02 C230 M111 ECU Repair/Replace
New user here... looked around the forum and google plenty but I couldn't find the answer to this one.
Just found out my 14-month old used C230 was leaking oil at the camshaft, through the wire harness and apparently nerfed the ECU (shop had lots of internal fault codes trying to communicate with it).
So, I need to fix/replace the ECU, engine wire harness, camshaft magnet etc. I'd like to try the ECU problem myself because it is most expensive (shop quoted me $1200+). I can't even find the bloody thing though. I know what it looks like but I can't locate it... tips? I'd then like to try disassembling it/clean it out before I try getting a replacement ECU. I know I need to marry the VIN etc to it, so if anyone has recommendations that would be great.
Also, I don't have diagnostic equipment... is there a way I would know if airing out the ECU worked? I can already start my car and it drives, but the check engine light is on and again, they reported many fault codes at the shop.
I've heard there's a service campaign on this... but MB Canada says there's nothing against my VIN
. Tried calling MBUSA too, no luck.Thanks.




If you're getting codes, likely the ECU is OK, but FYI it's on the opposite side of the battery in the same location.
There's pics of it out on the forum.
People have pulled the wiring harness, cleaned it, others have disconnected everything, and sprayed contact cleaner down through the harness is vast quantities, with good results.
You need to replace the cam magnet, and maybe the 02 sensors if they've gotten mucked up.
LOTS of threads on this.
Even if oil is leaking from your camshaft,.... it's likely NOT reaching the ECU,... most likely along the cable connectors,... so focus on cleaning those with something like CRC QD Electric Cleaner.
If you had SEARCH,... you would have found the main wiring harness leads to ECU connector,... which connects to ECU. ECU is heavily protected,.... very rare that it gets soaked in oil,.... water damage is more likely if water drain holes are not kept clear.
Last edited by SunnyRayToronto; Oct 13, 2012 at 01:59 AM.



