Electrical module
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2016 C300
This guy is a phenomenal resource. So is it possible the bad light switch is corrupting other signal on the upper panel control unit? That would explain all of the other gremlins in the dash he's experiencing. Or is it likely the control unit itself is shot?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2007 Mercedes 550S 2006 Porsche 997 Carrera S
Yeah….. I broke a couple of my own rules when buying the car. I was in a rush, and most importantly I didn’t do a PPI. I went with an incredibly clean Carfax and low miles. That swayed me.
I’m sure that the electrical issues will ultimately resolve themselves in the near future. It is strange though getting conflicting diagnosis from 2 different dealers ……..one saying it’s the headlight switch (221 545 1404) and the other indicating it’s the climate control (221 905 5200). I would have thought that the computer reads would be able to pinpoint a problem like this. I could see by making the wrong decision, I could certainly end up in a hole. I have already purchased a part….Dash Control Panel (2218701758) and that proved not to be the problem. I am thankful to find a Forum like this with such knowledgeable contributors.
I’m sure that the electrical issues will ultimately resolve themselves in the near future. It is strange though getting conflicting diagnosis from 2 different dealers ……..one saying it’s the headlight switch (221 545 1404) and the other indicating it’s the climate control (221 905 5200). I would have thought that the computer reads would be able to pinpoint a problem like this. I could see by making the wrong decision, I could certainly end up in a hole. I have already purchased a part….Dash Control Panel (2218701758) and that proved not to be the problem. I am thankful to find a Forum like this with such knowledgeable contributors.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 369
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From: Toronto, Canada
2011 Mercedes S63 AMG
Yeah….. I broke a couple of my own rules when buying the car. I was in a rush, and most importantly I didn’t do a PPI. I went with an incredibly clean Carfax and low miles. That swayed me.
I’m sure that the electrical issues will ultimately resolve themselves in the near future. It is strange though getting conflicting diagnosis from 2 different dealers ……..one saying it’s the headlight switch (221 545 1404) and the other indicating it’s the climate control (221 905 5200). I would have thought that the computer reads would be able to pinpoint a problem like this. I could see by making the wrong decision, I could certainly end up in a hole. I have already purchased a part….Dash Control Panel (2218701758) and that proved not to be the problem. I am thankful to find a Forum like this with such knowledgeable contributors.
I’m sure that the electrical issues will ultimately resolve themselves in the near future. It is strange though getting conflicting diagnosis from 2 different dealers ……..one saying it’s the headlight switch (221 545 1404) and the other indicating it’s the climate control (221 905 5200). I would have thought that the computer reads would be able to pinpoint a problem like this. I could see by making the wrong decision, I could certainly end up in a hole. I have already purchased a part….Dash Control Panel (2218701758) and that proved not to be the problem. I am thankful to find a Forum like this with such knowledgeable contributors.
All the toys are on a fiber optic ring. Each device, even if it's not in use, is responsible for passing the signal on to the next device, forming a closed loop.
If one device fails, it will cause a cascade of failures in the other devices because the ring is no longer closed. If it's a device you don't use anyway, like Sirius radio for example, you can just bypass it entirely and close the loop.
I would start with a visit to a shop with an MB diagnostic terminal. The car will report which device has failed, then you can decide how best to proceed. It may be the amp but any device in the loop that fails...or blows a fuse...will cause the "device unavailable" error.
If one device fails, it will cause a cascade of failures in the other devices because the ring is no longer closed. If it's a device you don't use anyway, like Sirius radio for example, you can just bypass it entirely and close the loop.
I would start with a visit to a shop with an MB diagnostic terminal. The car will report which device has failed, then you can decide how best to proceed. It may be the amp but any device in the loop that fails...or blows a fuse...will cause the "device unavailable" error.
Out Of Control!!
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2016 C300
Damn thats a lot of issues.
I installed the amp and took it back to Benz as the radio still isn't working. They said there is good new and bad news. Good news is the code for the amp is gone. Bad news is that the HD Sirus radio module is gone and is still causing the issue with the radio. $1880 CAD for a new one!!!! I can't find my part number on EBay. 171-906-35-00
I installed the amp and took it back to Benz as the radio still isn't working. They said there is good new and bad news. Good news is the code for the amp is gone. Bad news is that the HD Sirus radio module is gone and is still causing the issue with the radio. $1880 CAD for a new one!!!! I can't find my part number on EBay. 171-906-35-00
Hey, no chance this was ever a flood car?
Last edited by Mike5215; Dec 1, 2015 at 04:44 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 369
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Canada
2011 Mercedes S63 AMG
I think they can bypass that XM module (basically a little plastic coupler that buts the two ends of the fiber optic cable together so the ring remains closed), and then they may need to recode COMAND so that it's no longer polling that module when it boots up. Unless you really love satellite radio.
Hey, no chance this was ever a flood car?
Hey, no chance this was ever a flood car?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Interesting. The CD changer is in the COMAND unit itself, whereas the other bits are peripherals, but the fact the CD player works means the amp is working. Something is breaking the fiber optic loop.
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 369
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Canada
2011 Mercedes S63 AMG
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2007 Mercedes 550S 2006 Porsche 997 Carrera S
This strange electrical saga continues. My mechanic(s) have suggested it might be a SAM unit (2215409245). Coming out of Porsches, and going into this car, I am amazed at all the electrical issues that can exist with a Mercedes that cannot be simply diagnosed. So far I have had 2 Mercedes dealers input, and one Indy giving expert opinions.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
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2016 C300
It's very unusual. The cars are generally good about reporting problem components with accuracy. That's why I asked if the car had a clean title vs salvage or flood. Too much stuff all at once.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 54
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From: Los Angeles
2007 Mercedes 550S 2006 Porsche 997 Carrera S
Very clean Carfax……. 2 previous owners, both on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. They drove it around in circles for 39000 miles. The car was then shipped to L.A. where I bought it. Maybe the humidity???
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S350 BT 4MATIC
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2007 Mercedes 550S 2006 Porsche 997 Carrera S
Found out from the dealer this morning that my S550 need a special module. This module controls the inner electronics, such as the display clock, the controls to the left side of the COMAND screen and the night vision. Big question…… does anyone know the number of this part? Greatly appreciated?
