MOST System

416 HO MOST (CooksonI)

07-01-04
These technical training materials are current as of the date noted on the materials, and may be revised or updated without notice.
Always check for revised or updated information.

To help avoid personal injury to you or others, and to avoid damage to the vehicle on which you are working, you must always refer
to the latest Mercedes-Benz Technical Publication and follow all pertinent instructions when testing, diagnosing or making repair.
Illustrations and descriptions in this training reference are based on preliminary information and may not correspond to the final US
version vehicles. Refer to the official introduction manual and WIS when available.
Copyright Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, 2004

WIS document numbers shown apply to WIS Version USA/CDN at date of writing.

Reproduction by any means or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted
without written authorization from Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC or it's successors.
Published by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Printed in U. S.A.

2
 What is MOST?
• The MOST acronym is derived from the words:
“Media Oriented System Transport”

• An evolution of the fiber optic ring and electrical wake-up

configuration used in the D2B system

• A communication standard created by DCAG, Becker, and other

corporations (unlike D2B that was exclusive to MB)

• One of the vehicle communication networks:

- connecting the audio system to other vehicle networks

Note: MOST system may also be referred to as NTG 1

(New Telematics Generation 1)
3
 MOST Introduction
• Introduced from beginning of E Class (W211) production
• Future models will change to or be introduced with MOST

MY 2003 W211

MY 2004 C215 W220 W/V240 •

MY 2004 (April / May) W/S/CL203

MY 2005 R171 ‚ C/A209 W219 ƒ R230

MY 2006 W164 „ X164 … W251 †

• Front audio system only „ New M Class

‚ New SLK … New G Class
ƒ CLS † Grand Sports Tourer

Note: This information is preliminary and subject to change.

SLR will be introduced with D2B system and no current plans to change to MOST.
4
 Advantages Over D2B
• Reduced development cost due to communication standard for
multiple manufacturers

• Multiple manufacturers able to supply components

• Faster transmission of data, with even higher rates possible (see chart)

• More devices possible (see chart)

• Reduced possibility of complete failure:

- additional wake-up method
- failure mode in MOST components (watchdog function)

• Longer fiber optic cable length possible (see chart)

5
 Comparison: D2B vs. MOST
Description D2B MOST
Data Transmission rate Up to 5.65Mbps Up to 24.8Mbps
Maximum number of devices 6 64 •

Minimum fiber bend radius 25mm Do not kink

33ft w/o in-line connector 69ft w/o in-line connector
Maximum fiber optic length
10ft with 3 in-line connectors 13ft with 3 in-line connectors
Audio 20* or Audio Gateway
Bus Master Radio/COMAND
(AGW)
Gateway to CAN B & Audio 20* or Audio Gateway
Radio/COMAND
Diagnostic interface (AGW)

Wake-up method Electrical Electrical or optical

Berger fiber optic tester Can be used Cannot be used

Passive fiber optic connector

A000 545 33 84 A000 545 44 84
for testing purposes

• Currently have capabilities to configure up to 16 locations

* W/S/CL203, R171 with HU entry class Audio 20 6
 Basic Network Principle
Network generally consists of: CAN B

• MOST master
- AGW or Audio 20 HU AGW
AGW
MOST
MOSTMaster
Master

• MOST slave components

- HU (if AGW fitted) CP
CP Head
HeadUnit
Unit
MOST
MOSTSlave MOST
MOSTSlave
- Communications Platform (CP) Slave Slave

- Hands-Free Module (HFM)

Hands-Free
Hands-Free
• Optical cables connect MOST
MOSTSlave
Slave

components in a single ring Representation only

• Components are all connected by • Additional components can be

an electrical wake-up circuit added to the optical ring:
- CD changer
• Each component supplies voltage - Navigation
- Satellite radio
to wake-up circuit
- etc… 7
 MOST Component Manufacturers
• Audio Gateway (AGW), (N93/1) - Harman/Becker

• Compact Disc Changer (CDC), (A2/6) – Alpine

• Head Unit, HU (A2/56) or COMAND - Harman/Becker Siemens Alpine

• Navigation drive / processor (N41/1) - Harman/Becker

• Communications Platform (CP), (N112) - Motorola

– Handset Support Electronics (HSE)
– TELE AID
– Global Positioning System (location of car for TELE AID)

• Hands Free Module (HFM), (A35/1) - AKG

or
Voice Control System (VCS), (A35/11) - Temic/Motorola

• Satellite Digital Audio Receiver (SDAR), (N87/5) – Delphi

• Sound Amplifier (V220 / C215 MY 2004) - Bose

8
 Bus Master
• Bus master of MOST system:

- Audio 20 Head unit (HU)

(MOST entry class)
or
- Audio Gateway (AGW) Audio 20 HU
(Audio 50, COMAND, MCS II)

• Various versions of AGW are available

for use in various models or equipment
level in USA:
- Maybach
- Audio system without Logic 7
- Audio system with Logic 7
- Audio system with separate
sound amplifier AGW

Note: AGW installation location varies with model. 9

 Bus Master
Bus master is responsible for:

• Storing the ring configuration

• Provides voltage for it’s wake-up line
• Monitors electrical wake-up line for ring start request from slave
component
• Issuing an electrical wake-up signal
• Issuing a ‘ring start’ optical message
• Maintaining ‘ring lock’ after ‘ring start’
• Switching off the ring
• Determining & storing fault codes related to itself and ring errors
• Diagnostic gateway for MOST components
• Gateway between MOST components & CAN B
• Performing a diagnostic wake-up upon request from SDS / DAS

10
 Bus Master
• In addition to being the MOST bus
master the AGW (or Audio 20 HU)
incorporates:
• Radio tuner
• Sound amplifier*
• Sound adjustment controls*:
- speed dependant volume
- DRO (Dynamic Range Optimization)

• AGW can be flashed for future

MOST developments or enhancements

• Refer to DTB bulletins for latest Location: Left side trunk (W211 shown)
enhancement software release
(as of 02/04 SW 49/03 DTB P-B-82.85/325)

* Incorporated in separate sound amplifier if fitted

11
 Bus Slaves
In addition to normal role of the MOST component, the bus slaves are
responsible for:

• Providing voltage for it’s wake-up line

• Monitoring electrical wake-up line for ‘ring start’ request
• Issuing an electrical wake-up signal for ‘ring start’ request
• Monitoring FOT IN for optical ‘ring start’ message at all times
• Maintaining ‘ring lock’ after ‘ring start’
• Failure mode / Watchdog function
• Determining & storing fault codes related to itself
• Communicate diagnostic information when requested on the MOST
network
• Respond to a diagnostic wake-up, upon request from master

Note: All MOST components have an internal temperature sensor that

will shut down the component if it reaches 194°F.

12
 Optical Cable
A = Release tab
B = Direction of data flow

Combination Connector

• Not interchangeable with D2B

• Manufactured with tighter tolerances
(more durable than D2B cables)
• May be combined with electrical connector
(combination connector)
• Different plastic ferrules from D2B
• Both ends are clear in color
- light at cable = input to device
- no light at cable = output from device

13
 Electrical Wake-Up
• Wake-up lines are connected by a Z splice on C215/V220 (Z35/10)
• Wire colors - Blue / Black

Location: Under driver seat (V220 shown)

14
 Electrical Wake-Up
• Wake-up lines are connected by
X30/8 connector plug on W/S211
Part # A003 546 20 40

• Wire color - Pink

Bridge cover engaged Bridge cover pulled up
connecting wake-up lines disconnecting wake-up lines

X30/8

Bridge cover removed

showing two lock positions

Location: Clipped onto left front sill trough (S/W211) Bridge cover showing
connecting bridge 15
 Wake-Up Connector X30/8
• X30/8 has provisions for up to 10
wake-up lines

• Number of wake-up lines varies

with model year and country code:
- USA MY 03 W211 =6
- USA MY 04 W/S211 = 7

• As vehicles are pre-wired for

optional equipment, you may find
that only some of the wake-up lines
have voltage on when checked
(with the bridge cover removed)
Location: Right front sill trough (W211)
• Voltage measured may be
anywhere from battery voltage to
~4.5 volts
16
 MOST Wake-Up
• Optical bus is awakened when bus master recognizes:
- CAN B active
CAN B
- terminal 15R/15 ON
- electrical wake-up request
AGW
from a MOST component AGW
MOST
MOSTMaster
Master

• All MOST components have CP

CP Head
HeadUnit
Unit
capability to request a wake-up MOST
MOSTSlave
Slave MOST
MOSTSlave
Slave

via electrical wake-up line

Hands-Free
Hands-Free
• MOST slave components monitor MOST
MOSTSlave
Slave
Representation only
receiving FOT, as well as the
electrical wake-up line when system is OFF

• MOST slave components will wake-up if they receive an

electrical wake-up or an optical wake-up pulse

• Bus master will not respond to an optical wake-up pulse

17
 MOST Wake-Up
1.Electrical and optical wake-up pulse are sent simultaneously
2.Components wake-up and pass message around ring to master
3.If master receives optical message back, then initiates and
maintains “ring lock”

CAN B
v Electrical Wake-up
12
High AGW
AGW
MOST
MOSTMaster
Master
5 Undefined
3
Low ms
0 CP
CP Head
HeadUnit
Unit
MOST
MOSTSlave
Slave MOST
MOSTSlave
Slave
80 ms approx.

Optical Wake-up
Hands-Free
Hands-Free
MOST
MOSTSlave
Slave
2000 ms approx. Representation only

18
 Ring Failure

Version Coding & Configuration

Electrical fault

Optical fault

Failure Mode / Watchdog Function

19
 Configuration & Version Coding
• In order for the ring to function properly, the master MUST know the
number of components on the ring and ORDER of those components
with respect to the master.

• Refer to the latest Service Information or bulletin for the correct

configuration:

Currently:
Date: August 2000 & October 2002
Document No.: SI-82.64/135 & S-B-82.70/135B
Group: 82

NOTE: Improper version coding and / or incorrect sequencing of

components may result in intermittent and / or abnormal
operation of the ring.

20
 Configuration

Always check ring configuration is correct and corresponds to equipment

level using SDS / DAS.
21
 Ring Configuration
W/S 211 MOST Ring configuration
• Optical ring connects
components like D2B

• Audio Gateway* is master

• Others components are

slave units

• Electrical wake-up line is

connected in a star topology
similar to D2B

• Each component supplies

voltage to wake-up line = Wake-up line connector - X30/8
SDAR = Satellite radio module
CP = Communications Platform
* MY2005 C Class with Audio 20 will incorporate MOST master in radio head unit. 22
 Ring Configuration
C215 / V220 MOST Ring configuration
• Optical ring connects
components like D2B

• Audio Gateway* is master

• Others components are

slave units

• Electrical wake-up line is

connected in a star topology
similar to D2B

• Each component supplies

voltage to wake-up line = Wake-up line connector junction Z splice
CP = Communications Platform

* MY2005 C Class with Audio 20 will incorporate MOST master in radio head unit. 23
 Electrical Fault on Wake-Up Line
• If the electrical wake-up line has an open circuit or is shorted to power,
the ring could still be started using the optical wake-up pulse from the
master:
Note: Only slave units can be woken up by an optical wake-up pulse.

• Optical wake-up pulse is sent when:

- CAN B is active
or
- terminal 15R / 15 ON

• Master can respond to an optical message on the ring, as long as the ring
was active (e.g. Press Power button on HU)

• What might the customer complaint be in this case?

“At times the radio will not switch on”

• DTC’s may provide a fault code associated with the wake-up line
24
 Electrical Fault on Wake-Up Line
• If the electrical wake-up line has a short to ground:

Scenario 1 - system may operate as if there was an open or short to

positive (see previous page).

Scenario 2 - may cause CAN B to remain active and when audio system
turned on, will shortly switch off again (as seen at the head
unit) no audio

Scenario 3 - if the audio system is operating with CAN B inactive and

then a fault happens that shorts the wake-up line to
ground, the sound may cut out after ~65 seconds. The
audio screen will remain unchanged but 30 – 40 seconds
later CAN B will become active. If the audio system is
switched off and then switched on again the audio system
will act like scenario 2 above.

These scenarios are based on practical experience with select vehicles – subject to change
25
 Optical Fault
• Optical ring will not achieve ring lock if optical ring is open
• Master will attempt ring start, if ring start is not successful within 2.5
seconds, master will retry
• Master will attempt ring start 9 times

CAN B
v Electrical Wake-up
12
AGW
AGW
MOST
MOSTMaster
Master
5
3
time
0 seconds CP
CP Head
HeadUnit
Unit
MOST
MOSTSlave
Slave MOST
MOSTSlave
Slave
0 10 20

Optical Wake-up
Hands-Free
Hands-Free
MOST
MOSTSlave
Slave

Representation only

26
 Fault Detection
• Components are programmed to send a optical roll call message if
ring lock is not achieved after 9 ring start attempts

• Master determines appropriate fault code based on components it

heard back from on the optical ring similar to D2B

• Checking DTC’s may provide a fault code associated with location of

ring break

• To determine if problem is electrical or optical perform:

“Check of wake-up line to the MOST components”

Note: The optical ring does not have to be opened to perform this test

27
 Diagnostic Wake-Up
v Note: Optical ring does NOT need to be open to do this test
12

5
3

Bose Amp (7.9 s)

Satellite radio (6.5 / 7.2 s ??)
Navigation (5.8 s)
Telephone adapter (4.4 / 5.1 s ??)
Diagnostic
Wake-up Head unit / COMAND (3.7 s)
(500 ms) CD Changer (3.0 s)
VCS / HFM (2.3 s)
TV tuner - MOST (currently only Maybach for USA (1.6 s)
Telecommunications (0.9 s)
28
 Electrical or Optical Fault?

*
*

*
*
NO REACTION = Component not fitted or electrical problem at component
-ü- = Component responded (electrically OK)
Note: 1) Test takes longer to perform than the equivalent D2B test because the test is performed
twice, with the results of the second test being displayed.
2) *COMAND HU (V220) / CDC (W/S211) / Navigation (W/S211) / Satellite radio (W/S211)
does not always respond to this test, even if there is no current problem. 29
 Visual Check of MOST Ring
• Remove optical plug connector from one of the MOST components,
ensure the electrical part is still connected
• Switch ON the head unit or restart optical ring with DAS
• Observe fiber end of removed connector watching
for optical flashes
• What you should see:
– 9 + flashes indicate that MOST circuit is
probably OK up to that component
(incoming optical cables and preceding
components)*

• Also observe the component’s cable connector socket (FOT)

– 1 or more flashes from the component after the 9 flashes occur at the
cable indicates:
• Component’s power and ground connections are OK
• Master has successfully awakened component
• Component’s FOT is attempting to inform Master that it is OK *

* Note: This visual check simply verifies the presence of light signals.
30
 Fault Detection

Component 1
Position 5
Segment 5
D105 Segment 4
D104

Component 2
Position 4
Note: When ring open:
D117 code also:
Segment 3
‘ring configuration
D103
deviates from
specified’
Segment 0 + 1
D100 Component 3
Position 3
Segment 2
D101 / D102
(CP: two virtual units)
Component 4
Position 1 & 2

Fault code is referenced to vehicle configuration to display correct component text on DAS
31
 Fault Detection
Component 1
Position 6

Segment 6 Component 2

D106 Segment 5 Position 5

D105

Note: When ring open:

D117 code also: Segment 4
Segment 0
‘ring configuration D104
D100
deviates from
specified’

Component 5 Component 3
Position 1 Component 4 Position 4
Segment 1 + 2 Position 2 & 3
D101 / D102 Segment 3
(CP: two virtual units) D103

Fault code is referenced to vehicle configuration to display correct component text on DAS
32
 Watchdog Function
• MOST components have a watchdog function built in

• If a component produces a fault that could cause a network

failure, a hardware reset is initiated for that individual component

• Hardware reset may resolve fault and network is re-established

• Each time a hardware reset is performed a fault code and error

counter is set in the individual component

• If hardware reset is unsuccessful, component will switch into a

bypass mode - repeater mode

• Advantage: ring lock is not lost

Note: Component must have power and ground to operate!

33
 W/S 211 Optical Cable Routing
Optical cables:
- generally run down left
side of vehicle
- have identification
number printed on them

W211 shown

Location: Left rear door sill

34
 W/S 211 Optical Cable Routing
C

Passive
connectors
(A000 545 44 84)
can be used to
substitute a
component.
MY 03 - This information is subject to change.
35
 W/S 211 Optical Cable Routing

• Numbers printed on the optical cables can be used to quickly

identify and reconfigure the ring to a minimum configuration
for diagnosis purposes

• Example above shows optical cable marked 4 and 20 were

connected together

• This can be easily done at the left rear door sill area 36
 W/S211 Optical Cable Routing
C

15

11

C
8
Pre-wiring ‘loops’ in vehicle include:
- XX16 & 14 for Navigation
- 8 & 10 for Satellite Radio 10 SDAR

MY 04 - This information is subject to change.

37
 W/S211 Optical Cable Routing

If vehicle equipped
with CDC

If vehicle not
equipped with CDC

38
 V220 Optical Cable Routing
N35/11

1700

1697 1713
A2/6

1386
1721

1733
1732
1715

1733
5 4 1732
A2/6 - CD changer
A2/13 - Sound amp
A40/3 - COMAND HU
N35/11 - Voice control system
N41/1 - Navigation
N87/5 - Satellite radio
With Satellite radio installed N112 - Communications Platform

This information is subject to change.

39
 MCS II (MOST - NTG2)

New Telematics Generation 2 (NTG2) is the name given to the

next generation of MOST.
40
 NTG 2
• Audio units that are NTG 2 currently are the Audio 20 and MCS ll units
installed in MY2005 C Class (203 MOPF), MY2005 CLK Class (209
MOPF) and the new M Class (W164)

• Main difference as compared to NTG 1 is that the head unit and the
AGW are contained within one unit

• HU and AGW communicate over a ‘el. MOST’ node within the unit

el. MOST
HU AGW

41
 NTG 2
• Not all Audio 20 units are NTG 2, for example the new SLK (R171)
uses the Audio 20 that is still a NTG 1 system.

• Example below shows one possible way to determine if you have

a NTG 2 system. Note the description for Audio 20.

Note: Subject to change 42

 Specified Configuration Note
• If the MOST specified configuration
is not coded for any components on
the MOST ring then the ring will not
be active.

• In this example the sound amplifier

(A2/13), CDC (A2/6) & Phone
(N123/1) would not be seen
as the system considers the HU &
AGW are the complete ring

• As the sound amplifier is on the

MOST ring no sound would be heard
or any CDC or phone functions
would work

43
 Specified Configuration Note
• Once a component is specified on
the MOST ring, then the ring will
become active and function as
known from NTG 1 system

• Even if only one of the three MOST

components was configured the
optical ring would be active and the
master would report the actual
configuration does not match the
specified configuration

• Always ensure the specified

configuration is correct for the
vehicle options

44
Diagnostic Resources

NetStar

DAS

EDAC

45
EDAC

46
 Service Tip
• Previous MB owners may complain that their new vehicle equipped
with MOST does not allow them to change the setting between
Station Search or Memory presets in the Instrument Cluster settings.

• Although some MOST equipped vehicles can be version coded with

SDS / DAS to display the option in the Instrument Cluster, changing
the setting will have no effect on the function.

• Only station search by frequency is supported with MOST

47
 Reference Section
The following pages contain preliminary details on:

• Optical cable numbering for:

• MY 2005 Model 171 with Audio 20 (NTG 1)
• MY 2005 Model 171 with COMAND (NTG 1)
• MY 2005 Model 203 with Audio 20 (NTG 2)
• MY 2005 Model 203 with COMAND (NTG 2)
(This equipment will not be offered in USA but may be
similar to the MCS ll layout that USA will have)

48
 Audio 20 in Model 171 (NTG 1)

A2 - Radio (Audio 20)

A2/6 - CD Changer
N123/1 - Smart cradle control module (UHI)

Typical configuration if CD Changer

and phone fitted.

Minimum configuration by connecting Note: Preliminary information from European model

optical cable 4 to 20 under passenger
seat eliminating phone (if fitted)
49
 COMAND in Model 171 (NTG 1)
A2/6 - CD Changer
A40/3 - COMAND HU
N41/1 - NAV processor
N93/1 - Audio gateway
N123/1 - Smart cradle control module (UHI)
•

Typical configuration if CD Changer

NAV processor & phone fitted.

• Optional VCS and SAT expected to be installed

Minimum configuration by connecting here on the ring
optical cable 7 to 20 under passenger
seat eliminating phone & NAV
processor (if fitted) Note: Preliminary information from European model 50
 Audio 20 in Model 203 (NTG 2)
A2 - Audio 20 (HU)
A2/6 - CD Changer (CDW)
A2/13 - Sound amplifier
N123/1 - Smart cradle control
module (UHI)

Note: Preliminary information from European model 51

COMAND in Model 203 (NTG 2)

Note: USA will have MCS ll unit, which may

use the same optical layout except that
the headunit will be a MCS ll unit rather
than a COMAND unit.

This is subject to verification when vehicle is

available.

Note: Preliminary information from European model

52