SL/R230: 2003 SL500 Instrument Cluster Replacement with SL55 Gauges
10-31-2009, 01:56 PM
#1
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2003 SL500 AMG Sport
2003 SL500 Instrument Cluster Replacement with SL55 Gauges
I got my hands on an instrument cluster from a 2003 SL55. Can I put this in my 2003 SL500? If so, what do I need to have done? Any input is appreciated.
07-28-2016, 07:24 PM
#2
07-28-2016, 08:15 PM
#3
Super Member
As much as i know it cannot be done. Due to speed marks and other programming code (?) it does not fit from other series. 500 -> 500, and so on. Just to replace one you will need DOIS (and Star) system to do it. it's not a plug and play thing.
But i might be wrong ^_^
Regards
But i might be wrong ^_^
Regards
07-28-2016, 08:31 PM
#4
As much as i know it cannot be done. Due to speed marks and other programming code (?) it does not fit from3 other series. 500 -> 500, and so on. Just to replace one you will need DOIS (and Star) system to do it. it's not a plug and play thing.
But i might be wrong ^_^
Regards
But i might be wrong ^_^
Regards
07-28-2016, 10:33 PM
#5
MBworld Guru
You will definitely need SDS to code the cluster to match your car's options, but also, when the odometer mileage stored in the cluster fails to match that stored in the EIS, it will only display "------" on the cluster. You will need to use SDS to copy the mileage from the EIS to the cluster, but this can only be done with a new "virgin" cluster. You can make SDS see a donor used cluster as virgin if you zero out the odometer mileage stored in its EEPROM. There are ways to do this, but not very easy. There is a $100 tool that can do it, but it requires desoldering the EEPROM. There is a $5000 tool that can do it with no soldering. Your best bet is to send it off and pay $300 or so to have a pro zero it for you, then re-code it with SDS.
07-28-2016, 10:44 PM
#6
You will definitely need SDS to code the cluster to match your car's options, but also, when the odometer mileage stored in the cluster fails to match that stored in the EIS, it will only display "------" on the cluster. You will need to use SDS to copy the mileage from the EIS to the cluster, but this can only be done with a new "virgin" cluster. You can make SDS see a donor used cluster as virgin if you zero out the odometer mileage stored in its EEPROM. There are ways to do this, but not very easy. There is a $100 tool that can do it, but it requires desoldering the EEPROM. There is a $5000 tool that can do it with no soldering. Your best bet is to send it off and pay $300 or so to have a pro zero it for you, then re-code it with SDS.
Also, is there anyway to retrofit the newer ('09-'12) sl63 cluster with the white gauges?
07-28-2016, 10:58 PM
#7
MBworld Guru
The speed scale won't matter. The cluster gets the vehicle speed via the CAN bus. It knows where to place its needle.
There was a facelift for MY2005 that changed some CAN bus protocols, so you can't swap clusters before/after without changing out LOTS of other stuff (basically, just buy a new car at that point).
There was a facelift for MY2005 that changed some CAN bus protocols, so you can't swap clusters before/after without changing out LOTS of other stuff (basically, just buy a new car at that point).
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07-28-2016, 11:03 PM
#8
The speed scale won't matter. The cluster gets the vehicle speed via the CAN bus. It knows where to place its needle.
There was a facelift for MY2005 that changed some CAN bus protocols, so you can't swap clusters before/after without changing out LOTS of other stuff (basically, just buy a new car at that point).
There was a facelift for MY2005 that changed some CAN bus protocols, so you can't swap clusters before/after without changing out LOTS of other stuff (basically, just buy a new car at that point).
07-29-2016, 09:44 PM
#9
Super Member
Regards
07-29-2016, 10:02 PM
#10
I investigated this question when i had problem with my EIS that needed to be replaced. All the people that i talked to they said it has to be a part that matches with the VIN of your specific car. Fortunately i did not end up swapping my cluster. But when i did my research i used the EPC to make sure the cluster is compatible with my car. It was not easy to figure out, but i found the ones that i should use. You can do the same thing an see if they will fit yours. But if others have done it and it works then they should know better
Regards
Regards
07-30-2016, 06:28 PM
#11
Super Member
Although it does not seem complicated, you need to know what you're doing. What i would check with someone who did that before if the process is reversible, in case something goes wrong. you know, better safe than sorry 
And if you're not going to do that by yourself, i'd make sure he knows what he's doing. Most of them don't give you warranty on the job done.
Best wishes,
Ghostty
And if you're not going to do that by yourself, i'd make sure he knows what he's doing. Most of them don't give you warranty on the job done. Best wishes,
Ghostty
07-30-2016, 06:31 PM
#12
Although it does not seem complicated, you need to know what you're doing. What i would check with someone who did that before if the process is reversible, in case something goes wrong. you know, better safe than sorry And if you're not going to do that by yourself, i'd make sure he knows what he's doing. Most of them don't give you warranty on the job done.
Best wishes,
Ghostty
And if you're not going to do that by yourself, i'd make sure he knows what he's doing. Most of them don't give you warranty on the job done. Best wishes,
Ghostty
