mbcars

For a 2012 G550, dealership is telling me that error code indicates sensor mat occupant sensor 212-870-31-10 needs to be replaced. Except that this part is apparently discontinued. Anyone have any alternatives or possible suggestions? I asked if a 2013 part would work because those are available, but they said no. The error only occurs when the seat is empty. If someone is sitting in seat then no error. I know they’re the pros, but I asked if maybe the sensor just needed to be recalibrated. Waiting to hear back from advisor. Appreciate any suggestions on where I might find this part if it indeed needs to be replaced. Have looked online at quite a few vendors but no luck. Thank you!

croat

https://www.ebay.com/itm/125002999329

mbcars

I appreciate the reply. I had come across these emulators also, but ideally I would like to find an actual MB replacement part (or at least repair of existing component). If I understand the emulator correctly, it essentially just keeps the airbag in the always on position (as if someone were always sitting), and then the error code can be cleared. I'm hoping someone has the MB part that's just buried deep in a warehouse. I'm surprised that with so many model years using the same parts that there isn't one available somewhere or at least that would work from another model like many other parts. Thanks again, I will keep this option in mind!

croat

I checked few of my sources and they all seem to be out of stock of OE mat.

Emulator works in a way that it tells Airbag system that someone is sitting at the passenger seat.
This way in case of an accident, Airbags will fire on both drive and passenger side, regardless of passenger seat occupancy

There should be no worry about it, as it's not disabling safety features on passenger side.
I've used emulators in past BMW and my parents' W163 ML320 is running one for years now

mbcars

Thanks for checking with your sources. I’m still unable to find it also, doesn’t look promising. The emulator seems like it might be the way to go. I’m still waiting to hear back from dealership if they were able to come up with any other options. It’s just odd to me that when there is weight in the seat there’s no error, so from that standpoint the sensor seems to be working, but when there’s nothing in seat it gives error. It’s almost like it just needs to be “re-zeroed” or recalibrated or something along those lines. I’m sure it’s more complicated than I’m thinking, so I will probably just have to go with the emulator option. Thanks again, appreciate it!

PeriodCorrect

Paging resident electric (and everything else w463) expert @shiann

shiann

The only thing I have heard of is using these emulator things to trick the system. It may be possible to find someone parting out seats and/or harvesting the cushions from a seat, and maybe you can get the weight sensors. Not that common but may be possible as a longer term solution after getting the emulators.

croat

Pretty sure it was same on parents' ML320. With someone sitting, no light.

I still think mat is bad and there is absolutely no worry about using emulator since you can't get replacement part, nor emulator is disabling any safety features

mbcars

I appreciate everyone’s input and suggestions. Looks like the emulator is going to be the way to go. Going to look more into those. Seems I will need to ensure the emulator also connects to the seatbelt, otherwise passenger seatbelt warning will continue to illuminate (since it will think someone is sitting in passenger seat all the time). However, still going to keep an eye out for someone swapping out seats and possibly obtaining a sensor replacement in the future. Thanks all.

GOBP

The inventory of parts comes and goes at this place, but based on Shiann's comment, perhaps they have one now or can be on the lookout for one for you?

https://exoticsalvage.com/search#q=w463

mbcars

Excellent, thank you. This would appear to be a good resource (for now and the future).

GOBP

Just trying to give back what this site and another that is having issues with their registration process has given me. Hope you can soon find the parts you need now and in the future!

mbcars

As I’m looking into these emulators, many that I see say they will not work with vehicles sold in the USA. Anyone know why that is? Is it differences in the wiring or something along those lines? Thanks

croat

I think that's just legality thing...

mbcars

I wondered if that might be the case.

mbcars

So I was informed by one of the distributors for the emulators that the wiring for European model seats is sometimes different than US model seats, and therefore not all will work. Just an fyi for anyone interested.

croat

Checking ECSTuning for pics of your seat mat (P/N 212-870-31-10) shows following



If you look at eBay page, it shows:

Both look exactly the same to me

Take a look at seat mat connector on your car and see if it's same as pictured on ebay page?

mbcars

Agreed, thanks! Have one on order. Fingers crossed.

Gznutz

I don't see why the 2013-2018 sensor wouldn't work for a 2010-2012. It's the same seat and same connector.

The W212 has the same connector as well, but a different cushion.

mbcars

My thoughts as well. However, I was told by the dealership that was not an option. Unfortunately I don’t think they even looked into that thoroughly though.

Gznutz

I never trust the stealer. The bypass module works for 2010-2018, so we can presume they are all fed the same signal.

I have identical symptoms as those listed in your OP, so if calibration doesn't work I will try the 2013-2018 sensor mat and report back.

croat

Did you ever get the emulator from Europe and did it fit/resolve the issue?

mbcars

Lol, I do wonder sometimes. Yes, definitely please let us know. I am especially interested to see if the calibration will work, since I'm sure that would be easier/less expensive than a replacement (which it also seems to me that the 2013-18 would work, unless the shape of the mat is different or something and doesn't fit the same for some reason in the seat cushion).

mbcars

Apologies I hadn't posted the outcome yet. I did indeed, thanks again. Aside from struggling a bit to remove the old connector (and not break something else in the process), it connected no problem and has been working as intended with no dash errors or constant chime. I am still interested to see how the recalibration goes for @Gznutz though, because ultimately that would be the solution I would prefer.