drawde

someone mentioned earlier that the SAM is coded to the VIN. I think you could source a SAM from somewhere (I think it's like $400-500 USD) and have the dealer code it to work. although I don't think I've seen anyone post that they've used this method, I don't see why it wouldn't work. Maybe some of the guys that could actually program these could chime in?

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.

CoolBDPhenom03

For me, the left tail light fog light was always on when the headlights were on, AND the right tail light was throwing an alert on my dash.

whipplem104

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.

abcut973

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.

noXor

Damnit, just read through this whole post, and was really let down that no one has figured out how to reprogram a 2011.

Guilty

Why would anyone need the rear fog light? I always thought they were useless and out of place (only the left fog light is on). Just disable them and put the new tail lights

noXor

I dont want the bottom half being on constantly too, it looks so much better when properly reprogrammed.

EC C63

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.

dolvio

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.

drawde

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.

Yamdan

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.

robnyc

If anyone else in NYC, we should work together to find out what we can accomplish =)

drawde

i had my 2012 tail lights installed, still looking to get the reprogramming done. i'm in NNJ.

dolvio

You can't get it done past 2010.

drawde

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.

dolvio

Not sure if anyone is even doing it anymore.... It's not just the Fog Light as there are a couple other lights not working properly. The LED's are not working how they are supposed to. As far as I know, the dealer can fix the 2009's to work fine. At least that's what I was told by my nearest MB.

abcut973

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

rmt52

i'd be interested in getting this done. in the nyc area for the next couple of months on business.

rmt52

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

robnyc

The first one look really good & yes it seems there are a lot of people using those, Spyder wasn't the one releasing them before. I am tempted to get those actually.

daniel3ooo

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

CoolBDPhenom03

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.

daniel3ooo

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?

CoolBDPhenom03

Yeah, it was just a "check rear right fog light" message.

abcut973

Yeah you actually disconnect the green wire on both sides harnesses and connect them together to the trunk light above the rear SAM. This will switch off the fog light and clear the error message on your dash.
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.