NTG 5.5 Audio vs NTG 5.5 COMAND

[maximusmx]

I'm thinking of upgrading my NTG 5.5 Entry unit (Audio 20) to the NTG 5.5 COMAND system but not sure what extra features I'll get.
Can someone with experience explain to me the difference between these two systems?

 

[mpaavi]

As far as I know, it provides better and faster navigation. Better sound quality, CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

 

[kmafus]

Besides speed, they have different screen sizes in some of the apps you run on the base system.

 

[satmonster321]

I have access to both systems (I upgraded my 5E to 5.5 Entry Audio 20 last year - code 506) and another W213 with the factory installed NTG 5.5 High COMAND system. Both systems support CarPlay and Android Auto, both have 12-inch screens and, frankly, if you switch to CarPlay, they behave the same, such as almost the same speed, response time to commands, etc.

The 5.5 Entry navigation is not as slow as my previous 5E head unit. It works from an SD card, which can easily be replaced with an updated version of the map.

COMAND navigation works from a hard drive built into the head unit. Updating maps is also very easy using a USB stick and the Mercedes Download Manager software. You need to buy a PIN code to activate the map.

Overall, both navigation screens look very similar, as do their usage. However, I haven't compared all the features in detail.

As for sound quality, I upgraded my front speakers and extra bass (from 16 cm to 20 cm) and I think the sound is much better than in the car with NTG 5.5 High (COMAND). The bass is much cleaner and more energetic, the highs are better.

In the US, COMAND offers Sirius radio (satellite) and Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is also available.

If your NTG 5.5 Entry does not support CarPlay/Android Auto, try to activate it first and check if these features suit your needs before switching to COMAND.

 

[maximusmx]

Thanks for the clear explanation. I see that the main difference is the navigation system and some sound improvements. Anyway, I have Mercedes ME activated on my HU 5.5 Entry. If you have updated to the new HU version, do you know how to transfer or migrate the Mercedes ME service to the new version? Or do I need to go to a Mercedes service center to have them transferred?

 

[satmonster321]

Mercedes ME services connect to your VIN rather than directly to the HU, and communication with the Mercedes backend is via the HERMES module (which we hope is LTE in your case). This module will NOT be replaced along with HU.
When replacing the head unit, it is necessary to transfer all settings of the head unit to the new one (variant and SCN coding). This can be done at a Mercedes service center. They will also have to update your data card (code 506 to 531).

 

[maximusmx]

This is very clear to me. Request for an addendum. I bought the HU 5.5 COMAND but I am still afraid to install it on my car because I am not an engineer and there is no garage nearby that could help. So I would like to test/power on the HU on the table and connect to my spare IC display. Could you please tell me which pin of the HU connector needs to be supplied with power to turn it on?