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Hoping to get some help from forum members here - I have about an inch of depth to work with when I removed the foam pad...what type of sensor would you recommend to pick up the shifter rod location? There is not a lot of movement - relatively close throw - luckily I can lock/screw the switch input sensor plate I make (print) to the OEM plastic base...Hall sensor? Proximity, 3 wire? Thanks! I’d prefer it not to need the shaft to make compression closure with a momentary switch...The plan is to make an emulator that will
communicate the OEM gear signals over the CANBUS to hopefully let the Distronic sensor and ME find what it needs on the BUS. Might need a P/N/D switch too...but I’ll rely on others mastery of the electrical engineering/programming for this side of it! Thanks in advance to all and any help!!! Step one - basic template... Sound insulator foam? That’s all I can think this is for OEM...to keep tunnel sounds from getting into the cab. But, it gives me some space to work and make a custom switch identification input board...
Looking at your readout from Xentry, it looks like your Engine Control unit is not coded for distronic. I ran into the same issue back in 2003. There are a couple of ways to code it. Mercedes no longer allows dealerships to add code 219 distronic to the vehicle data card.
I’d love to FaceTime or otherwise and try to figure this out - it “has to” be (I know nothing is guaranteed) do-able, hopefully through proper coding.
(I’d love to plug it in again with someone more knowledgeable than me!)
I don’t know how to code it, or fully use my set up, I’ll admit. That’s why I’m seeking further a d continued help…
The m271 ME seems pretty unique in this case, for coding of DTR…and, from my efforts, elusive to me…I had this for a w204, but still couldn’t figure it out…
Seeing that I have cruise with resume memory factory, it “seemed” logical that this gem of Distronic would work, to, presumably, a limit of human (my) interaction of shifting/input.
No errors or codes from my work (and the help of a very knowledgeable and helpful co-forum member who I’d never be this far along without) indicate a transmission or TCU communication fault - it all points back to the coding with the ME and ESP/ABS module…they are not the happy couple…
There is a chance I might need to make a six hour drive, one way in September, 2021. If anyone thinks/knows they can code this…I’m willing to FaceTime this…
What is this?!? A (TSB/TT) # PB42.45/88 showing I may have the wrong ESP module?!
@Mackhack did you call it on 3/8/2020 that I might need a new esp module?! I’ll start looking for 0345457232, even thought that’s a part number BEFORE my OEM unit…I hope this TSB isn’t talking specifically about two box DTR with dedicated module in passenger footwell and coaxial cables…
Thanks for the advice!
(I have read this ME is pretty unique…, unfortunately not favorable in these situations…)
I've never attempted any type of programming or computer alteration on a Mercedes-Benz. I tried vehemently through the Dealer, MBUSA, MB Engineering, MB R&D, and even offered to sign release waivers to get this to work OEM.
I’ve reached out to forum Pros from @MBenzNL@sunil@Mackhack and others on how to get this to work. This Distronic project is only really this far, far enough to tease me every time I start the car, because of one really awesome forum member that helped me. His m272 ME9.7 has accepted, and is utilizing, the same DTR set up.
I’ll gladly accept anyone’s help, including @BenzNinja if they think they can/better yet, know, they can get this to work.
Granted, many have said, and I’m thankful for their advice regarding, that my car will never work with a manual transmission.
I still don’t won’t to believe that…because: 1.) the (only) fault code is in a communication error between the ESP and ME. And, 2.) I have factory cruise with memory and resume. 3.) my DTR sensors have been tested and work…
I am also so thankful for those that have, and still offer attempts at an emulator…
Thanks again!
W204 DTR
Please, ANYONE who can either properly click the coding button sequence (maybe even referencing the w209/w204 code strings) OR confirm this TSB (again, that my Dealer never replied on, if part a034-545-7232 will work, I would have bought and installed it already…
Actual FAULT is in ESP, code C1510. FAULT in CAN communication with control unit N63/1 (DTR control module)
ESP module was swapped with +219 PN A034 545 78 32
Event Memory in DTR is; 7203 and 7208; DTR; control module motor electronics is incorrectly coded or there is a fault in the CAN communication with control module motor electronics. 7203(Engine version)
Looking for anyone that can properly code a m271 for Distronic.
Hello,
My car: W203 with the M271 200 Kompressor engine from 2005 with 5G-Tronic.
I´ve added the Distronic first generation with the separated ecu in the passenger footwell. It´s working very well, but I have sometimes errors from other vehicles with radar (external interference)
With the 2nd generation Distronic (integrated ecu in the radar unit) this problem was fixed.
So I bought the latest sensor A2095407845 and it doesn´t work. The fault code is: 7203 the engine coding is wrong or the can communication is faulty. (So the same as yours)
But I don´t have an ESP error. The code 7203 is the only error. After the start of the engine the message (Speedtronic visit workshop) is displayed.
Now I will chance the esp, maybe it helps.
“after many many hours of testing and searching for the right parts, I managed to make the Distronic work in my W203. It works perfekt without any error and the best thing is that there are no more external disturbances with the one box design Distronic.”
I am so happy to hear you have your 2005 C200 m271 SIM4L KE running DTR with no errors! Congratulations!
I see you have a 5G-Tronic, I have a 6 speed manual 716. It is heavily theorized that my manual transmission is the issue…but, there are no direct codes to that…
Interesting that you were able to get the older 2box system to work and the 1box is working perfectly.
Knowing we have (had) the same 7203 error and you cleared it, I would love to learn how you coded your m271 SIM4L KE (I need specific steps such as a PDF…reverse engineering and making a custom grille shield, I can do that…coding and using developer mode with the laptop I need “hand holding” and help as I have no experience) to be able to use Distronic.
What parts and part numbers are you using? Are you using the same radar unit I have listed?
Did you swap out the ESP module with +219?
Never had the C1510 error show up?
My main parts/components/modules:
DTR: A 026 545 23 32
hw 04/17
sw 03/49
(Where these errors originally came from)
and I also have “a spare” with same PN
hw 04/23
sw 03/49
ESP: A 034 545 78 32
213+219
PML+DTR
ME: A 271 010 27 02
A 271 153 04 91
SIM4L KE
To recap my error codes:
Event Memory 7208 DTR :
My laptop stated this as incorrect coding with ME or CAN error communicating with ME.
Looking online I also found this for the same ESP related code:
- Fault in CAN communication with control unit A7/3n1 (SBC control unit). ((w203 does not have A7/3n1, SBC module - both of my radar units were purchased used, could this be donor car related?))
(You and I share(d) code 7203)
Event Memory 7203 DTR :
My laptop stated this as incorrect coding with ME or CAN error communicating with ME.
Looking online I also found this for the same ESP related code:
- Test wheel speed signals. ( Rear axle )
C1510 Fault in CAN communication with control unit N63/1 (DTR control module).
((This, N63/1 is referring to the older two box control module in the passenger footwell. I don’t have this and the only “newer” working w203s with DTR that I know of (You, SA_King203 and another, are using the newer 1 box system as you mention with success.)) Could this C1510 error code also be somehow donor car related using second hand radar units?
Based on presented research and information, I planned to used solely the newer 1 box radar with ECU incorporated. The A89n1 variant as shown on w211 with m271 from 07/2004.
Again, both of my sensors where shipped out in late 2020 and tested/verified in the only working newer w203 w/DTR I know of by someone who has helped me tremendously, THANK YOU!
Hoping I “just” have my ME improperly coded (as optimistic others have indicated) and you can possibly help settle that!
Hello BF_JC230,
I like your previous work and I have a solution for your error code problem.
By the way your homemade label is great. I absolutely must have one of these
Greetings from Germany,
SA_King203
Last edited by SA_King; 11-03-2022 at 01:57 PM.
Reason: duplicate post
I have invested a lot of time and money to make it work, and I also had to try a lot to get this result.
Your parts should fit and it should work with it.
The 2. Generation Distronic was developed for the CLK 209 and it should never work on the C-Class 203.
After each start, the DTR control unit checks the parameters and also in which vehicle it is installed. That means if only one parameter is wrong, the DTR won´t turn on, for safety reasons.
Your engine ECU needs to be coded as if it were a CLK 209. Model series instead of (BR 203) -> BR 209 and body instead of (W-Limousine or S...) to -> coupe because CLK is a coupe.
That´s your main problem, once you have done this DTR will communicate with your 203 c-class.
That is EXACTLY what another said back in 2018 when he coded his Bosch set up, only adding he had to pick/select the matching rear axle ratio. That individual went WAY above and beyond to help me and stated he only knew of the ME9.7 having that axle ratio configuration need.
Problem was/is I couldn’t figure out how to do that with the Siemens ME. My notes (picture shared) indicate I could only possibly locate options with an automatic gearbox. (It’s a bit gray/fuzzy in my mind right now going back 4 years) I don’t even recall where this screen grab was pulled from showing 171, 203, 209 & 211“options” - and they all show automatic (NAG) transmissions anyway and the w209 options don’t show my 3,46 axle ratio…So, I was too reluctant or scared to dig any deeper or go poking around more because I didn’t want to lock up the ECU. So I stopped.
If you can show/share a step by step process, like this attached PDF on how to code the ME to just think it’s powering a w209 that would be wonderful!
I’ll gladly look for the label file and share once I locate it…(Funny, to me anyway, there’s been more comments/interest in the label than the reverse engineered and CAD work I put into making a custom 203 shield that fits into an OEM grille! Ha!)
Thanks for the label.
Attached is a PDF of how my engine control unit is coded. The red arrows show the changes for the Distronic.
As a tip: I always use the access for the CLK 209.342 in the diagnosis to be able to access the DTR control unit.
I’m certainly trying to recall how to get into these 209 settings while working on my 203 in real time…I could clearly do it before, especially with the help of another…Again, last time I tried was roughly 4 years ago…
“As a tip: I always use the access for the CLK 209.342 in the diagnosis to be able to access the DTR control unit.” -SA_KING
Based on above, could you please share how to get to these settings/options/changes from more of a main menu? (Again I have very little to no DAS/Xentry experience…this set up was built just to enable DTR…)
I cannot recall how to “pretend” or tell the laptop it’s a 209 when working on the C230 plugged in and running…
I went to try today and was having some issues with a stable multiplexer connection…see picture.
On the bench I played in simulation mode:
203.040
Main Groups
> Control units
Control unit groups
> Drive
Drive
> ME-SFI - Motor electronics
ME-SFI - Motor electronics
> “safety notes”
DAS:Coding
> Press F2 Forward
ME Motor electronics
> Development data
Main menu of control module MESE
> Control unit adaptations
Control unit adaptations
> Control unit adaptations (Variant coding)
Control Unit adaptations
> implizit
implizit
>
Make changes (note Getriebe/Transmission I need to leave mine as Handschalter/Manual switch) (picture attached)
Really REALLY appreciate the responses, support and help to try and get my manual 6 speed transmissioned w203 to accept and use the installed DTR hardware. (Out of curiosity, do you know of any manual transmission OEM MBs over there with DTR? I recall last time I was there almost everyone drove manual and even rode in a manual w211 estate.)
Regarding the labels, you’re very welcome.
If you can’t find a shop to print it - let me know as I can only upload jpg and pngs here - not psd ai or tif and we’ll work something out…I have a couple spares…
“As a tip: I always use the access for the CLK 209.342 in the diagnosis to be able to access the DTR control unit.” -SA_KING
It´s only to access the CLK DTR unit, because in the 203 Xentry menu it´s not possible to access DTR (there is no DTR menu item)
First you choose the CLK 209 picture -> then 209.342 -> the engine & transmission -> thereafter a message is displayed like (no suitable vehicle found, select manually) -> OK -> choose CLK, Coupe - then you have access to the menu item Distronic
If you have correctly coded the engine control unit, try what happens with DTR. I don´t know anyone who has a manual transmission and Distronic and don´t know how to make it work, because I have an automatic transmission.
These are all DTR CLK 209 control units of the 2nd generation. It works with everyone of these.
A2035453532 replaced by:
A2095453532 replaced by:
A2095405545 replaced by:
A2095406245 replaced by:
A2095407645 replaced by:
A2095407845 (last-/maybe best? version) -> I have these DTR on my W203
If you have correctly coded the engine control unit, try what happens with DTR.
Can you confirm I make the ME changes in the w203.040 setting? Do I get into this implizit setting with my VIN selected, engine at idle and tell it to be a 209 there?
Or, is the ME change to happen on a “forced” or manually selected 209 session?
The last time I tried this (again, memories are overlapping and a bit fuzzy from 4 years ago, so thank you (all) for your patience and help!) I recall no “easy” way to do this. I recall, as this picture shows all the drop down coding options being [————] blank cells…
(Simulator v. Real and engine running
(I do however recall that procedure of manually launching w209 for TPMS and setting up, as you note; DTR originally. My screen grabs show me using 209.341.)