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Distronic was never offered on the w203...even though it’s all “baked in” both pre and post facelift. Rumor and internet lore states MB built 2 or 3 with it, for, um, special clients...
Some here (Sunil, MBenzNL) have shared their retrofits. And, with some amazing and great help from this forum and it’s amazing member(s) I was able to (over many many years long long ago) locate the needed parts...
Only recently did I get the last needed part and time to install it.
I knew, as my old documents showed the engine ME had a connection on the CANBUS to the TCU...but it never mentioned it as an absolute prerequisite. My m271 documents show other automatic transmission components on the BUS, which I do not have...as well as S40/3 Clutch Pedal Switch...So, I worked under the guise that I had a manual transmission with factory cruise with memory...Europe (Germany) has a lot of manual transmission cars (even E Class) so why not Distronic in my 203.040 with m271 and 716???
My w211 docs show (and the w211 was powered by m271 and offered manual transmission Rest Of World) “The Distronic control unit as of 07/2004 using A89n1 evaluates the shift signals for operation of Distronic and sends corresponding signals for the purpose of speed limitation to the ME control unit, N3/10. Up to 05/2005 the ME control unit evaluates the shift signals for operation of cruise control. (Again, I have full cruise with resume memory from Sindelfingen.)
(Mustangs, Civics, VWs and others have manual transmission with radar based adaptive cruise control...)
I have an idea or two to try and work around this...but...I am seeking info if anyone knows if A Mercedes-Benz HAS TO BE AUTOMATIC for Distronic.
MBUSA, MB R&D California and my Dealer have not been able to help.
Last edited by BF_JC230; Nov 25, 2019 at 11:24 PM.
Here is a short video showing the Lower Control Panel (no, I do not have standing heat) acknowledging Distronic, powering up at key hot, then faulting out upon fire...
Last edited by BF_JC230; Nov 27, 2019 at 04:53 PM.
Here’s a quick review of a new Jeep Wrangler with manual transmission and ACC...most likely using similar legacy technology - even possibly from Daimler Chrysler days or with the major suppliers...
What are the part numbers for the components that you used? Can you use the part number to identify the chassis for which they were designed? That may help you determine whether distronic was offered on just the automatic transmission cars in that model range.
This type of system can obviously be designed to work with a manual transmission, but it would require extra work to do it. It's possible that MB decided they wouldn't sell enough MT cars with the system to justify the extra effort and cost. Or, one of the components in the system is different for the MT cars and you need to track that down. (As a manual transmission fan, I have noticed a trend to treat us as second-class citizens. For example, some cars were only sold in lower trim lines with a manual.)
I hope that you are able to make the system work as it looks like it will be nice enhancement.
I'm hoping to find a couple of hours over the weekend to install the components for the tire pressure monitoring system. The earliest opportunity will be Saturday.
Last edited by KevinH2000; Nov 28, 2019 at 11:01 AM.
All have replied unable to help.
It seems only plausible with an emulator...
As all documents, while not explicitly stating do refer to the TCU/ETC being a part of Distronic. All the W220 documents I find reinforce this.
I’ve made no forward progress, and those I have reached out to have not been able to help, or have not responded...My efforts still are with, and in need of the aid by much better versed and capable forum members...
Recap;
The Dealer tried in October 2018, programmed everything but the actual online SCN for the engine, as MBUSA wouldn’t allow it. Even brought in a field tech, said everything was “right” according to him...I’ve reached out to MBUSA looking to sign a waiver or release for the coding. Nothing.
Tried with a third party in September 2019 and was able to get it fully functioning with their set up, until actual ignition.
Which led to the “Can a manual Mercedes-Benz have/use DTR?” MBUSA won’t let me know...
So that’s why an emulator, hopefully assuming, of an automatic trans, NAG, might work.
Interestingly enough, I pulled the sensor out around 11/2019 to protect it. A couple weeks ago the car traveled roughly 1,000 miles since coding change, and the warning changed from SPEEDTRONIC to now stating (the only 1 warning/error in Cluster MFD) DISTRONIC. I haven’t touched a thing...I can’t.
Last edited by BF_JC230; Feb 24, 2020 at 10:57 AM.
Both sensors were tested and work well...
Still a coding issue.
The swapped in ESP seems to be just fine.
It was swapped in month(s) before adding the DTR bits. It was cleared of the parametric steering abilities - and did its thing when needed this winter in slush.
Anyone that has an idea on how to properly code this m271, if possible, please chime in.
For now...I’m reading patents and learning indium is the metal I need for a chrome look shield...
So it seems you have! Glad you’re back for these gigs...I have been very fortunate to have the unwavering support and amazing skill set of another forum member to get me this far, and for that I must say, thank you.
A couple others have made suggestions and reached out with ideas and further offers to help, and again, I must say, thank you.
While not tripping a direct TCU code - the thought has been it’s faulting out when it can’t find the TCU. I have (and want to keep) my manual gear box...
Should be able to get back on this soon -appreciate anyone who wants to help keep it OEM and properly code it (with 716 manual) - I’d prefer not to use an emulator- but am open to it and THANKFUL for those that are willing to help - at all, a lot and even a little…
I have a multiplxer at my access again, and am asking for any help to please get this working.
Life is returning to normal, and I’d love to work with all of you (and others) to get this working.
I am hoping, really hoping to code this correctly through OEM means, however, I am fully aware (as are you) that my m271 ME doesn’t (and maybe no MB) want to potentially cooperate with the 716 manual gearbox…
I thank ALL OF YOU and a couple OTHERS for all of your help and support to get this far. Let’s (as Sunil put it years and years ago…beat the code out of this thing! )
There is a good chance I might need to make a six hour drive, one way in September, 2021. If anyone thinks/knows they can code this…I’m willing to FaceTime this…
Actual FAULT is in ESP, code C1510. FAULT in CAN communication with control unit N63/1 (DTR control module)
ESP module was swapped with +219 PN A034 545 78 32
Event Memory in DTR is; 7203 and 7208; DTR; control module motor electronics is incorrectly coded or there is a fault in the CAN communication with control module motor electronics. 7203(Engine version)
Looking for anyone that can properly code a m271 for Distronic.
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