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2012 W204 LED Taillight Retrofit DIY
#376
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2009 C63
Is installing a 2012 or 2013 SAM into ealier model years feasible, as opposed to trying to get an earlier SAM reprogrammed? No one out there seems to have the answer to/or be willing to do the SAM reprogram anymore. Dealerhips are unlikely and knowing where to go for someone on the side to do a SAM reprogram is practically impossible to find.
I have a 2010 and still want to do this retrofit. Any good, thorough advice is appreciated.
I have a 2010 and still want to do this retrofit. Any good, thorough advice is appreciated.
Anyone in the NYC area able to reprogram these??
What options do we have for just disabling the rear fog? If i'm not mistaken the LED tails work out of the box except for the rear fog being always on. I've had my car since 2009 and never used for rear fog, as long as all other functionality is there, I might be okay with that.
#378
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1990 300ce supercharged and intercooled
The problem I ran into was that the newer software updates within the last 6-8months were not allowing me to do the coding anymore. After two or 3 came in that I could not do I decided it was not worth it. I did try one last time a different method and took one into the dealer to a friend of mine and tried updating the software via scn coding on a 2012 car and it would not work. The only way I see to possibly do this is to buy a new SAM and have it coded in a 2012 or newer car. I just simply am not going through the trouble of finding another solution for the volume. I probably did not even break even on what I did in the 1st place. Everytime I thought I was ready to do them forever I ran into another wall and had to spend more money and a great deal more time to then do 5-10 more.
#379
MBWorld Fanatic!
I have an 09 sedan and when i installed the new tailights I had the same results as Dylan had: the left rear fog light always on and the warning message on the dash.
So temporarily i decided to disable the rear foglight. Looks like my temporary solution will be a long term one .
Anyways one way of doing this is to disconnect the push pins corresponding to the rear fogs on both sides (usually the middle wire, green on my car) and connect them all together to a basic light in your trunk. I used the courtesy light above the rear SAM. This should switch off your left fog and clear the warning on the dash. I do not recommend to cut the wires in order for you to be able to put everything back into place when a new OEM solution will arise. (or you could cut and weld everything back together )
The only drawback of this is you won't have any rear fog light and probably your state inspection since they check lighting. Just keep your original taillight and swap/reconnect just for it. That is why i prefer not cutting the wires = less hassle reinstalling.
So temporarily i decided to disable the rear foglight. Looks like my temporary solution will be a long term one .
Anyways one way of doing this is to disconnect the push pins corresponding to the rear fogs on both sides (usually the middle wire, green on my car) and connect them all together to a basic light in your trunk. I used the courtesy light above the rear SAM. This should switch off your left fog and clear the warning on the dash. I do not recommend to cut the wires in order for you to be able to put everything back into place when a new OEM solution will arise. (or you could cut and weld everything back together )
The only drawback of this is you won't have any rear fog light and probably your state inspection since they check lighting. Just keep your original taillight and swap/reconnect just for it. That is why i prefer not cutting the wires = less hassle reinstalling.
#383
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2010 P31 Obsidian; 1990 ZX11
The problem I ran into was that the newer software updates within the last 6-8months were not allowing me to do the coding anymore. After two or 3 came in that I could not do I decided it was not worth it. I did try one last time a different method and took one into the dealer to a friend of mine and tried updating the software via scn coding on a 2012 car and it would not work. The only way I see to possibly do this is to buy a new SAM and have it coded in a 2012 or newer car. I just simply am not going through the trouble of finding another solution for the volume. I probably did not even break even on what I did in the 1st place. Everytime I thought I was ready to do them forever I ran into another wall and had to spend more money and a great deal more time to then do 5-10 more.
Thanks for the reply and certainly your effort with other folks' SAM. Your experience generates these follow-ups.
If buying a 2012 SAM is possibly the way to go, then why would it have to be coded in a 2012 car? If a 2012 car owner needed to replace a faulty SAM, wouldn't/shouldn't it just be plug and play; and everything would work correctly with the 2012 tails?
If the SAM connector between 2008/2009/2010/2011/2012 is the same, then perhaps just a new SAM purchase is needed to thoroughly complete the upgrade, along with the actual new tails. Unless, as drawde mentioned in #376, the new SAM would have to be coded to a car's VIN; then, that would further complicate the issue. Does anyone know for sure if there's truth to this concept? If SCN coding is needed, which only a dealer can do properly, then the only way to get this "right" may be too difficult. Otherwise, settling may be the only recourse.
I'm for modifying a wire or two, as long as I know/learn what to do. But dismantling another function, or creating a malfunction, is not what I have in mind.
I've posed a similar question to my local SA and am waiting for a response. Anything I hear back which I think the forum can use, I'll post it here.
#384
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2010 C250 4Matic
whipplem,
Thanks for the reply and certainly your effort with other folks' SAM. Your experience generates these follow-ups.
If buying a 2012 SAM is possibly the way to go, then why would it have to be coded in a 2012 car? If a 2012 car owner needed to replace a faulty SAM, wouldn't/shouldn't it just be plug and play; and everything would work correctly with the 2012 tails?
If the SAM connector between 2008/2009/2010/2011/2012 is the same, then perhaps just a new SAM purchase is needed to thoroughly complete the upgrade, along with the actual new tails. Unless, as drawde mentioned in #376, the new SAM would have to be coded to a car's VIN; then, that would further complicate the issue. Does anyone know for sure if there's truth to this concept? If SCN coding is needed, which only a dealer can do properly, then the only way to get this "right" may be too difficult. Otherwise, settling may be the only recourse.
I'm for modifying a wire or two, as long as I know/learn what to do. But dismantling another function, or creating a malfunction, is not what I have in mind.
I've posed a similar question to my local SA and am waiting for a response. Anything I hear back which I think the forum can use, I'll post it here.
Thanks for the reply and certainly your effort with other folks' SAM. Your experience generates these follow-ups.
If buying a 2012 SAM is possibly the way to go, then why would it have to be coded in a 2012 car? If a 2012 car owner needed to replace a faulty SAM, wouldn't/shouldn't it just be plug and play; and everything would work correctly with the 2012 tails?
If the SAM connector between 2008/2009/2010/2011/2012 is the same, then perhaps just a new SAM purchase is needed to thoroughly complete the upgrade, along with the actual new tails. Unless, as drawde mentioned in #376, the new SAM would have to be coded to a car's VIN; then, that would further complicate the issue. Does anyone know for sure if there's truth to this concept? If SCN coding is needed, which only a dealer can do properly, then the only way to get this "right" may be too difficult. Otherwise, settling may be the only recourse.
I'm for modifying a wire or two, as long as I know/learn what to do. But dismantling another function, or creating a malfunction, is not what I have in mind.
I've posed a similar question to my local SA and am waiting for a response. Anything I hear back which I think the forum can use, I'll post it here.
I just went through all of this with my dealer. The problem is the software changed in late 2009. When they plug in your car and update the software, its downloaded from MB (basically head office) and is specific to your car. That's why the sam has to be programmed in someone elses car. There is a software program called "auto logic" that apparently can do this.
#385
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2009 C63
Anyone have detailed instructions on what is needed and what we need to do? I remember reading about a STAR with developer package and you need a 2012 C-Class to program it with. Anything else? Trying to source this but I'm not sure on what exactly is needed.
#386
Member
Anyone that has used the Autologic tool yet?
I know I used this tool for my M3 when I changed to Led lights and that worked just perfect.
Would be intresting to see if this tool can do this with the C63 as well.
I know I used this tool for my M3 when I changed to Led lights and that worked just perfect.
Would be intresting to see if this tool can do this with the C63 as well.
#388
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2009 C63
#390
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2009 C63
wait, not sure if i understand. i have a MY2009 with the updated tail lights, been looking for someone to reprogram, i've sent a few PM's but haven't heard back from any of the people on the forum that are able to do it.
as of right now aside from the rear fog everything works fine. it would be nice to reprogram it but even if i have to leave it like this it doesn't bother me too much.
as of right now aside from the rear fog everything works fine. it would be nice to reprogram it but even if i have to leave it like this it doesn't bother me too much.
#391
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2010 C250 4Matic
wait, not sure if i understand. i have a MY2009 with the updated tail lights, been looking for someone to reprogram, i've sent a few PM's but haven't heard back from any of the people on the forum that are able to do it.
as of right now aside from the rear fog everything works fine. it would be nice to reprogram it but even if i have to leave it like this it doesn't bother me too much.
as of right now aside from the rear fog everything works fine. it would be nice to reprogram it but even if i have to leave it like this it doesn't bother me too much.
#392
MBWorld Fanatic!
Ok so I have good news for those who still want to upgrade to LEDs. I just did what was suggested by whipplem104 a few threads above. I bought an used rear SAM coming from a facelift model (thanks ebay germany!). I received it yesterday and just installed it tonight.
It's working perfectly so far. Plug and play. I just replaced my OEM with the FL one. No more fog light permanently on neither the bottom part of the tail light
Obviously you need to make sure the SAM has been already coded in a facelift car. That is why I recommend to buy a used one. Plus it cost me 235$ which is a lot less than MSRP.
For those willing to go this route here is the part number to look for :
A204 900 56 01
It's working perfectly so far. Plug and play. I just replaced my OEM with the FL one. No more fog light permanently on neither the bottom part of the tail light
Obviously you need to make sure the SAM has been already coded in a facelift car. That is why I recommend to buy a used one. Plus it cost me 235$ which is a lot less than MSRP.
For those willing to go this route here is the part number to look for :
A204 900 56 01
#393
Member
#394
Member
has any one tried the SPYDER aftermarket led's or these other ones? they claim to not give any error codes:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-2011-Me...e9c3f3&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/11-13-BENZ-W...668c34&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-2011-Me...e9c3f3&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/11-13-BENZ-W...668c34&vxp=mtr
#395
Member
has any one tried the SPYDER aftermarket led's or these other ones? they claim to not give any error codes:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-2011-Me...e9c3f3&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/11-13-BENZ-W...668c34&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-2011-Me...e9c3f3&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/11-13-BENZ-W...668c34&vxp=mtr
#396
Super Member
So if I have absolutely no need of the rear fogs can I disconnect green wire on the 2012 tails? Will there be any warning lights or problem? Will the 2012 lights look oem..no odd lights staying etc? Thanks
I have an 09 sedan and when i installed the new tailights I had the same results as Dylan had: the left rear fog light always on and the warning message on the dash.
So temporarily i decided to disable the rear foglight. Looks like my temporary solution will be a long term one .
Anyways one way of doing this is to disconnect the push pins corresponding to the rear fogs on both sides (usually the middle wire, green on my car) and connect them all together to a basic light in your trunk. I used the courtesy light above the rear SAM. This should switch off your left fog and clear the warning on the dash. I do not recommend to cut the wires in order for you to be able to put everything back into place when a new OEM solution will arise. (or you could cut and weld everything back together )
The only drawback of this is you won't have any rear fog light and probably your state inspection since they check lighting. Just keep your original taillight and swap/reconnect just for it. That is why i prefer not cutting the wires = less hassle reinstalling.
So temporarily i decided to disable the rear foglight. Looks like my temporary solution will be a long term one .
Anyways one way of doing this is to disconnect the push pins corresponding to the rear fogs on both sides (usually the middle wire, green on my car) and connect them all together to a basic light in your trunk. I used the courtesy light above the rear SAM. This should switch off your left fog and clear the warning on the dash. I do not recommend to cut the wires in order for you to be able to put everything back into place when a new OEM solution will arise. (or you could cut and weld everything back together )
The only drawback of this is you won't have any rear fog light and probably your state inspection since they check lighting. Just keep your original taillight and swap/reconnect just for it. That is why i prefer not cutting the wires = less hassle reinstalling.
#397
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Vivid Racing '09 C63 AMG
My issue was two fold: I had the left fog light on and my dash said I had an error with my right fog light, because it obviously wasn't on. So that fix may only solve half of the problem.
#398
Super Member
I personally wouldn't have a problem with the dash giving a fog error as long as I can click though it and no dash lights appear..is that the case?
#400
MBWorld Fanatic!
But you will still have the lower part of the tail light on.
As i mentioned in post #392 the ultimate fix is to get a 2012 rear SAM already programmed or getting it programmed in a facelift car.