Replaceing the ETC, shifter
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2
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From: Youngstown, Ohio
2001E320 4matic
Replaceing the ETC, shifter
OK, I have herd all the stories of horrible costs. So I figured I would try this myself. Here are the steps I took, btw it took me 5 hours! I have seen posts that the dealership charges 40 hours of labor, this can't be true. I will concede that the part is 500 or so, but get the part new. A friend that is a MB tech said the units are propriatary.
1. disconnect the battery, any time you are messing around with something electronic you don't know. You must have your radio code ready for the reset!
2. take off the center console, don't forget the screws in the arm rest bottom. I used the web to find out the proper way, http://w210.pietrzyk.net/disassembly_interior.htm, but it did not show the bottom screws.
3. this is where it gets simple, if you are able to take something apart. remove the plastic air flow, there are no bolts it just slides in place.
4. use an allen wrench, forgot what size I used, remove the 3 screws. DO NOT LOSE ANY PARTS!!!
5. Now for the not faint of Heart part. Unplug the input on the left and right, use a small flat head to gently pry off the white plug on the right.
6. Now perswade the unit into a position that you can remove the clip that holds the cable. If you drop the clip it will be under the car. DO NOT REMOVE THE CABLE INPUT, Leave it attached!
7. Carefully get something to support the input up in the car, I used the afore mentioned flat head. Have the new unit in reach, hold the cable up with your other hand. Remove the old unit and promptly replace the new unit.
8. The old unit has needed parts, don't discard.
9. Now replace the retaining clip, again if you drop it gently place the unit in place, get the clip, gently lift the unit and try again.
10. Now that the clip is in place, set the new unit in place. get the old unit and remove the metal part on the right side it twists and then pull it out. Attach this part to the corresponding cord with the white clip and snap into place in the new unit, also plug in the othe front wires.
11. Take the brass clips off the back of the old unit and place on the new unit.
12. Put everything back the way you found it, starting with the three bolts.
You are now home free,reset the windows, radio, ect.
BTW, I am not a mechanic, or even close. I just have no fear. I do not recomend trying this unless you are convinced that you can handle this or you can afford a flat bed tow and an even higher dealership bill for fixing your mistake.
Good Luck! message me if you have questions.
Also, Greg thanks for the detailed sterring wheel swap instructions. Did that also, took me a hour or so. It looks awesome
1. disconnect the battery, any time you are messing around with something electronic you don't know. You must have your radio code ready for the reset!
2. take off the center console, don't forget the screws in the arm rest bottom. I used the web to find out the proper way, http://w210.pietrzyk.net/disassembly_interior.htm, but it did not show the bottom screws.
3. this is where it gets simple, if you are able to take something apart. remove the plastic air flow, there are no bolts it just slides in place.
4. use an allen wrench, forgot what size I used, remove the 3 screws. DO NOT LOSE ANY PARTS!!!
5. Now for the not faint of Heart part. Unplug the input on the left and right, use a small flat head to gently pry off the white plug on the right.
6. Now perswade the unit into a position that you can remove the clip that holds the cable. If you drop the clip it will be under the car. DO NOT REMOVE THE CABLE INPUT, Leave it attached!
7. Carefully get something to support the input up in the car, I used the afore mentioned flat head. Have the new unit in reach, hold the cable up with your other hand. Remove the old unit and promptly replace the new unit.
8. The old unit has needed parts, don't discard.
9. Now replace the retaining clip, again if you drop it gently place the unit in place, get the clip, gently lift the unit and try again.
10. Now that the clip is in place, set the new unit in place. get the old unit and remove the metal part on the right side it twists and then pull it out. Attach this part to the corresponding cord with the white clip and snap into place in the new unit, also plug in the othe front wires.
11. Take the brass clips off the back of the old unit and place on the new unit.
12. Put everything back the way you found it, starting with the three bolts.
You are now home free,reset the windows, radio, ect.
BTW, I am not a mechanic, or even close. I just have no fear. I do not recomend trying this unless you are convinced that you can handle this or you can afford a flat bed tow and an even higher dealership bill for fixing your mistake.
Good Luck! message me if you have questions.
Also, Greg thanks for the detailed sterring wheel swap instructions. Did that also, took me a hour or so. It looks awesome
Last edited by Mayor Bloom; Jul 12, 2008 at 01:16 AM.
