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MODULAR CONTROL SYSTEM (MCS), FUNCTION - GF82.85-P-0011GI
MODEL 163 as of 1.9.01 with CODE (522) Modular control system (MCS) radio USA with CODE (357)
Navigation system - additional unit with CODE (818b) Single CD player - additional unit with CODE
(819) 6-disk CD changer in trunk with CODE (491) U.S. version
The following systems can be operated centrally with the aid of the radio and navigation unit (A2/56) :
Cassette deck
Radio
Single CD player and CD player with changer (optional)
Sound system (optional)
Navigation (optional)
Telephone (optional)
Fig. 82: Identifying Radio And Navigation Unit
of two components:
CTEL antenna
(A2/49a1)
GPS antenna
(A2/49a2)
Model 163 as of 01.09.01GF82.70-P-4111-03GH
GPS/CTEL roof antenna,
functionCode 351 or code 353,
except models
129 /163 /220GF82.70-P-4111-04A
Code 353 for model 163GF82.70-P-4111-04D
Code 347 or 348 or 352
except models 168/163GF82.70-P-4111-04B
Model 163 as of 01.09.01GF82.70-P-4111-04GH
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 ACCESSORIES & BODY, CAB Electrical System - Body - 163 Chassis
me
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Page 1626 of 4133

Fig. 83: MCS System Block Diagram
MCS system
The radio and navigation unit (A2/56) is the central component of the MCS system . It has a video-capable 5"
active matrix TFT display for indicating information such as control menus and map data for navigation.
Actuation is accomplished in operating modes NTSC (US standard) PAL (ECE standard). It is operated with
fixed function keys and a rotary knob, a joystick as well as with menu-guidance on the display.
The basic version of the radio and navigation unit (A2/56) is equipped with
a radio reception unit,
a compact cassette player and
a speed-dependent volume control.
Diagnostic interface
To read out actual values and DTC's of the MCS and components connected via the digital data bus ( D2B )
diagnosis with the hand-held tester is possible via a K-line.
MCS bus system
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 ACCESSORIES & BODY, CAB Electrical System - Body - 163 Chassis
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Page 1627 of 4133

The digital components of the radio and navigation unit (A2/56)are interlinked via the digital data bus
( D2B ). Control data, audio signals and other information are transmitted between the various system
components via the digital data bus ( D2B ) Since some of the individual components operate with various data
formats or place different requirements on the transmission speed and transmission security, various bus
systems are installed.
MODULAR CONTROL SYSTEM (MCS) FUNCTION DESCRIPTION CONTENTS - GF82.85-P-0995GIZ
MODEL 163 as of 1.9.01 with CODE (522) Modular control system (MCS) radio USA with CODE (357)
Navigation system - additional unit with CODE (818b) Single CD player - additional unit with CODE
(819) 6-disk CD changer with CODE (491) U.S. version
Switch on/off behavior,
function GF82.85-P-2006GI
Radio operation, function GF82.60-P-2001GI
CD-player mode, function GF82.60-P-2002GI
Telephone mode, function GF82.85-P-2007GI
Cassette mode, function GF82.85-P-2010GI
Navigation mode, function GF82.85-P-2012GI
Volume/tone adjustments,
function GF82.60-P-2003GI
Radio/navigation unit
location/task/design/ function GF82.61-P-4109GI
Modular control system (MCS),
function* for USA onlyGF82.85-P-0011GI
Switch on/off behavior,
function GF82.85-P-2006GI
Radio operation, function GF82.60-P-2001GI
CD-player mode, function GF82.60-P-2002GI
Telephone mode, function GF82.85-P-2007GI
Starguide, function GF82.85-P-2014GI
Information service, function GF82.85-P-3016GI
Data transmission for
Starguide, function GF82.85-P-3017GI
Cassette mode, function GF82.85-P-2010GI
Navigation mode, function GF82.85-P-2012GI
Voice output, function GF82.85-P-3001GI
Volume/tone adjustments,
function GF82.60-P-2003GI
Constant map matching,
function GF82.61-P-2002GI
Basic location finding, function GF82.61-P-3006GI
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 ACCESSORIES & BODY, CAB Electrical System - Body - 163 Chassis
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Page 1628 of 4133

CONTENTS, FUNCTION DESCRIPTION OF COCKPIT MANAGEMENT AND DATA SYSTEM (COMAND) - GF82.85-P-
0997GHZ
MODEL 163
Global positioning system
location finding, function GF82.61-P-3007GI
Map-supported location
finding, function GF82.61-P-3008GI
Route calculation, function GF82.61-P-3011GI
Dynamic route guidance,
function GF82.61-P-4003GI
Guidance, function GF82.61-P-3012GI
Destination guidance in
digitized map area, function GF82.61-P-4000GI
Destination guidance in non-
digitized map area, function GF82.61-P-4001GI
Modular control system (MCS)
survey of system components
location/task/design/ function GF82.85-P-9995GIZ
Cockpit management and data system
(COMAND) function GF82.85-P-0003GH
Switch-on/switch-off characteristics,
function GF82.85-P-2006GH
Radio operation, function GF82.60-P-2001GH
CD-player mode, function GF82.60-P-2002GH
Volume/tone adjustments, function GF82.60-P-2003GH
Navigation mode, function GF82.85-P-2012GH
Constant map matching, function GF82.61-P-2002GH
Basic location finding, function GF82.61-P-3006GH
Global positioning system location
finding, function GF82.61-P-3007GH
Map-supported location finding,
function GF82.61-P-3008GH
Route computation, function GF82.61-P-3011GH
Destination-finding system, function GF82.61-P-3012GH
Destination finding in digitized map
area, function GF82.61-P-4000GH
Destination finding in non-digitized
map area, function GF82.61-P-4001GH
Dynamic destination finding, functionWith dynamic
destination finding
(code 815) not for GF82.61-P-4003GH
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 ACCESSORIES & BODY, CAB Electrical System - Body - 163 Chassis
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Page 1629 of 4133

SWITCH ON/OFF BEHAVIOR, FUNCTION - GF82.85-P-2006B
MODEL 163, 168, 170, 203.0 /2 /7, 208, 209.3 /4, 210 with CODE (353) Audio 30 APS
ON/off characteristics
The radio (A2) is switched on by pressing the "ON" button. The radio (A2) likewise switches On automatically
by rotating the ignition key (models 163, 168, 170, 208, 210) or transmitter key (A8/1) (models 203, 209) into
position 1 "circuit 15R ON", provided that it was switched on immediately before the last time "circuit 15R
ON" was switched off. However, if the radio (A2) was switched off last, only the following components are
activated with "circuit 15R ON":
Digital databus (D2B)
Continuous location finding
In this case the display on the radio (A2) remains Off. This allows quick availability of the system when the
"ON" button is then actuated.
Following each switch-on operation, the system returns to the state in which it was before it was last switched
off (e.g. navigation basic menu).
The bus systems and navigation processor for location finding (for quicker readiness for operation) are
already activated when the driver door is opened.
Switch off characteristics
The system is switched off by switching off at the "ON" button or when "circuit 15R ON" is switched off.
The unit switches off automatically after an hour, if when switching on the ignition key (models 163, 168, 170,
208, 210) or transmitter key (A8/1) (models 203, 209) has not been inserted in the ignition switch.
Run-on time/navigation
CTEL mode, functionFor MB CTEL
standard (code 853)
or MB portable
CTEL (code 854).GF82.85-P-2007GH
Voice command, function GF82.85-P-3001GH
Table of contents, function description
of antenna system (ATS) GF82.62-P-0999B
Overview of system components for
cockpit management and data system
(COMAND ),
location/task/design/function GF82.85-P-
9997GHZ
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 ACCESSORIES & BODY, CAB Electrical System - Body - 163 Chassis
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Page 1630 of 4133

The data on the current navigation are stored for 12 hours after the radio (A2) is switched off.
SWITCH-ON/OFF CHARACTERISTICS, FUNCTION - GF82.85-P-2006GI
MODEL 163 as of 1.9.01 with CODE (522) Modular control system (MCS) radio USA with CODE (357)
Navigation system - additional unit with CODE (818b) Single CD player - additional unit with CODE
(491) U.S. version
Switch-on characteristics
Activation of entire system
When the ignition/starter switch is turned to position 1(c.15R, ON ) the display is switched on , if the radio
and navigation module (A2/56) has been switched on before the ignition key was removed the last time.
The radio and navigation module (A2/56) is now ready for operation. The system active before the last
switch-off (e.g. radio) is switched on and the corresponding basic menu displayed. If the radio and navigation
module (A2/56) has been switched off for longer than 60 min a warning display appears with general
specifications for using the system.
When a telephone call is received the radio and navigation module (A2/56) switches on automatically.
Behavior when rotary knob is pressed
The radio and navigation module (A2/56) can also be switched on the when the remote control ke
y (A8/1) is
removed by actuating the rotary knob.
All functions are then available for 60 min . After expiration of 60 min the radio and navigation module
(A2/56) switches off automatically.
This function can only be repeated by actuating the rotary knob again.
Switch-off characteristics
The radio and navigation module (A2/56) can be switched off by turning the ignition key to position 0 c. 15C,
OFF ).
Radio operation, function GF82.60-P-2001B
CD-player mode,
function GF82.60-P-2002B
Telephone mode,
functionModel 209GF82.85-P-2007QA
Navigation mode,
functionModel 163, 168,
170,208,210GF82.85-P-2012B
Model 203, 209GF82.85-P-2012EE
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 ACCESSORIES & BODY, CAB Electrical System - Body - 163 Chassis
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Page 1631 of 4133

When the rotary knob is actuated in the switched-on state the radio and navigation module (A2/56)can be
switched off.
Switch-off characteristics when voltage is too low
The central processor in the radio and navigation module (A2/56) permanently monitors the battery voltage.
Depending on the voltage value the system will act as follows:
The battery voltage less than 9.5 volts
If the battery voltage drops below 9.5 volts the radio and navigation module (A2/56) switches off
automatically.
If the system switches off and the voltage increases to greater than 9.5 volt the radio and navigation module
(A2/56) does not switch back on automatically.
If the system switches off it can be switched back on manually .
TELEPHONE MODE, FUNCTION - GF82.85-P-2007GI
MODEL 163 as of 1.9.01 with CODE (522) Modular control system (MCS) radio USA with CODE (357)
Navigation system - additional unit with CODE (818b) Single CD player - additional unit with CODE
(491) U.S. version
Radio mode, function GF82.60-P-2001GI
CD-player mode,
function GF82.60-P-2002GI
Telephone mode,
function GF82.85-P-2007GI
Cassette mode, function GF82.85-P-2010GI
Navigation mode,
function GF82.85-P-2012GI
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 ACCESSORIES & BODY, CAB Electrical System - Body - 163 Chassis
me
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Page 1632 of 4133

Fig. 84: MCS Telephone System Block Diagram
The telephone system can be operated as follows:
directly on the radio and navigation module (A2/56) or
with the portable cellular telephone (A34/6) or
with the telephone handset (A34)
Making a call, function
The data telegrams (e.g. button actuation) for controlling the telephone system are relayed to the telephone
transmitter/receiver (A35) from the radio and navigation module (A2/56) via the digital data bus ( D2B )
The actual telephone connection is completed by the CTEL/GPS antenna splitter (A2/57) and the CTEL and
GPS roof antenna (A2/49)
The audio source is automatically muted during a telephone call.
After switching over to the telephone mode the following display appears:
Strength of received signal (illustrated with 5 beams )
Message indicating readiness for telephone mode with "Ready" display.
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 ACCESSORIES & BODY, CAB Electrical System - Body - 163 Chassis
me
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