09 ML350 ECM ECU Reprogram Rebuild
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 15
Likes: 4
From: ORLANDO, FL
09 ML350, 98 SLK
09 ML350 ECM ECU Reprogram Rebuild
My 09 ML350 is giving me intermittent starting problems combined with radiator fan running at high speed when key is turned on to second position. The dealer diagnosed as needing a new ECM for a mere $2,000! Can anyone recommend a reliable ECM programmer/rebuilder who can unlock and reprogram a good used ECM? I already tried G7 computers, sent them my module, and they were not able to repair it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 15
Likes: 4
From: ORLANDO, FL
09 ML350, 98 SLK
I had posted earlier in this thread about my 2009 ML 350, gas model that had an intermittent starting problem. After reading many posts, I pulled and examined the EIS which was a newer version and did not have the loose solder problems. It was really frustrating because the car started up perfectly well when it was cold and ran great. But once parked it wouldn't start with a warm engine and the radiator fan would come on full speed. I finally deduced it must be the ECM acting up because if the key or EIS was defective, it wouldn't be starting under any conditions. Further research showed that defective ECMs are common problem with Bosch ME9.7 modules that are mounted on top of the engine. The heat and engine vibration damages them and they need to be replaced. Just to confirm, I took the ML to the local Benz stealership who charged me $270 to verify that indeed the ECM was defective. Of course, they wanted $2000+ to replace it! So, I found a used ECM with the same part# on eBay for $125, then sent it off with my old ECM to a guy on eBay who cloned the old ECM to the "newer" used one for a mere $135. I had both of them back in 4 days, and as soon as I plugged the cloned used ECM into the ML, it started up on the first try and now always does so regardless of engine temperature or ambient temperature. Hopefully my experience will help others facing the same issue! 
Newbie
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: New England
W209 2005 CLK320 Coupe
Hey Car Connection, could you post/send me the link of the ECU Repair person? I'm having a similar problem with my car and it would be perfect if you could help me find a good guy. Thanks!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 15
Likes: 4
From: ORLANDO, FL
09 ML350, 98 SLK
Try these guys
I can't find the original guy who did mine , but these people should be able to fix your ECM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/22397144449...mis&media=COPY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/22397144449...mis&media=COPY
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2007 S550
Same ECM problem
Hello. I am of course having the same issue. I have already mailed mine off to SIA Electronics and it was unable to be repaired, and was returned to me. What was your outcome if you don't mind me asking? Were you able to find somebody to program a used ECM for you to match your original?
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2007 S550
ECM guy that programmed your ECM
Hello, did you ever happen to come across the conpany/guy that you used to program your used ECM? Mine was unable to be repaired and I am not looking to spend 1600 on a plug and play. Thanks in advance for any help
QUOTE=Car Connection;8824932]I had posted earlier in this thread about my 2009 ML 350, gas model that had an intermittent starting problem. After reading many posts, I pulled and examined the EIS which was a newer version and did not have the loose solder problems. It was really frustrating because the car started up perfectly well when it was cold and ran great. But once parked it wouldn't start with a warm engine and the radiator fan would come on full speed. I finally deduced it must be the ECM acting up because if the key or EIS was defective, it wouldn't be starting under any conditions. Further research showed that defective ECMs are common problem with Bosch ME9.7 modules that are mounted on top of the engine. The heat and engine vibration damages them and they need to be replaced. Just to confirm, I took the ML to the local Benz stealership who charged me $270 to verify that indeed the ECM was defective. Of course, they wanted $2000+ to replace it! So, I found a used ECM with the same part# on eBay for $125, then sent it off with my old ECM to a guy on eBay who cloned the old ECM to the "newer" used one for a mere $135. I had both of them back in 4 days, and as soon as I plugged the cloned used ECM into the ML, it started up on the first try and now always does so regardless of engine temperature or ambient temperature. Hopefully my experience will help others facing the same issue![/QUOTE]
QUOTE=Car Connection;8824932]I had posted earlier in this thread about my 2009 ML 350, gas model that had an intermittent starting problem. After reading many posts, I pulled and examined the EIS which was a newer version and did not have the loose solder problems. It was really frustrating because the car started up perfectly well when it was cold and ran great. But once parked it wouldn't start with a warm engine and the radiator fan would come on full speed. I finally deduced it must be the ECM acting up because if the key or EIS was defective, it wouldn't be starting under any conditions. Further research showed that defective ECMs are common problem with Bosch ME9.7 modules that are mounted on top of the engine. The heat and engine vibration damages them and they need to be replaced. Just to confirm, I took the ML to the local Benz stealership who charged me $270 to verify that indeed the ECM was defective. Of course, they wanted $2000+ to replace it! So, I found a used ECM with the same part# on eBay for $125, then sent it off with my old ECM to a guy on eBay who cloned the old ECM to the "newer" used one for a mere $135. I had both of them back in 4 days, and as soon as I plugged the cloned used ECM into the ML, it started up on the first try and now always does so regardless of engine temperature or ambient temperature. Hopefully my experience will help others facing the same issue!
[/QUOTE]
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 15
Likes: 4
From: ORLANDO, FL
09 ML350, 98 SLK
Clone your ECM to used one
Hello. I am of course having the same issue. I have already mailed mine off to SIA Electronics and it was unable to be repaired, and was returned to me. What was your outcome if you don't mind me asking? Were you able to find somebody to program a used ECM for you to match your original?
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
You have to send him both the original and the used donor ECM and he will send both back in 3 or 4 days.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/12586792476...mis&media=COPY
