W211 CAN B Hacking







i have a set of seats from 2017 cla, they bolt in. However obviously the seat controls aren’t working.
i had previously installed them In another car (non can bus) and using the seat controler(Lin) to the door controller (can) I was able to wire directly to can on the seat.
Question is, where too from here. I could have it closed circuit like I had previously but I think ideally I’d like to intercept the w211 seat controller can messages and then trigger can messages to control the newer seats via arduino or similar.




I do not have listings of the messaging of cars beyond PTCAN for protocol, but if you do, I can probably assist in a translation matrix.
I do not have listings of the messaging of cars beyond PTCAN for protocol, but if you do, I can probably assist in a translation matrix.
Ahh I see. As in, re pin the harness from the new seats to suit the older W211 seat controller box? I'd need to try and get a wiring pinout/diagram for the seats.
Hypothetically, could two protocols exist in the same bus if the timing is different?
Last edited by bawbanksy; Aug 11, 2024 at 11:18 PM.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG




I’ve recently completed a manual swap on my W211 648 using a BMW gearbox. However, I encountered an issue involving the automatic shifter and its integration with the CAN Bus system. I’m hoping to get some guidance on replicating the CAN messages for reverse, drive, and park using an Arduino setup.
I'm using an Arduino Uno with a CAN Bus shield.
I started by trying Alex’s sketch but encountered an error:
class MCP2515' has no member named 'sendMsg'.
https://github.com/angelovAlex/can-bus-w211/tree/master
I’ve since switched to using Adam’s CANDrive library: CANDrive GitHub link, which has allowed me to successfully sniff CAN-C using the access block in the passenger door sill.
https://github.com/adamtheone/canDrive
I'm able to capture the following filtered CAN messages from the automatic shifter:
I’ve attempted to replay the captured messages with the Arduino. When I broadcast the message before turning the ignition on, the dashboard correctly displays "P" when switched on. However, when I try switching to the reverse message, the dashboard does not update to reflect the change. It only updates if I cycle the ignition, although the Android radio will exit reverse mode after a few seconds even though the message is still being broadcasted.
My goal is to install an Arduino in the car that:
Sends a reverse message when the reverse switch on the gearbox is triggered.
Sends a drive message when the handbrake is off and the car isn’t in park or reverse.
Sends a park message when the handbrake is engaged.
I’m new to CAN Bus hacking and would appreciate any pointers on why my messages aren't working as expected
Thanks in advance for your help!
Last edited by gareth8585485; Sep 14, 2024 at 12:53 PM.








https://github.com/garethiowc/W211-G...ector-Emulator
This is my first canbus project and i'm open to any pointers/feedback


