I am getting conflicting opinions on wether or not a new SAM requires coding. The SAM in my vehicle is badly water damaged and unrepairable. My 2006 W164 ML500 had the SAM replace under warranty in about 2010 and the part number of the replaced SAM is ZB: A 164 900 5101. MB agents quoted the same replacement part number now and have stated to me that the SAM does not require coding and that it is "universal". A non MB alternative supplier says that is correct and can supply the same part number for 60% of the MB cost. Another non MB supplier is less that 50% of the cost and supplies ZB: A 164 900 4101 says the SAM must be coded... now I am confused. Recoding is nearly 50% of the cost of a SAM here in South Africa. Can anyone shed some light on the matter. The VIN is WDC1641752A051638

 

The replacement should just work, coding need to be done to activate certain accessories. Such as the trailer hitch functions.

Be wary of buying 2nd hand units. Are they water damaged too?

 

If you are buying/installing a virgin SAM the data in your old SAM must be extracted and transferred to the new SAM.

 

Does the used one from another car needs coding?

 

It all depends if the used SAM has the same features as your damaged SAM.

 

It absolutely has to be coded to your VIN by the dealership or an indy with paid access for online scn coding.... Unless you buy a used one with the same exact options as your car which is highly unlikely.

 

Yeah that is what thought. Because i tried another used SAM on my ML63 from another ML550 it didn't work. Called one really good shop owner told me only dealer codes the SAM
Looks like some Chinese person trying to sell him a SAM and saying it doesn't need coding