John Pirtle

2011 E350 S212 wagon.

Some time ago my ESP/ABS computer started to fail once the car (or the unit) warmed fully to regular operating temperature. Once failed, I got the error messages, lights, and lost power steering, cruise, etc.

I took my failing unit to a place called UPFIX (local to me). https://www.upfix.com/ They did their "repair" but the unit continued to fail once warmed up. I took it back, they found and replaced a capacitor, but unit continues to fail once hot.

I bought a used unit off eBay for $73 and it works as expected (with ABS, ESC warnings) and I do not lose power steering. I took the car today to my local MB dealer and was told they are unable to program used units to my VIN - they can only program new units (@ US$1350 + $460 labor).

Is this true? Haven't I read where used units have been programmed as replacements?

Any recommendations for where I could have the unit programmed?

Can you recommend where to buy a replacement that can be programmed? or best place to buy a new unit?

I will call https://xemodex.com/us/ when they open next week.

Any other vendors?

Many thanks!

CaliBenzDriver

I do not have all your answers but hear me on this:
Dealerships do not deal with cheap questionable used parts. In your position, I'd run to an indi shop for that reason!

In order to program in a new VIN, the module needs to be virginised to behave as a new blank...
-OR
you can get your EPROM chip transfered from your old unit to replacement unit. Then no advanced programming needed 👍

Hope this helps!


Also out of curiosity:
how can ABS/ESP affect an hydraulic power steering?

kajtek1

When I am ignorant in electronics, I met "right people" who do it and I remember what they say.
Basically any used module on modern car, needs to be virginized before it can be programed to your VIN.
How tricky it can be can show my experience, when my Sprinter broke fuel pump in Flagstaff, AZ and local dealer had a mechanic who started the job by blowing my ignition module. Took him 3 days to figure out what he screw, but still he programmed new module with wrong VIN and that put command center in lock-down mode.
Those thigs do require good computer skills and I know about only handful of such people in whole USA. Dealers often are sending mechanics to Germany for training.
You choose to not disclosure your location, so I can offer generic advise only.

Left Coast Geek

no shop that guarantees their work will touch customer supplied OR aftermarket or used parts.

S-Prihadi

This forum seems to have at least 2 person/business/service good with MB computer modules.
One advertise quite often, maybe check with them.

John Pirtle

Thanks all for the information.

I am in the Atlanta area if anyone can recommend a shop, service, etc.

Much appreciated!!

kajtek1

Georgia is not very Mercedes populated from what I noticed, so in case you don't find anybody closer, there is DSL guru on Sprinter forum handle DIma, located in Tennessee. . He does computer stuff on Sprinters, but you can always ask him.

John Pirtle

I'm very late updating this thread but wanted to tie it off.

I contacted a number of possible vendors about reprogramming my used eBay ABS computer and had no fortune. I got the sense that reprogramming was being done some time ago but there were enough problems that everyone gave up on it.

I ended up purchasing a new unit at my dealer which they programmed and installed. No issues since. Roughly $1800 for the unit plus labor.