Cheapest and Hassle-Free Way to Install ESL Emulator?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Milwaukee, WI
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?
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 68
Likes: 1
2011 C300 Sport Calcite White / Black Anthracite
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 $1,000 and change. Local independent shops would not touch the ESL.
From what I've read on the subject, do it before the ESL fails and is in a locked position. More work involved if it is locked. Hence the reason I bit the bullet and had mine replaced before failure.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post7627172
HTH
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 680
Likes: 152
2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
An emulator is the only thing I would recommend.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/MERCEDES-W20...bwvJ:rk:1:pf:0
I used this seller which was 30min away from me and he did an excellent job. All I had to do is remove the ESL and bring it to him with my ignition switch/key.
This was a few years ago and there are many more repair services available since its such a common issue.
https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_from...epair&_sacat=0
This fault is not always a bad motor, most of the time, its the actual circuit board that fails so replacing the motor won't do squat.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/MERCEDES-W20...bwvJ:rk:1:pf:0
I used this seller which was 30min away from me and he did an excellent job. All I had to do is remove the ESL and bring it to him with my ignition switch/key.
This was a few years ago and there are many more repair services available since its such a common issue.
https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_from...epair&_sacat=0
This fault is not always a bad motor, most of the time, its the actual circuit board that fails so replacing the motor won't do squat.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
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2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
It's not 350$, 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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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
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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.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
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2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 680
Likes: 152
2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
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.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 285
From: Republic of Texas
W203 W212 W211 R53MCS
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.
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2013 C204 C250 Coupe
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 680
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2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2013 C204 C250 Coupe
