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Please help! I've read a lot on this topic on various forum threads and I am feeling a bit confused and overwhelmed - too much info scattered at too many places. So... long story short: I have a '99 SL500, North America, that was stripped (all the modules - ECM, Transmission, ESP, etc., located in the control units box under the bonnet near the windshield were most likely stolen).
I purchased the proper modules (used on eBay) and I just received them recently. I did a very thorough research and made sure to get the right modules, so I believe all that is sorted out the right way.
I know from here on it's not a plug-and-play job - the car won't start by just attaching the connectors As far as I understood, the new modules need to be coded so that they work with the vehicle I have (some VIN based check, correct me if I'm wrong). I'm pretty good with computers (20+ years of experience in IT) but I've never done anything more complicated than basic diagnostics and some simple modifications on maps, etc.
So, here's a short list of my actual questions or what I need help with:
1. What options do I have (hardware devices and software) to connect to the vehicle and get the job done? Please, list the software and hardware options there are necessary to handle that task.
2. Is there a detailed step-by-step instructions manual on how it should be done? If not, could anyone, who has done it before, please share some experience?
3. Are there specific proper procedures to follow? Is there a high risks of bricking some of he modules?
Okay, I can see there's a huge interest and a lot of people are replying with suggestions, but here is a quick update on this issue:
1. I connected the ECM and ESP/BAS modules I purchased on eBay. 2. Using an old version of the so called Star diagnostic tool we managed to read the ECM module. It has the correct part number (A 025 545 89 32) and comes from a S430L with VIN: WDBNG70J1YA006090 3. My SL500 R129 (the car that needs the ECM and ESP/BAS modules installed) has the following VIN: WDB1290681F187386.
From what I understand, I need to "virginize" the ECM (flash it so that it parts with its old vehicle, the S430L) and to code it to the new vehicle so that the immobilizer system recognizes the "new" (used) ECM from the S430L. To do that the diagnostics software requires a specific code (version coding) that could be provided by a Mercedes-Benz dealership or a specialized MB workshop, or anyone who has access to the EPC system. To be honest, I did not quite understand whether I need the version coding code for the S430L to complete the verginization process, or the SL500 r129 version code, or both 🤷♂️ I think I saw people on forums helping with those codes in similar situations. So, please, if you could... 🙏🏻
10-10-2024 | 08:19 AM
I've read a lot on this topic on various forum threads and I am feeling a bit confused and overwhelmed - too much info scattered at too many places. So... long story short: I have a '99 SL500, North America, that was stripped (all the modules - ECM, Transmission, ESP, etc., located in the control units box under the bonnet near the windshield were most likely stolen).
As far as I understood, the new modules need to be coded so that they work with the vehicle I have (some VIN based check, correct me if I'm wrong). I'm pretty good with computers (20+ years of experience in IT) but I've never done anything more complicated than basic diagnostics and some simple modifications on maps, etc.
