SL/R129: Need Help with ECU location and Install
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
1995 SL320
Need Help with ECU location and Install
Does anyone know where the ECU is located in a 1995 MB SL320 and how to remove it. I also need to know if these cars have to have the replacement ECU programmed or can it be just installed in the car. Is there a place I can send it to if it does have to be programmed..? Thanks for any help !!!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
Excellent questions. There is a multi pin connector under a "pop open" cover. The location is in the engine bay on the passenger side near the wiper motor.
If you take the black plastic cover off that section you will find a metal box that can be opened that contains modules that are "plug and work".
I have never unplugged any of the modules, but my mechanic has, and several dealers wanted to replace several mods so that the car would run without the dash board caution/warning lights. Then the wiring harness was exposed as a primary issue.
When I was exploring the European tuned motor, I was told two "chips" could be reprogramed and the USA limiter could be modified. The car would have more power, torque and top speed would be really lethal, to say nothing about illegal!
All that said, Lots of modules in a compartment, lots of controller all over the vehicle, and I have not altered any!
Good luck with your adventure
If you take the black plastic cover off that section you will find a metal box that can be opened that contains modules that are "plug and work".
I have never unplugged any of the modules, but my mechanic has, and several dealers wanted to replace several mods so that the car would run without the dash board caution/warning lights. Then the wiring harness was exposed as a primary issue.
When I was exploring the European tuned motor, I was told two "chips" could be reprogramed and the USA limiter could be modified. The car would have more power, torque and top speed would be really lethal, to say nothing about illegal!
All that said, Lots of modules in a compartment, lots of controller all over the vehicle, and I have not altered any!
Good luck with your adventure
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 810
Likes: 182
From: Laguna Niguel
'94 SL600,'05 SL600,'06 S65,'07 E63,'14 E63S,'09SL600 all sold, ‘15 S65,‘18 E63S,'17 SL65, '17S65Cab
I have replaced the ECU chips on my 1994 SL600. The biggest difference is the V12 has two of the boxes described above, one on each side of the engine compartment. I had this done by an MB factory trained tech who opened his own shop. It was much more involved and delicate than the instruction sheets made it sound to get the chips out of the modules that are in the metal box. It is doable at home if you are confident in working with ECU's.
Do not expect a dramatic difference on the NA engines. It sharpens up the response to the throttle and improves part throttle performance. Full throttle is slightly improved but not dramatic.
Do not expect a dramatic difference on the NA engines. It sharpens up the response to the throttle and improves part throttle performance. Full throttle is slightly improved but not dramatic.
