amgrobaspach

mars-red

Really sorry to hear that! I don't know where you're located, but if there's a Pull-A-Part anywhere within driving distance, they'll be worth trying. Fixed prices no matter what kind of car the parts come from, but you have to pull them yourself. I think computer modules were $30 each last time I was there. You can check inventories at their locations online: https://www.pullapart.com

amgrobaspach

mars-red

I was under the impression they are the same part # for any W203, but of course you'd have to get them reprogrammed. Maybe someone here can confirm?

Bobbyr5

A used Engine Control Module must be send out to a company that can erase the information in it and leave it blank as it would be if you were to buy it new. It will not work if you just plug it in to your car. Then you must must take the car to somebody that can program it to the vehicle. One of them would be your local dealership.

mars-red

Wow, any idea why that is? As a software and computer hardware guy, I'm really surprised by that.

bbirdwell

It is intended as a theft deterrent. You have to code the new Motor Electronics (ME) module to the car using the VIN. After approximately 30-50 power cycles, it is burned into the memory. I have no idea if they use a fuse or anti-fuse or a software counter to do so. When you power up the car, the steering lock, the ignition lock, and ME all communicate with each other to verify all numbers match. If good, steering wheel unlocks, ignition lock turns, and the ME activates a relay to the starter solenoid.

Otherwise one could just tow a nice new Mercedes, plug in another ME module, and enjoy the stolen car. This way someone has to have knowledge and equipment to program the replacement unit to the car.

This link will tell you everything you want to know:
http://benzbits.com/DAS.pdf

mars-red

That is fantastic information, thank you!

amgrobaspach

amgrobaspach

bbirdwell

Post your VIN as there may be several SAM units that will work with your car. You will need someone with STAR to code it to your particular car; otherwise some features may not work. One should be able to do that using the data card but Konigstiger and Mackhack are the two forum users who will know the answer. Mackhack hangs out in the W211 AMG sub-forum; Kongistiger roams all over the place. Whenever you see either of them post, read the post. Always good information from them.

bbirdwell

A dealer charges to program a new unit. A used unit requires opening up the case and working on the circuit board to virginize it. Check to see if one of the aftermarket ECU repairers can take your old ME module, pull the data from it, then program that data into a used module that they have on-hand. I've literally pulled hard-coded memory chips from a board, placed the chips into the programmer, read out the data, then reprogrammed a replacement memory chip. Been a few years since I've done so but it's not hard if you have the proper equipment (which isn't cheap and comes with a yearly license fee).

Replacing the ECU is a matter of minutes. Replacing the SAM can be done in an hour if you know what you're doing.

Start with these folks. There are others out there.
http://www.mercedesecm.com/

Let us know how it goes.

amgrobaspach

bbirdwell

For some reason I cannot upload jpgs.
SAM part number:
A 203 545 06 01 with note replaced by A 203 545 16 01. These are for code 494/581 (USA/Automatic Climate Control) which are listed on your car's data card.

amgrobaspach

bbirdwell

It's the original version part number, so the answer is yes. Just ensure you verify the coding to the car although it may already be so as it is off of a US spec car. I've never coded one but others on the forum have. Dealer or indy could also do that.

jvakos

i have a 2003 C32 for sale with perfect motor, interior, my front left and right panels and lights are smashed from sliding into snow banks in Chicago winter this March. Car starts and has a ton of usable good condition parts including an amazing motor with 178 crank pully, EC headers, speedriven intercooler, new plugs/wires. etc. sad that i some black ice and the front end sides were banged up. i have the car as i contemplated swapping the m112k motor into my 2004 c240 4matic wagon which the legend "Rudy" who lives near me can do but I have my 2015 e63 daily driver and really dont need another high horsepower 4matic.

if your in chicago i can have you see the car and you can take it for literally a steal.....

feets

I don't think the dealer will be able to make a used ME work in your car. You can certainly try to see if the aftermarket tuner guys can flash one or even disable some of the DAS (Drive Authorization System) lockouts.

You MUST get an ME from a C32. The engine controls are completely different on a supercharged car. It uses speed/density instead of mass air flow to operate. It also has logic circuits to trigger the supercharger clutch and intercooler pump. A C320had no use for those things.

amgrobaspach

amgrobaspach

amgrobaspach