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Created: 18 Sep 2013

Last Updated: 16 Nov 2019

This is the FAQ for Comand APS NTG4.5.
NTG4.5 was first fitted (in Europe) in Model Year 2011 to the E Class (W212 and W207). It was fitted to all new designs after that (i.e W176 A, W246 B, W166 ML/GL etc), and to the W204 C from the MY2012 facelift and the G Class from the MY2014 facelift.
It is known as 'COMAND ONLINE' as it has a web browser and apps that are accessed via a data connection via a Bluetooth phone.
Note also that the 3rd generation version (for MY2014) is internally known as NTG4.7. although not in all the retail material from Mercedes Benz.

Questions:

1 What is COMAND NTG4.5?
2 What is Audio-20 NTG4.5?
3 What is Comand NTG4.7?
4 Are there different versions of COMAND NTG4.5
5 Do I have NTG4 or NTG4.5?
6 What / How do I get firmware updated?
7 Why won't the online features work with iPhones?
8 How do map updates work?
9 How do '3 years free map updates' work?
10 How do I find out map I have?
11 What is the latest map version?
12 What are the older map versions?
13 Does the NTG4.5 have anti-theft protection?
14 Does my NTG4.5 Audio-20 have a fibre connector so I can add DAB / Media Interface etc?
15 How do map licence keys work?
16 Can NTG4.5 COMAND be retrofitted ?
17 What are the part numbers for European NTG4.5 valid for my car?
18 How do I install COMAND NTG4.5?
19 What do I need to install NTG4.5?
20 Can I skip installing the additional fans.
21 Who can install NTG4.5 for me?
22 I'm trying to convert a Japanese system to Europe.
23 Will the Japanese TV tuner work with NTG4.5 in European cars.
24 I've added NTG4.5 but I can't get a map PIN.
25 How do I access engineering mode?
26 How do I access the dealer menu?
27 Any other interesting hidden key combos?
28 Can I make Vehicle in Motion work?

Answers:

1. What is COMAND NTG4.5?
Comand NTG4.5 is also known as COMAND Online. It supports online access via a bluetooth mobile phone and thus there are apps that can be downloaded, a web browser etc. etc. It first appeared in the W212/W207 E class around MY2011 in Europe, and then the R172 SLK and all new models after that. W204 C was facelifted for MY2012 to support NTG4.5 and W463 G Glass for MY2014.

2. What is Audio-20 NTG4.5?
This is the basic CD playing unit with Bluetooth and a NAVI button. The NAVI button is used for accessing the optional Becker Map Pilot aftermarket navigation system which will plug into a cradle in the glovebox if the car has the pre-wire options.

3. What is Comand NTG4.7?
NTG4.7 seems to be the internal name for Comand NTG4.5 from about Model Year 2014 (which Mercedes publicly call NTG4.5 generation 3) which supports the iPhone for 'Comand Online' and live traffic. It uses the 3rd map DVD when doing a map update, unlike Gen1 and Gen2 NTG4.5 COMAND systems. The 3rd DVD contains a larger music database.

4. Are there different versions of COMAND NTG4.5
The different Mercedes models have different shape dashboard holes, so get the right one. There are also 3 generations of NTG4.5, Gen 1, Gen 2 and Gen3. Gen1 cars have the brown colour scheme, Gen2 cars have the silver scheme (although the units can be configured with the brown scheme). Gen3 cars support iPhone for Comand Online, Internet Radio, Aux-in has been deleted and live traffic updates should be coming soon. Gen 3 is known as NTG4.7 also.

5. Do I have NTG4 or NTG4.5?
W204 C class, pre MY2012 facelift = NTG4, after the facelift (with the screen fixed in position) NTG4.5
W212/W207 E MY2013 NTG4.5, MY2011 and MY2012 in some markets is NTG4 and some NTG4.5. NTG4.5 COMAND has the Comand Online menu (top right) and a SD card slot, NTG4 does not have the Online menu and has a PCMCIA slot. NTG4.5 Audio-20 has a NAV button, NTG4 Audio 20 does not. If you can see get the data card NTG4.5 in MY2011/2012 has option 088, otherwise it does not.

6. What / How do I get firmware updated?
Firmware updates are released very regularly (at the moment) for NTG4.5. Systems have to be updated with Star Diagnosis and all cars with NTG4.5 are still under warranty so ask your dealer to update the firmware when the car is being services or if some odd behaviour happens.

7. Why won't the online features work with iPhones?
The iPhone does not support the bluetooth remote dialing profile that the COMAND needs. COMAND needs the old DUN profile. iPhone only supports PAN profile. Support for PAN was added for the V3 NTG4.5 units (mid 2013 onward) which are internally known as NTG4.7. As of firmware update 09/2013 Gen1 and Gen2 do not support data over iPhone.

8. How do map updates work?
The map disks for updates are very cheap, but will not work without a PIN, and the PIN costs what the normal map updates would cost. The PIN is dependant on the chassis (VIN) number and the map being installed. It is generated by the Mercedes datacard database system called VeDOK. This is to prevent people from buying one set of map-disks and using them on multiple vehicles.

9. How do '3 years free map updates' work?
The Mercedes VeDOK system holds all the info about the car, and knows when the car was 1st delivered and counts the 3 years from then. During that time PINs for any valid map (i.e Europe for European cars) can be generated. I suggest that for people with this, just before the 3 years is up they ask the dealer to generate a map pin for the latest map for the car - it may be that the lastest map PIN may be newer that the disks the dealer has for updates, so that way you'll get the next map free

10. How do I find out map I have?
At the bottom of the 'Navi' menu (pull rotary knob toward rear of car to get the 2nd page) is an menu item to get map version. Check this FAQ to find out the latest version. If you have 3 years free update get your dealer to update it - they are a bit hesitant because it takes up a workshop bay and charger for 2 hours. If you have a map version not listed here, please take a photo and send it to me.

11. What is the latest map version?
Europe: V16.0 2017/2018, Australia NZ 2015, Africa Middle East V2014, South East Asia V2015, Russia V2014, Mexico/South America V2017, India V2014, Taiwan V2016 (Ps you should check with your MB dealer)

12. What are the older map versions?
Europe V16.0 2017/2018 A172 827 54 00 (11/2017)
Europe V15.0 2016/2017 A172 827 38 00 (10/2016)
Europe V14.0 2016 A172 827 32 00 (06/2016)
Europe V13.0 2015/2016 A172 827 18 00 (02/2016)
Europe V12.0 2015 A172 827 04 00 (not released)
Europe V11.0 2014/2015 A172 827 52 59 (10/2014)
Europe V10.0 2014 A172 827 51 59 (03/2014)
Europe V9.0 2013/2014 A172 827 31 59 (09/2013)
Europe V8.0 2013 A172 827 30 59 (03/2013)
Europe V7.0 2012/2013 A172 827 25 59
Europe V6.0 2012 A172 827 23 59
Europe V5.1 2011/2012 A172 827 xx 59
Europe V5.0 2011/2012 A172 827 26 59 (~09/2011)
Europe V4.0 2011 A172 827 14 59

Australia V5.0 2013 A172 827 56 59
Australia V4.0 2012 A172 827 19 59
Australia V?.? 2011 A172 827 08 59
Australia V?.? ???? A172 827 01 59

Africa / Middle East V?.? A172 827 58 59
Africa / Middle East V5.0 2012 A172 827 22 59
Africa / Middle East A172 827 11 59

South East Asia V5.0 2013 A172 827 55 59
South East Asia V4.0 2012 A172 827 18 59
South East Asia V?.? 201? A172 827 09 59

If you find you have an version not listed in here, please use the contact form to tell me all the info shown on your map version screen.

13. Does the NTG4.5 have anti-theft protection?
Yes, there is a very long PIN number. Make sure you get it if you buy a used NTG4.5 system.

14. Does my NTG4.5 Audio-20 have a fibre connector so I can add DAB / Media Interface etc?
The base Audio-20 single CD does not have a fibre connector. Higher systems do, and thus Media Interface, DAB, HK, TV, Sat Radio can be added to those systems only.

15. How do map licence keys work?
In order to prevent copying of the map disks, on installation the COMAND system asks for a 6 digit PIN number. The PIN number is generated by Mercedes on their VeDOK system (and when the dealer does this they get charged (unless the vehicle is eligible for 3 years of free map updates) the same as normal map disks cost. The PIN number is based on the map version and the VIN of the car the COMAND unit is installed in, so is only valid for a certain map in a certain car.

16. Can NTG4.5 COMAND be retrofitted ?
Yes. But there are some Gotchas. You will need to change a whole load of wiring if going from NTG4 to NTG4.5 (i.e the Audio-20 without a NAV button, or COMAND with a PCMCIA slot), and you must get the correct NTG4.5 unit for the model year of your vehicle or you can not complete Initial Startup and the Mercedes can not generate PIN numbers for the map that you will need to install. If you want someone to retrofit COMAND, I suggest speaking to www.comand.co.uk

17. What are the part numbers for European NTG4.5 valid for my car?
W207/W212 E Class:
Europe MY2011 Single (GEN1): A212 900 45 13 or A212 900 63 13. (NB, latter sometimes doesn't work in W212
Europe MY2011 Changer: A212 900 69 13 or A212 900 73 13
Europe MY2012 Single (GEN1): UPTO 30/11/2011 build A212 900 54 13 or A212 900 63 13 or A212 900 45 14. UPTO 31/3/2012 A212 900 55 14 or A212 900 21 17 AFTER 31/3/2012 A212 900 21 17
Europe MY2012 Changer (GEN1): A212 900 69 13 or A212 900 73 13 or A212 900 46 14
Europe MY2013 Single (GEN 2): A212 900 10 16 or A212 900 77 16 or A212 900 87 16 or A212 900 37 18 or A212 900 55 18 or A212 900 02 19
Europe MY2013 Changer (GEN2) : A212 900 11 16 or A212 900 78 16 or A212 900 88 16 or A212 900 38 18 or A212 900 40 17 or A212 900 56 18 or A212 900 03 19

18. How do I install COMAND NTG4.5?
This is too extensive for this FAQ, but you *must* install the cooling fan system or the COMAND will cook itself and turn into a brick. We strongly suggested you use a genuine Mercedes GPS antenna with a right-angle FAKRA connector or you will have trouble. These are available from Comand Online Ltd Genuine Mercedes GPS Antenna.

19. What do I need to install NTG4.5?
We suggest you buy a kit for your car from Comand Online Ltd. Use their contact form with your VIN number and they will work out what you need.

20. Can I skip installing the additional fans.
No. COMAND generates a lot of heat. Even in cool countries it will get too hot and cook itself in the end. Mercedes would not have wasted the money installing them if they were not needed.

21. Who can install NTG4.5 for me?
In the UK, See Comand Europe. In Australia see BenzModz, in New Zealand see Euro Surgeon.

22. I'm trying to convert a Japanese system to Europe.
This is very difficult, you will have to replace the head-unit but Mercedes Technical support don't have the information available so that it can be firmware-updated, SCN coded and map pins generated by future dealers. I know that Comand Europe can do this for you.

23. Will the Japanese TV tuner work with NTG4.5 in European cars.
No, you have to change it for a European one such as Comand Online - new TV tuner.

24. I've added NTG4.5 but I can't get a map PIN.
The correct model year NTG4.5 must be installed. Then using Online Star Diagnosis 'Initial Startup' must be done which will require the system anti-theft code and you will also need the latest telematics CDs to update the COMAND to latest firmware. Once that is completed the online system uploads info (including the serial number and the anti-theft code) to VeDOK which can then generate the map PIN codes.

25. How do I access engineering mode?
Hold the following 3 buttons down for about 10 seconds: Phone-Hangup, 1, #. If that doesn't work (because you've changed the region settings in engineering mode for instance), then use Phone-Pickup, 1 and # Please be careful, you can destroy your COMAND. Most menus are multi-page, the next page being selected by moving rotary controller toward the back of the car. After you have changed settings you will need to reset the unit, the option to do this is on the 2nd page of the 1st menu shown after entering engineering mode. In the 1st menu you see after entering engineering mode, you can also then hold down Hang-up, 4 and # for a few seconds to find some additional menus. Again, be very very careful.

26. How do I access the dealer menu?
Hold down Hang-up, 7 and 9 for a few seconds. From the dealer menu you can alter phone volumes (voice, ringing etc), navigation guidance volume and TA volume, and set various other features.

27. Any other interesting hidden key combos?
If you have a SD card or USB stick (NTG4.7) inserted hold down Clear, 1 and 3 keys together and a log and a screenshot will be stored on the SD card (or USB). If no SD/USB is inserted the info is saved to the hard disk.

28. Can I make Vehicle in Motion work?
No, you can not change the settings for that in the engineering menu.

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