[pthiringer]

I recently purchased a gently used 2008 E350. It supposedly has Voice Command, but it is not working. It has the 396 / Linguatronic-American coding on the data card, and the dealer verified that the system was installed but not working. I used it as a negotiation point with the seller at the time, as I didn't really care that much about voice control and wasn't buying the car for that feature.

Now that I have the car, though, I am curious to see if I can get it working. Does anyone have any experience with troubleshooting this system? I pull the lever and nothing happens. Also, I do not see the “VC Tips” soft button on my Comand display, which my manual says is supposed to appear on the right when I push the SERV button.

I've read a few posts about the Linguatronic module going bad. Apparently they aren't being manufactured anymore, but modules are available on eBay. Should I just take a chance and try to replace it?

 

[LasCondes]

I recently added VC to my '05 W211, but have yet to get it to work. I took it to dealer a couple of days ago to Version Code, but they could not, even though they did could not come up with any code. I had picked up a VC module for cheap, and I'm thinking it could be the culprit, and if I change it, that could solve my problem. They're not expensive and are all over the place. But, I am also questioning if I did the wiring correctly, coz I had to hook up the VC module with a newly obtained fiber optic wiring cable.

In your case, it's very possible your VC module is shot, since car already had that capability, so I'd venture to get a used module for $25-$35, which would be cheaper than taking it to the stealer to troubleshoot. I have the PDF on how to install this.

 

[pthiringer]

In your case, it's very possible your VC module is shot, since car already had that capability, so I'd venture to get a used module for $25-$35, which would be cheaper than taking it to the stealer to troubleshoot. I have the PDF on how to install this.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. If I can pick up one cheap and if the install is not too bad, it's worth a try. I'd love to see the PDF instructions. Do you happen to have the part number, to make sure I am searching for the right thing?

 

[LasCondes]

The VC Module part number for facelift W211 is: 2048202085.

I am unable to post the installation PDF here as it's a little larger than what this forum allows. I just found out PDF is for MY's '05-'06, so not sure if it would work for you, but if you PM me an email address, I'll be more than happy to forward it.

 

[konigstiger]

I recently purchased a gently used 2008 E350. It supposedly has Voice Command, but it is not working.

Depending on production date control unit may need replacement.

 

[pthiringer]

Depending on production date control unit may need replacement.

Thanks for technical bulletin. That seems like the problem. My car is a model 211.087 I believe, manufactured in 08/2007, so it falls within the range of the bulletin.

Unfortunately, the part number for VCS is A203 820 82 85, not the same one as listed earlier in this thread. I guess there were several made for this model of car. Mine is much harder to find, and much more expensive. The cheapest I can find is $150, whereas I can get the A204 820 20 85 (made by Continental) for under $50.

Any idea whether the Continental version would work? I guess I should probably pull out my existing VCS module to be absolutely sure of the number of the part that needs to be replaced.