CLK-Class (W208) 1998-2002: CLK 200, CLK 230K, CLK 320, CLK 430 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

ESP error after Manual Gearbox Swap

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Old Feb 17, 2025 | 11:23 PM
  #1  
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2002 CLK55 202K, 2016 GLE350RWD 72K, 1995 E320 129K
ESP error after Manual Gearbox Swap

Greetings everyone. I am reaching out to you for some help with getting one item of coding completed on my C208 Auto to manual swap that seems to be preventing ESP from working.
Via implicit coding, I was able to edit/save items 0162, 0164 and 236. so the car starts with auto shifter and TCU unplugged. Drives like a BEAST! - so much fun.


Error appeared after unplugging auto shifter/TCU. I even tried an ECU from a manual CLK from Europe.
Error appeared after unplugging auto shifter/TCU. I even tried an ESP unit from a manual CLK from Europe (e.g. 0295452232) but I still get the C1511-005 error - "Control Module ESP incorrectly coded."

Upon checking my ECU in implicit coding (Xentry clone) I finally located the string for Pedal curve (Pedalkennlinie - item 0196) and every time I try to set it to KLD2, it says it saves it but it wont save. Is that because that option in the ECU is locked? (BTW I also tried to use my Launch X431, it sees the option and when I try to update it, it says unable to communicate).

Every time I try to save it, it
Every time I try to save it, it "saves successfully" but wont stick.

Alternately, if someone could help me identify the correct byte in this Variant coding I could also try here. BTW In this string, byte 7 (changed from 26 to 20) and Byte (changed from 2E to OA) was changed for ETC/EGS and Gearbox.
Alternately, if someone could help me identify the correct byte in this Variant coding I could also try here. BTW In this string, byte 7 (changed from 26 to 20) and Byte 11 (changed from 2E to OA) was changed for ETC/EGS and Gearbox.

Your expert advice would be greatly appreciated,

Cheers,

Last edited by foskaomega; Feb 17, 2025 at 11:27 PM.
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Old Feb 18, 2025 | 09:00 AM
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CLK430
The issue with the ESP incorrectly coded error (C1511-005) and the inability to save the Pedal curve (Pedalkennlinie) setting could be due to several factors. Here are some steps and considerations that might help:

1. Check Software Compatibility: Make sure that the Xentry clone and Launch X431 software versions you're using are fully compatible with your vehicle's ECU. Sometimes, software limitations can prevent settings from being saved correctly.

2. ECU Lock: It's possible that the ECU has certain settings locked, preventing changes. This can sometimes be bypassed using developer mode in Xentry, but this requires caution and expertise.

3. Correct Byte Identification: Identifying the correct byte for variant coding is crucial. Here’s a general approach to find and modify the correct byte:
- Compare Coding Strings: Compare the coding strings from the original automatic ECU and the manual ECU. Look for differences that might indicate the coding related to the transmission.
- Use a Hex Editor: If you have access to a hex editor, you can manually edit the coding string. Be very careful with this, as incorrect changes can cause more issues.

4. Pedalkennlinie Setting: If the Pedalkennlinie setting isn't sticking, it might be due to:
- Incorrect Coding Sequence: Ensure you’re following the correct sequence for saving changes in Xentry.
- Software Limitations: Sometimes, aftermarket tools like X431 might not fully support all coding functions.

5. ESP Module Compatibility: Ensure the ESP module you’re using is fully compatible with your vehicle's ECU and other systems. Sometimes, modules from different regions (e.g., Europe) might have slight differences that cause coding issues.

6. Consult Documentation and Forums: Look for specific documentation or forums related to your vehicle and the swap. Other enthusiasts who have done similar swaps might have insights or solutions.

7. Professional Help: If you’re still stuck, consider consulting a professional who specializes in Mercedes-Benz coding and ECU modifications. They might have the tools and expertise needed to resolve the issue.

Remember, making changes to ECU coding can be risky, so proceed with caution and make sure you have backups of your original settings.
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Old Feb 18, 2025 | 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by foskaomega
Greetings everyone. I am reaching out to you for some help with getting one item of coding completed on my C208 Auto to manual swap that seems to be preventing ESP from working.
Via implicit coding, I was able to edit/save items 0162, 0164 and 236. so the car starts with auto shifter and TCU unplugged. Drives like a BEAST! - so much fun.


Error appeared after unplugging auto shifter/TCU. I even tried an ECU from a manual CLK from Europe.
Error appeared after unplugging auto shifter/TCU. I even tried an ESP unit from a manual CLK from Europe (e.g. 0295452232) but I still get the C1511-005 error - "Control Module ESP incorrectly coded."

Upon checking my ECU in implicit coding (Xentry clone) I finally located the string for Pedal curve (Pedalkennlinie - item 0196) and every time I try to set it to KLD2, it says it saves it but it wont save. Is that because that option in the ECU is locked? (BTW I also tried to use my Launch X431, it sees the option and when I try to update it, it says unable to communicate).

Every time I try to save it, it
Every time I try to save it, it "saves successfully" but wont stick.

Alternately, if someone could help me identify the correct byte in this Variant coding I could also try here. BTW In this string, byte 7 (changed from 26 to 20) and Byte (changed from 2E to OA) was changed for ETC/EGS and Gearbox.
Alternately, if someone could help me identify the correct byte in this Variant coding I could also try here. BTW In this string, byte 7 (changed from 26 to 20) and Byte 11 (changed from 2E to OA) was changed for ETC/EGS and Gearbox.

Your expert advice would be greatly appreciated,

Cheers,
So, you successfully changed byte 7 and 11 and the Pedalkennlinie is not accepted? Anyway, KLD2 is the correct setting for manual.
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Old Feb 18, 2025 | 05:13 PM
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@trigital Correct. I was able to take a baseline pic of the Original Variant string, then I actually used implicit coding for the TCU/ESM, and those took successfully. Then then came back here to see what string values changed, and took a pic again. When I originally did the swap I saw on a forum that the Pedal curve option was 0342, but my coding list didn't even have anything past 0300 (all reserved). I guess that was for a different car. I sent another year trying to figure out why ESP was offline, I tried swapping 4 ESP units now with no success. Then recently I started seeing more and more items on the importance of this pedal curve so i started digging again.
It was my Launch scanner that helped me identify it since it shows them in English. So I discovered that mine is 0196 (which I just found a few days ago!)

So this is where I am - Xentry Dev mode says it saves, but it doesn't stick, and the Launch X431 can't write it (error message saying failed to communicate)
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Old Feb 18, 2025 | 05:20 PM
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ESP, TCM, ESM.... although I read two times I still don't understand especially when you add the Peralkeinem...


​​​​​​Ignition Off, on, connect Star, open Dev mode, code, back to Actuation in Dev mode and try Restart. If not, try ignition Off and on again and check coding if is saved.

Can you open with Vediamo?
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Old Feb 18, 2025 | 11:54 PM
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2002 CLK55 202K, 2016 GLE350RWD 72K, 1995 E320 129K
Originally Posted by trigital
ESP, TCM, ESM.... although I read two times I still don't understand especially when you add the Peralkeinem...


​​​​​​Ignition Off, on, connect Star, open Dev mode, code, back to Actuation in Dev mode and try Restart. If not, try ignition Off and on again and check coding if is saved.

Can you open with Vediamo?
The ESP module is the ESP/BAS control module that I tried swapping and didn't solve the issue.
ESM = Electronic shifter module (implicit item 0162)
EGS (TCM) = Electronic Gear shifter (Transmission Control Module - implicit item 0164)

It was 20° F in NY today so I wasn't going outside to the car. I will try using your sequence as soon as it warms up a little - hopefully Saturday (I have that car on an open driveway) and I will report back

Thanks

Last edited by foskaomega; Feb 19, 2025 at 12:32 AM. Reason: grammar
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Old Feb 22, 2025 | 11:19 AM
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Update on coding retry

@trigital
I tried the steps you suggested but this thing still wont save. I get these error messages shown below:




I am also wondering if anyone knows how / where I could find a mapping for the byte-string info in the "Variant coding according to plant data" and which item would correspond to the implicit coding item 0196 (Pedal curve (KLD1/KLD2)) item
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Old Dec 18, 2025 | 01:25 PM
  #8  
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Thumbs up FINALLY SOLVED!!

SOLVED!!
Hello everyone, I FINALLY was able to get this resolved. My issue turned out to be two-fold
1) The blade of the fuse for my ABS Pump was burnt but the fuse wasn't blown. I started to t/s the pump because I received error code C1401 (High-Pressure/Return Pump A7/3m1). I observed that when I shook the fuse, the pump ran intermittently. So I pulled the fuse and saw this:


I just went ahead and replaced the fuse and presto! that error went away.

So the icing on the cake now was
2) I got some help from the genius Josh Chase from @TheMercedesSwapShop with his Manual Controller TCU emulator. I put that in and FINALLY, ESP / ABS is BACK online. BIG SHOUTOUT to #TheMercedesSwapShop
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Old Dec 19, 2025 | 02:29 PM
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We need to see pictures of your CLK and also a short write up on the process.


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Old Dec 21, 2025 | 10:02 PM
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2002 CLK55 202K, 2016 GLE350RWD 72K, 1995 E320 129K
Here you go!Hello everyone, here’s the story of my C208 CLK55 6-speed Manual swap. I started it July 2023, worked weekends and got it done end August 2023. I didn’t exactly break any new ground here so let me first give props to #JikJakz and #Anderzen for being my inspiration to tackle this project on my own (with my 2 sons for some muscle when needed). I was able to get the initial coding done with my Xentry clone but couldn’t get ESP/BAS working. Drove it like that for 2 years then I reached out to the guru Josh from @ThemercedesSwapShop to get it sorted.


First order of business, auto Brake pedal out, SLK320 clutch/brake pedal ready to go in




In with the clutch pedal. I was so anxious to get this done, I installed the clutch pedal about 6 months before I started the swap! I just drove it like this with the Auto box for a few months. Never mind that hideous Radio – I will remove it eventually. I just wanted a backup camera but I’ll eventually get around to getting a better fitting head unit.



Project 6M underway – July 2023



Front half driveshaft from a 2002 S430 RWD - ~ 32”





Transmission crossmember from a 2006 C230 – still had to notch 2 holes to bolt up to my frame





Star of the show – from a 2004 Chrysler Crossfire




Shifter and clutch Master hardline from a 2003 C240






Out with 5A




Used Manual C240 Flywheel installed My bolt pattern is the original 8 evenly spaced. Bought fresh bolts referencing the 2003 C240






Luk clutch kit 081 clutch installed (reference SLK320)






In with 6M





Here’s what I did to get reverse lights working. This is the connector to the auto shifter control module – the section I circled is for the reverse light switch. I just ran the 2 wires from the switch on the manual gearbox to this connector.








First test of operation - Great Success!




Now I am setting my eyes on a 2008 – 2011 CLS550 for my next swap – we shall see.

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Old Dec 24, 2025 | 10:55 AM
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Great job! I am jealous and I wish I have the know-how to do this because I probably would. I'm wondering how that transmission will hold up as it has never been mounted on a car that makes as much HP and torque as the 5.4 AMG motor. I know DC MotorWerks, #JikJakz, and #Anderzen have done this - with #Anderzen's car having a 113K. How much did you relay on Andersen and JikJakz's videos for guidance? I hope the transmission holds up!
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