OK, I'm going to drop back a bit and address two different situations.
Situation one is where the owner buys a new nav DVD but gets a "disc not recognized" readout when trying to use it. According to konigstiger's post at
MBWorld.org Forums - View Single Post - Navigation Service Update DVD?? this situation is addressed by Service Disc W211 589
15 22 00. You can see photos of the disc, its jacket, and use instructions (such as they are) at
For Sale - Navigation Service DVD - 211 589 15 22 00 - MBWorld.org Forums
As you may know, each new navigation map DVD contains a software update in addition to new map data. If you skip several map update discs, you may reach a point where your system will not recognize the newest map DVD as it attempts to update nav software. Service Disc W211 589 15 22 00 applies all of the "missing" pieces that would have been applied by each annual update, and allows the newest disc to be recognized. That Service Disc is used in the nav map disc reader, and it updates the same components that the sequential annual updates would.
If you update your map DVD each year, you should not have to apply Service Disc W211 589 15 22 00. I do not know how many discs you can successfully skip - it probably depends on the amount of software change year to year.
Situation 2 is the COMAND firmware update to provide ETA and cell phone signal strength while navigation is underway. As I read konigstiger's post, that is accomplished through Service Disc W211 589
14 22 00 - and it updates the COMAND head unit, not the nav system per se. My best guess is that it is used in the COMAND CD/DVD reader and not the nav disc reader, because the disc is a CD, not a DVD, according to its verbal description.
Once you have updated the COMAND head unit, you should be able to follow the instructions at post 9 at
COMAND Service Menu Access - MBWorld.org Forums.
Monkeyclaw gave the correct information for the proper Service Disc and the instructions for selecting ETA and cell signal strength in his response at
Re:comand firmware - MBWorld.org Forums
Starbrite mentions in the second linked post above that the COMAND unit update may remove access to the Engineering Menu (no big loss - little need for the owner to access it) and also removes the ability to make nav entries in motion. He goes on further to say that the dealer can re-implement the nav entries in motion feature (I often ask my passenger to make these entries while traveling, so it is useful).
With that, I believe we have our final answer. The fact that the two Service Discs carry a W211 designation, not W220, and differ in part number by only one digit didn't make this any easier to untangle.
Each Service Disc costs about $25. I do know that many dealers will apply the map update software free, if you have bought a new Nav DVD and get the "disc not recognized" readout. I don't know about the head unit update being done free.
Please also note - these discs are likely sold as TOOLS, not a "parts." You may not be able to order them via your parts counter. It is likely that your dealer service department 1) has them for their own use, and 2) may be willing to order them for you (since they order tools).
Also - this post was originally made in 2008 - it is very likely the part numbers have changed!! I will not be "tracking" future changes.