2001 S430 NAV computer malfunction
 

Wanted to see if anyone had information about a problem with the NAV computer system using to many amps after the car has been turned off. I've been told that the computer is malfunctioning and a new one needs to be installed for big $$$$. Is this a known problem in this model? I can't get any assistance from dealer monetarily and have been told this is a frequent problem with my model year from other sources. Give me your opinion. We are so disgusted we will probably not own another Mercedes.

Navigation system failures are rare! However any component can fail. That command system is VERY complicated & when there is failure it is $$$.

Think MB issued a bulletin on that problem & lowered the exchange pricing somewhat.

The early S-Class COMAND system had a few inherent problems (excessive rest current draw was not one of them) when it was relatively new, but most of them were fixed by updating the software. What kind of problems did your "other sources" refer to?

My trusted mechanic indicated that on other forum discussions yrs 2000 & 2001 had problems with the NAV and that is why it was changed in yr 2002. The dealer has acknowledged that software upgrades helped these problems and that mine is different. The real question may be and you may have answered it....is it rare to have the computer malfuntion completely? Or is this computer malfuntion a common occurence in my model and yr?

Sometimes new systems like the "command" system have teething problems.

Failure rate of most parts are less than 0.1 %, 1 in 1000.

For that part the rate of failure seems to be maybe 5 in 1000...still a rare failure..
at dealer we have sold & serviced over 1000 W220 chassis 2000/2001 year models & haven't replaced more than 5 of those units.

Yeah, like DOC says', the failure rate is very low. The most common problem I've seen on the old systems is failure of the NAVI/CD drive. Could this be the cause of your excessive rest current draw? You might have your mechanic re-check current draw with the NAVI disc removed.