If your CLK55 has Parametric steering option - Please Help.

[kjb55]

I'm writing from the W203 group for help. I have a 2005 C55 heavily modded with nearly all OEM options from both the NA and Euro versions. I'm working on my last mod (hopefully) which is retrofitting the parametric steering (code 213) which was available on the CLK55 / 63 and the black series. The rack is fitted, the wiring harness is installed. My ECU, even though coded correctly, will not energize the solenoid valve on the rack. I sourced the rack from MB direct, plus tested the solenoid which works when energized directly. I know that is all OK. EPCnet is very difficult to dicifer as to the correct ECU to get. I'm hoping that you guys that have this option on your CLK55 (preferably 2005) can give me the part number that's on your ESP ECU. It's the control unit attached to your ABS pump front left (DS) corner of the engine compartment. My best research has ECU p/n: 036 540 04 01 as being the correct ECU as it is shown for 203 and 209 cars and for 209 cars is shown with 213 coding. There is another post going on about the changes between CLK and C 55's - I'm following that post to see if ESP settings are the same between the two.

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[loudandheard]

I think you could have the wrong parametric steering rack, I believe there are two types, one for 2001-2004 and another one for 2005+. Hopefully I'm wrong. Here's a quote that might help:

Steering rack part no. is

203-460-1300 up to chassis a666024 (check the last digits of your VIN)
203-460-5200 from a555897

Basically first one is for 2001-2004
second one is 2005-2006

To check your ESP, 213 PML may be stamped on the front of it. Check engine bay.

OLD ESP no. are weeded out of EPC but the current ESP modules are

209-545-0832, 0932, 1032 which all support this mod

If you must replace your rack, might as well replace it with this rack and update the ESP module later on. The rack will function as a regular rack if you don't have it wired up.

Speed Sensitive Rack installed

[kjb55]

Thanks for the response. I did a lot of checking for previous posts, but never thought to look in the regular W203 section. Steve with MBenzl and his sister Wanda have been invaluable with this mod. I bought my mirrors, park assist and VCS through them.

I triple checked and verified with Steve and Wanda before buying the rack, which is the 52 00 number noted correctly for 05 / 06 cars in Sunil's post. I'll research those ESP numbers also.

I added the factory wiring harness, which is from pins 13 and 44 at the ESP harness to connection point 18/33 at the frame rail, and from there down to the solenoid valve. When the solenoid is energize directly the valve is opened and the steering responses correctly. The rack is much tighter in ratio overall, also. Pins 13 and 44 are present on the ESP pictured, which is not a valid number with MB or EPCnet. Module 034 545 72 32 is now the current direct number for a C55 but that does not actually list code 213, like 036 540 04 01 does.

[loudandheard]

I think this was done to a C55 by spr, apparently he used a clk63bs rack. The thing is, I don't know if he really got it to work or not. Check out his for sale thread:

FS: OEM Clk63BS steering rack – makes the car a GT3 in response and handling - $1k.

[kjb55]

The CLK63 and BS uses the same rack, the rack part number was easy to identify. I ended up in contact with the buyer of SPR's rack. I just emailed him to see if he changed his ECU and what ECU he has.

Is there anyone out there with this option on there CLK that can read the ECU part number and advise?

[kjb55]

234 views and not one is from an owner of a 2005 or 06 CLK55. Rare, yes.... but that rare? I found a 2004 CLK for sale at a local used car lot. Was fitted with a 213 + 219 (DTR) ECU, but the number is no longer valid in EPCnet.

[kjb55]

The project is successful... Liquid smooth speed sensitive power steering in a US C55.

The stock ECU 034 545 77 32, turns out, does not have the PML or 213 capability. Sourced a 034 545 78 32 and option 213 is listed on the ECU housing. The ...78 32 is for both W209 and W203.

Option 219 - Distronic is also listed. Hmmm, might just be a new project.

[loudandheard]

So you changed the ecu for the motor or the ecu for what? I have a 2005 C55 as well, but would much rather have this mod on my C32.

[kjb55]

In addition to fitting the CLK / BS steering rack, the ECU for the ABS pump (also ESP) needed to be changed. That has the logic for 213 - PML or speed sensitive steering.