nanu13

Does anyone know about the backwards compatibility of SAMs?

For example would the following statement(s) be true?:

All w220 by year,

06 only compatible with 06 part numbers
03 compatible with 03-06 part numbers
00 compatible with 00-06 part numbers

shardul

iTrader: (1)

all are compatible they just have to be re-coded to the options on the car.

nanu13

So unless its the same code for the year, it will have to be coded via STAR?

vmystikilv

no no, even if its the same year, your car has a unique set of options. You may end up installing a sam and some option may not work because its not turned on. Its like the radio system. If you car was coded to have a cd changer and you put one in it will never work until its activated.

nanu13

May be something to that, idk.

Update:
I have now tried two different SAMs, one with the original number thats in my car and one with the designated replacement to that SAM based on my VIN

both exhibited the same issue. No a/c after installing while fixing a blinker issue.

Pop the original back in and voila a/c works again, but of course no blinker.

I would or would have, argued that while it sounds reasonable, all the options on that particular SAM, AFAIK are all stock option with the exception of if you had ABC. So everything SHOULD just work. Obviously however, there's more to the issue. I couldn't find anything else that didn't work just the A/c.

vmystikilv

two bad sam's?


when having tried all that is possible, while improbable, what remains is the truth...

nanu13

I wouldn't think 2 bad SAMs w same exact issue but I suppose it possible.

At this point I'm going to try and have it coded and see like u suggested. I'll keep you posted with results