exit mode only if they are pretty far forward in the first place. if they are back beyond certain limits (set by Mercedes), not sliding further back is normal operation.

Not all cars have easy exit feature, and those that do must have the option selected in the MFD (instrument cluster) menu.

Resetting Automatic Windshield Wiper Function (with a tip of the hat to mvmiler):

First, pull and reseat your windshield wiper relays (locations are on the fuse diagram usually found in the tool compartment in your spare tire well).

With engine running and all passenger doors closed, starting at 0 turn on wipers to #3 position, then put the switch in the 0 position then put it in the auto #1 (rain sensor position) then have someone splash water on the windshield as the doors have to be closed to reset this function. Then they should function normally.
__________________

SBC STOP
The system offers several additional functions besides a new braking behavior, due to its electronic brain: In stop-and-go traffic the vehicle brakes automatically, when the foot is lifted off the accelerator pedal (“Traffic Jam Assist”). It can be engaged under 10 MPH, using the the cruise control lever and switches off automatically at higher speeds. It remains active under 40 MPH.

When engaged the instrument cluster indicates “SBC S”. One can also activate it on downhill slopes via cruise control, so the car won’t speed over the set limit. It was deleted starting with MY 2005.

SBC HOLD A “drive-away assistant” prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards or forward when starting on a hill or steep incline. A firm push onto the brake pedal, and the car remains stopped, even when taking the foot off the brake pedal, until the driver accelerates and the vehicle begins to roll.

When set, the instrument cluster indicates SBC HOLD. I like using this function and miss it when switching back to other cars. As far as I know it was first introduced in the spring of 2003 in the 04 E-class Estate and lateron in the 2004 SLs.

DRY BRAKE
And finally there is the dry brake function. It is always activated when the windshield wipers run. The system then knows, that it rains and, with short brake pulses unnoticed by the driver, keeps the brake discs always dry and fully functional.

SBC STOP
The system offers several additional functions besides a new braking behavior, due to its electronic brain: In stop-and-go traffic the vehicle brakes automatically, when the foot is lifted off the accelerator pedal (“Traffic Jam Assist”). It can be engaged under 10 MPH, using the the cruise control lever and switches off automatically at higher speeds.

It remains active under 40 MPH. When engaged the instrument cluster indicates “SBC S”. One can also activate it on downhill slopes via cruise control, so the car won’t speed over the set limit. It was deleted starting with MY 2005.

SBC SOFT STOP
is not yet released, though few people are aware of it since Mercedes advertises it already. It might be released lateron. In city traffic soft-stop supposedly allows soft, jerkless stopping. Not sure if it’s needed since SBC brakes can be modulated well, with good feel.

SBC HOLD
A “drive-away assistant” prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards or forward when starting on a hill or steep incline. A firm push onto the brake pedal, and the car remains stopped, even when taking the foot off the brake pedal, until the driver accelerates and the vehicle begins to roll.

When set, the instrument cluster indicates SBC HOLD. I like using this function and miss it when switching back to other cars. As far as I know it was first introduced in the spring of 2003 in the 04 E-class Estate and lateron in the 2004 SLs.

DRY BRAKE
And finally there is the dry brake function. It is always activated when the windshield wipers run. The system then knows, that it rains and, with short brake pulses unnoticed by the driver, keeps the brake discs always dry and fully functional.

Cars with SBC
Mercedes SL roadster (R230)
Mercedes E-Class sedan (W211) and Estate (S211) until mid 2006
Mercedes E-Class 4matic sedan (W211) and 4matic Estate (S211) until mid 2006
Mercedes SLR (C199)
Maybach 57 and 62 (W240)
Mercedes CLS coupe (C219) until mid 2006

 


  • There is an Auxiliary input port in the glovebox. If you purchased the iPod integration kit, the aux input is tucked away under the plastic cover and can still be accessed if you unclip the cover and the menu can still be accessed via the AUDIO or DISC submenus.
  • If you have the automatic transmission, push the stick to the left and hold it there will activate the tiptronic gearset directly into a downshifted gear powerband to provide a little extra oomf to pass cars. Pushing the stick to the right side and holding it there will return you to standard automatic transmission from the tiptronic mode.
  • If you are swapping cars (or are just a little forgetful), the fuel gauge petrol tank symbol has a little arrow which points to the side of the car that the fuel filler is on.
  • Brake rotors stay at peak efficiency from feathering initiated after every 10 windshield wipes during rain.
  • Activating the window demisters will also activate side mirror heaters.
  • Headlamp cleaners activate every 10 windshield washes.
  • When the sun / Pano roof is left open on an extremely hot sunny day, the car will automatically close it (tilt position) after 30 minutes. If the car is also equipped with a rain sensor, the car will again close (tilt position) the roof as soon as the sensors detect rain. Both of these are only activated if the car is parked (ignition off).
  • The C Class has a PRE-SAFE system, which automatically closes windows, sunroof, and moves the seats, headrest and steering wheel to a more protective position (all done within milliseconds) as soon as the car senses that an accident is imminent. This is the 2nd stage of pre-safe. First stage is the passive pre-emptive measure, like ESP etc. The 3rd stage is post an accident, which automaticly shuts down the engine, cuts off fuel supply, automatically turning on the hazards lights, lowering the windows slightly and unlocking all doors.
  • Roll back assist is active for most gradient slopes in both forward and reverse gears.
  • The new W204 vent holes around the rear tail lights these actually begin behind the rear wheels allowing hot air to escape away from the rotors and reduce both brake dust build up and the overall drag (aerodynamic friction) co-efficiency.
  • Those with the full MM COMAND system have a nice extra feature – along with the “speed dependent” volume increase, an internal microphone also monitors cabin noise and will automatically increase the volume to compensate. For a bit of fun try this at home with a vacuum cleaner!
  • The same system also kicks in when you activate voice recognition, if the microphone detects a high white noise level, it tries to reduce the noise by lowering the air conditioner to minimum levels until voice commands have finished.
  • Leaving your headlights in Auto mode will provide a 30 second home light function (the parking & fog lights will remain lit when you arm or disarm your car when it is dark).
  • While listening to a CD, the music register or an MP3 track, sometimes the full title of the song playing is hidden – just press the # button on the dash and you will see the full title and the artist.
  • The * key will allow you to jump to a specific track or radio station
  • If you have previously engaged your cruise control at lets say 70mph and are off cruse control but want to reset it to your current speed, raise the cruise control lever to the up position. This will reset it to your current speed where if you pulled the lever towards you, you’ll be returned to the previous set speed.
  • Automatic transmission versions have a down hill assist like function, where the vehicle will recognise the gradient and will provide assistance by downshifting a gear to provide more control and power to the wheels.
  • Tunnel mode is available hold down air-recirculation button for 3 seconds this will close all windows and sunroof. Upon exiting the tunnel, holding the recirculation for an additional 3 seconds will return all windows and sunroof to previous positions.
  • The boot has an emergency release on the inside. This stays lit for 60 minutes after closing.
  • Setting your own custom “parking aid view”
    • Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.
    • Press the button for the exterior mirror on the front-passenger side.
    • Use adjustment buttons to adjust the exterior mirror to a position which allows you to see the rear wheel and the kerb.
    • Press memory button M and one of the arrows on adjustment button within three seconds of each other. (The parking position is stored if the exterior mirror does not move).
  • Steps to Reset the TCU.
    Resetting the TCU will reset transmission to factory shift points and the car will ‘relearn’ your driving style.

    • Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.
    • Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five seconds.
    • Turn the key to the “off” position (don’t remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
    • Wait at least two minutes for TCU to reset.
  • Steps to access Vehicle Data and/or Fully Disable ESP (see also)
    • Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.
    • Hold the Phone answer key on the steering wheel
    • Then also hold the OK button on the steering wheel
    • A screen will appear in the dash within 3 seconds with the submenu.
  • Steps to access hidden engineering menu
    • Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.
    • Hold the red hang up telephone button, the Hash (#) key and the one (1) key simultaneously on the centre dash for 2-5 seconds.
    • A hidden engineering menu appears on the centre screen which allows you to see the versions of software and diagnostics information.
  • Links of interest:

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