Importing 2010 ML-550 to Canada - analog speedometer conversion from miles/hr to kms
 

Hi,

I am looking at buying a 2009 or 2010 ML 550 in US, and importing it to Canada.

I am aware that I can ask US MB dealer to enable DRL and convert digital speedometer from miles/hr to kms/hr.

However, I would like to convert analog speedometer as well. As far as I have been able to research this, there seems to be three methods:

1. Having a US MB dealer enable a hidden Menu 04 through Star Diagnostic computer, and then switch analog speedometer from 0-160 miles to 0-160kms.
(best option)

2. Replace instrument panel at a Canadian MB dealership. (expensive)

3. Buy a metric overlay stencil from European website. (Pain in a neck)

Is my understanding of the above three options correct?

Has anybody successfully used the option #1?

Thank you very much...

Andrew

Arok..............
 

In the MFD...Multi-functional display, in the centre on the speedo cluster...l switch from Km's to miles, everytime l travel to the States........it will also switch km's to miles and vice-versa while travelling with navigation.......l would think their would be no need to switch the cluster...........

For 2011 model, once I change from miles to km. The speedo will change it's scale of travel.

On your analog speedometer, does miles/hr light go out, and kms/hr light turns on?

Did you activate any hidden menu through a STAR computer at a dealership?

Thank you,

Andrew

A favour
 

Please, can somebody with a 2010 ML try to switch from miles/hr to kms/hr, and let me know whether analog speedometer switches to 0-160 kms/hr as well, including kms/hr light being on?

I am very close to making an offer on a really nice 2010 ML 550, and this is the last issue I need to figure out....

Thank you very much,

Andrew

Andrew,
I checked the manual, the function that I mentioned is only for Canada! Sorry.

No problem... Thank you for double checking....
Meantime, I am trying to get US dealer to check this our as well..

I seem to remember a previous thread on this topic that concluded the ability to switch the speedo between MPH and km/h is exclusive to Canadian models.

Is the '10 ML on RIV's approved list?

I know that there are issues with several Mercedes models that do not meet Canadian bumper requirements. Not that it can't be fixed, but when my buddy looked into bringing an S-class north, it was going to cost $4k to bring the bumper up to Canadian standards. :nix:

Edit: Had a look at RIV. All good for the '10's. S-class still a no-go...lol.

What did you end up doing? Option 1?

Andrew,

I did option #1 when I relocated from US to S.Korea last year with my ML500 and it really worked well. I think option #1 must be the best choice since it will cost you nothing if you have built a good relationship with your service advisor. If you do #1, temperature unit will be changed from fahrenhiet to celsius, as well.

Few days ago, I have reached out to Steve Krabbenborg from http://www.mbenznl.nl. He is an expert on MB Star Diagnostic and AMG vehicles. Here is his reply:

Andrew,

I have changed the version coding of these US spec ML/GL/R-class instrument clusters several times to display the speed in KMH instead of MPH (both digital AND analog)...the only problem is that you need a specialist who knows how to do that versioncoding and that the analog speedometer only goes up to 160kmh

greetingz,
steve krabbenborg


hj1020, I am really glad that you have confirmed the option#1 as well.
Any chance that you can post exact instructions for this conversion?
I am not having any luck with MB dealers. They simply do not know how to perform this conversion.

Thank you

Andrew

Anyone know how to display both the digital km/h in the center screen and the temperature? or can I only display one of them.

You can have only one at a time

You can choose temp for the lower section through your menus. Then once you start car and it opens up with the odometer in the upper center, hitting down arrow 2 times puts the speed in the upper section.

Best I figured out. Kinda annoying to do every time I start it but I want temp there; so this is what I do. Only takes a second to double tap the down arrow at start up.

Andrew,
Any developments on the 'soft' conversion? I have been told it is about $1500 for the Canadian dealer to perform a cluster change and the 'Canadian' coding, in adition to a $750.00 'inspection fee'. This is on a used 2011 ML550.

Cheers

Looks like I have a good solution
 

Hi,

I was in Buffalo coupe weeks ago getting couple TSB's done on my LS460L, and I dropped by Buffalo MB dealership on Main Street. I talked to service manager, and he told me that they can recode my 2011 ML350 without any problems. Apparently, they are completing this conversion on a lot of recent model MB's being imported from US to Canada. One hour labour charge only.

Going this route, Canadian MB dealers will not honour US warranty. However, I will not pay $3,500 - $5,000 extortion money. I will simply take my ML to the Buffalo MB dealer for warranty repairs.

Suffice to say, my next shopping trip to Buffalo will be done in my ML with a stop at the MB dealership.

Andrew

I hear you brother.
Just found out that the required cluster change and Canadian coding can be performed at a MB USA dealer for under $900.00.They will need to order the part from MB Canada. That just leaves the inspection fee($500 to $750) that the MB Canada can ding you for to activate the warranty. This is for a 2011 Ml550, so YMMV.
Cheers

Mission accomplished
 

I found a guy in Toronto with a super duper computer, and he was able to re-code the car to metric (analog speedometer in km/hr). $150.

can you give me this guy's contact number.

Why bother with the modification when you can activate Kmh from the digital display. All that is needed for Canadian import via RIV is daytime running lights and a label showing Kmh on the speedometer.

I didn't need to spend any money with MB USA or Canada to bring in my ML320CDI.

Can you elaborate on what kind of computer this guy had? Is this guy a mechanic? What exactly did he do to get this done.

I'm importing a 2010 GL350. I know I can just put a sticker on it to get it passed but it would be nice to do it your way.

I've been thru this twice now with an SLK55AMG and a CLS63AMG I bought in the US... its all about Mercedes warranty scam to protect Canadian dealers.

For a US vehicle factory warranty to be honored in Canada, MB insists on replacing the cluster on most vehicles plus a few other odds and ends depending on model and year. Most estimates I've heard have been $2,500-$3,500 (perhaps less for non-AMG?).

Also, and extended warranties or CPO (MB certified pre-owned) warranties are not honored in Canada even if you replace the cluster etc.

If you are not concered with transferring warranty to Canada, just change the onboard settings for DRL's and digital speedometer in km's, and spend 5-7 minutes at a Canadian Tire to have them stamp your RIV Form 1.

Good luck!

Does the speedometer need to have both mph AND km/h visible? The 2010 GL350 I'm importing only has mph. Will I be able to import it w/o having to go to Mercedes to replace the cluster?

I ended up spending $150 with a local guy in Toronto...

He re-programmed my 2010 ML350 from US spec to Canadian (metric) including analog speedometer change to km/h, temperature from F to C, etc...

Really simple, once you find right person to talk to...

As far as I know, in order to import into Canada, you just need to change electronic speedometer to km/h which you can do by yourself.

Andrew