I have a problem with my E350 COMAND satnav. From time to time the gps just loses the location of the car. The last time it happened, which is typical of the problem, the display saw the car wandering aimlessly around the New Forest (mostly off road !) for 4 days even though I had returned to my home some 50 miles away. Then the system will suddenly return to normal. My merc dealer used his diagnostics computer but failed to find a fault, though admitedly the sysyem was working ok at the time. Its an intermittent problem, but no fun if it happens when you're relying on getting to a destination on time. Any ideas ?

This is almost certainly an antenna issue.

The way to find out is to change the display on the comand so that it shows the number of satellites that are seen. If the display shows '-' then the antenna has an open circuit. If the display shows '0' then the antenna cannot see any satellites. If the display alternates between the two then then the fault is intermittant. In both case though the antenna almost certainly needs changing. We see a lot of these on the W211 so I think its a common fault.

Thanks for advice. I will do diagnostic as you suggest next time it goes haywire. Meanwhile I have got price for replacement antenna (not expensive). As a competent diy'er could I fit this myself. Any tips ?

Hi,
How do I change the satnav disply to show sattelite reception ?
Rgds

Often described by mechanics as a "female dog" to replace.

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Hi Alfie

Thanks your very helpful reply. Please advise how I get to the screen that shows number os satellites being received. As reasonably good diy'er, is antenna replacement something I can tackle, or would I require special tools, knowledge, etc. ? As I have the glass roof E350, the existing antenna seems to be stuck to the rear screen, though I'm sure there is wiring involved. I first want to check out number of satellites next time the system goes haywire.

Regards