Mercedes ML audio system failure

Oh dear, a silent Mercedes is a sad Mercedes indeed! My initial reaction is one of utter sympathy. An audio system failure is an annoyance of considerable magnitude. Tell me, have you observed any flickering or other anomalies with the display screen itself prior to the complete audio failure? Has the ambient temperature played a role; does the sound system cut out on hot days or cold mornings? Are other functions of the display working normally, such as navigation or the climate control interface? Could it be something as simple as a loose connection at the amplifier? I know, a barrage of questions, but it's all in the pursuit of harmonious troubleshooting!

Good questions. No flickering or obvious problems with the display itself before the audio went out. Temperature doesn't seem to be a factor either; it's failed in all conditions. Other display functions like navigation and climate control are working perfectly. A loose connection at the amp is a possibility I hadn't considered. Where is the amplifier located in this model? Is it easily accessible, or am I going to be contorting myself in impossible positions to get to it?

Given the other display functions are operating normally and the temperature independence of the failure, a display fault seems less likely, although still a possibility. Locating the amplifier can be a bit of an adventure, but often it's located in the rear cargo area, perhaps behind a panel or under the floor. However, accessibility can vary. I would suggest consulting a repair manual or a trusted workshop for precise location and access instructions. Considering the cost of a potential display replacement, a thorough diagnostic check at a reputable workshop is highly advisable before committing to any repairs. They can pinpoint the exact cause with specialized equipment.

Thanks, that's helpful advice. I appreciate you confirming my suspicion that a workshop visit is probably the best next step, particularly given the potential cost. I took your advice and brought it to the shop. Turns out the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) bus was faulty, causing the audio system to fail. The shop replaced the faulty component and the sound is back. Thanks again!