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Cheapest and Hassle-Free Way to Install ESL Emulator?

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Old 01-20-2019, 10:09 PM
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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?

Old 01-21-2019, 11:17 AM
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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
Old 01-21-2019, 04:06 PM
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2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
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.
Old 01-22-2019, 05:46 PM
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Thanks for the link ltwargssf. I think that I will do this procedure as a preventative measure. Good to have a honest, capable referal.
Old 01-22-2019, 07:10 PM
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What's the difference between the $55 chips and $350 assemblies?
Old 01-22-2019, 07:47 PM
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2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
Originally Posted by Adi-Benz
What's the difference between the $55 chips and $350 assemblies?
It's not 350$, 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.
Old 01-22-2019, 07:50 PM
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So it's still around a $400 job huh
Old 01-22-2019, 08:00 PM
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2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
Yeh, it used to be a 300$ 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.
Old 01-22-2019, 09:16 PM
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Please educate me.
So, this ESL is guaranteed to fail?
I have 75k and it's a 2013 C250 sports.
Old 01-22-2019, 09:34 PM
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2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
Originally Posted by meazz1
Please educate me.
So, this ESL is guaranteed to fail?
I have 75k and it's a 2013 C250 sports.
Not to sure if the facelift models are affected by this issue.
Old 01-22-2019, 09:41 PM
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Originally Posted by ltwargssf
Not to sure if the facelift models are affected by this issue.
More "educate me" now, what is a facelift model?
Old 01-22-2019, 09:46 PM
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2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
Originally Posted by meazz1
More "educate me" now, what is a facelift model?
2012-2015 models. This was more of a 2008-2011 issue, however I'm curious if anyone with a post-2011 car had this issue.
Old 01-22-2019, 10:43 PM
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****, I've got a 2010 with over 100k km, probably should start preparing for this 🤦*♂️
Old 01-23-2019, 12:13 PM
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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.
Old 01-23-2019, 06:39 PM
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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.
Old 01-23-2019, 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by meazz1
More "educate me" now, what is a facelift model?
Facelift has daytime running lights whereas older W204 has fog lights. One of many differences, but an easy one to pick.
Old 01-23-2019, 07:44 PM
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2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
Originally Posted by MBpippo


Facelift has daytime running lights whereas older W204 has fog lights. One of many differences, but an easy one to pick.
Well the 2011 switched to led running lights but still was a prefacelift.

Last edited by W204Motorsports; 01-23-2019 at 07:57 PM.
Old 01-23-2019, 08:50 PM
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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
Old 01-23-2019, 10:48 PM
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Originally Posted by ltwargssf
Well the 2011 switched to led running lights but still was a prefacelift.
Wasn’t aware of that. Thanks for letting me know.

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