Cheapest and Hassle-Free Way to Install ESL Emulator?
01-20-2019, 10:09 PM
#1
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2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Cheapest and Hassle-Free Way to Install ESL Emulator?
Hey guys,
So I think the only repair I'll have to worry about (if ever) is the ESL/EIS lock.
I was wondering, what's the cheapest and easiest way to do this? I see some drilling and removing steering wheel column, and $500+ as well as replacing with (frankly, the garbage) Chinese motors. Any thoughts?
So I think the only repair I'll have to worry about (if ever) is the ESL/EIS lock.
I was wondering, what's the cheapest and easiest way to do this? I see some drilling and removing steering wheel column, and $500+ as well as replacing with (frankly, the garbage) Chinese motors. Any thoughts?
01-21-2019, 11:17 AM
#2
Junior Member
Hi,
There are several threads on the subject in this forum. There are some references to such in this thread. I had the MB dealer replace, no emulator, the ESL for $1,000 and change. Local independent shops would not touch the ESL.
From what I've read on the subject, do it before the ESL fails and is in a locked position. More work involved if it is locked. Hence the reason I bit the bullet and had mine replaced before failure.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post7627172
HTH
There are several threads on the subject in this forum. There are some references to such in this thread. I had the MB dealer replace, no emulator, the ESL for $1,000 and change. Local independent shops would not touch the ESL.
From what I've read on the subject, do it before the ESL fails and is in a locked position. More work involved if it is locked. Hence the reason I bit the bullet and had mine replaced before failure.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post7627172
HTH
01-21-2019, 04:06 PM
#3
Super Member
An emulator is the only thing I would recommend.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/MERCEDES-W20...bwvJ:rk:1:pf:0
I used this seller which was 30min away from me and he did an excellent job. All I had to do is remove the ESL and bring it to him with my ignition switch/key.
This was a few years ago and there are many more repair services available since its such a common issue.
https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_from...epair&_sacat=0
This fault is not always a bad motor, most of the time, its the actual circuit board that fails so replacing the motor won't do squat.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/MERCEDES-W20...bwvJ:rk:1:pf:0
I used this seller which was 30min away from me and he did an excellent job. All I had to do is remove the ESL and bring it to him with my ignition switch/key.
This was a few years ago and there are many more repair services available since its such a common issue.
https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_from...epair&_sacat=0
This fault is not always a bad motor, most of the time, its the actual circuit board that fails so replacing the motor won't do squat.
01-22-2019, 05:46 PM
#4
Senior Member
Thanks for the link ltwargssf. I think that I will do this procedure as a preventative measure. Good to have a honest, capable referal.
01-22-2019, 07:47 PM
#6
Super Member
It's not 350$, the emulators ( Looks like the OEM ESL but its all plastic) are just blanks, you can get them for 100$ or yes the chip is another option. the 250$ is the fee to program it. The emulator still needs to be programmed to your VIN.
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01-22-2019, 08:00 PM
#8
Super Member
Yeh, it used to be a 300$ CAD before the emulators got popular, now the demand is so high, the prices have increased. Still, a more reasonable option than getting stranded, paying 1.2k+ to the dealer and only for it to happen again down the road.
01-22-2019, 09:34 PM
#10
Super Member
01-22-2019, 09:46 PM
#12
Super Member
01-23-2019, 12:13 PM
#14
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Facelifts do not have the problem.
Idk what to do really, it seems like a lose-lose situation for the most part, I just feel weird about doing it.
Idk what to do really, it seems like a lose-lose situation for the most part, I just feel weird about doing it.
01-23-2019, 06:39 PM
#15
Super Member
Facelift models do have the same problem. Here in my shop I always give my customers the choice of a reman unit from the dealer or an emulator. Most people go for the emulator, specially on older vehicles. Emulators are not plug and play, they have to be programmed to the EIS.
01-23-2019, 07:44 PM
#17
Super Member
01-23-2019, 08:50 PM
#18
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Im suprised cause I haven't seen a single person who has a facelift on these forums report it, only people with prefacelift especially 08/09
