C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Front SAM removal

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Old Jun 19, 2018 | 05:23 PM
  #1  
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W203 c320
Front SAM removal

A mouse has managed to get into my car and chew through some wires, including the harness leading from my throttle pedal that goes through the front firewall and, I think, into the front fuse/sam.

I have tried to lift the box out, but it seems the wiper arm is in the way...

My car is a 2001 w203 C320 v6 sedan.

An error and CEL came up for the throttle position sensor 2. I replaced the throttle pedal, and it made no difference. I then looked into the fuse box with a torch, and found some wires that had been eaten by said mouse.

Please help! The 3 second delay for the motor to get going is terrifying in traffic!
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Old Jun 20, 2018 | 07:22 PM
  #2  
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From: South Africa
W203 c320
Originally Posted by Plutoe
Post your VIN!
WDC2030642R002897
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Old Jun 21, 2018 | 05:51 PM
  #3  
Russell Ormerod's Avatar
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not a merc
Easy,
Run the wipers until they are vertical then switch the ignition off,
That way the linkage is out the way!
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Old Jun 21, 2018 | 07:07 PM
  #4  
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W203 c320
Thank you! All done. Unfortunately the mouse/rat has caused quite a lot of damage. At first glance I've counted 15 wires that have been chewed apart...
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Old Jan 17, 2021 | 09:04 AM
  #5  
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2005 C320 Estate (W203)
Originally Posted by Plutoe
You have a 112 engine and see he attached instructions
This is really useful thank you! I shall be following these instructions later in the week after a failed attempt (before searching on how to do it!)

I was thwarted by the wiper mechanism on my first go so came here to do some research.

I can’t work out what “6.1 remove injection system control unit” is... but it may be that mine doesn’t have it (It’s a 2005 C320 diesel W203)

Fingers crossed its reparable once it’s out!

Thanks again!
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Old Jan 20, 2021 | 10:14 AM
  #6  
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2005 w203 C230
You’ll need to leave the window up and shut the door - it won’t let you operate the wipers otherwise...

I tend to feel the front SAM exits counter intuitively. There is not, in my opinion, a lot of slack, the SAM doesn’t come out far...

Unfortunately, there are a few other cases like this of chewed wires - a quick search will yield results.

Last edited by BF_JC230; Jan 20, 2021 at 10:22 AM.
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Old Jan 20, 2021 | 10:25 AM
  #7  
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2005 C320 Estate (W203)
Originally Posted by BF_JC230
You’ll need to leave the window up and shut the door - it won’t let you operate the wipers otherwise...

I tent to feel the front SAM exits counter intuitively.
Top tip! Thank you.

Even with the wiper mech out the way it looks like it will be a bit of a tight fit with a bit of rotation needed!

I have had managed to get my hand in underneath it and moved some wires about being careful not to accidentally unplug anything (with the engine running) which solved the issue of the windows not working and the SRS light on and the headlights randomly flashing....but now I have no indicators or fuel gage...

I’m hoping this is sign that when it comes out it will be fixable with a bit of soldering / re wiring plugs / a bit of a clean🤞🤞

Either way, I’m so pleased to know 100% where the problem is!

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Old Jan 20, 2021 | 04:44 PM
  #8  
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2005 w203 C230
I'd be careful not to short a wire and play in there when it's running...
A lot of damage can occur quickly and simply by accident.

Here are some images of my m271. I don't have the ME in the same box - but these might help.
There is plenty on this topic - just search the forum. If on a mobile, use the classic or internet view - not the mobile view, much better search.

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Old Jan 21, 2021 | 11:40 AM
  #9  
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2005 C320 Estate (W203)
Originally Posted by BF_JC230
I'd be careful not to short a wire and play in there when it's running...
A lot of damage can occur quickly and simply by accident.

Here are some images of my m271. I don't have the ME in the same box - but these might help.
There is plenty on this topic - just search the forum. If on a mobile, use the classic or internet view - not the mobile view, much better search.

Thanks, I won’t do it again with it running but unfortunately the drivers window was stuck open so I needed to get that working long enough to close it!

Ive just phoned Mercedes to enquire about the price of a replacement (just in case) and they say it needs coding to the car! - having looked through other threats that seems only to apply to some newer models.... any idea if it will need coding for a 2005 C320? :-s
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Old Jan 23, 2021 | 10:58 AM
  #10  
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2005 C320 Estate (W203)
After cracking the windscreen trying to get the wiper off (still quite cross!!)

I managed to expose and remove the SAM. Took it apart (although not completely as there was no sign of any corrosion at all anywhere).

Reseated all the plugs, and now everything works! 😃 Even after the sub zero temperatures of last night!!

If anyone is reading this and *only has problems in the cold* (SRS, windows, central locking, fuel gauge, disco dashboard, “display fault”, no buttons on the steering wheel etc) - it would be well worth disassembly and to make sure sure all the plugs are well seated

If that doesn’t work, Marshall’s Mercedes Benz - Basingstoke only wanted £288 including labour to replace it and code it with a factory reconditioned unit (with warrantee), taking my old one in part ex, which seems like a bloody good deal from a Main Stea...... dealer.





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Old Mar 10, 2021 | 06:32 PM
  #11  
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Mercedes w204 C200 modelo 2010
Originally Posted by Plutoe
Post your VIN!
Good afternoon I am new to the forum and I am glad to participate
I have the same problem and I need to remove the front SAM of MB w204 c200 2010 model, I need help
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Old Mar 11, 2021 | 12:15 AM
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^ Wrong forum. Post in W204.
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