SL/R230: R230 Climate Control Question (HVAC)
06-23-2012, 09:41 AM
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2003 SL500
R230 Climate Control Question (HVAC)
I own a 2003 SL500. The heater controls do not work properly. I have been told that I need a new "head unit." Mercedes wants about $1200 for a new one. I found a used one in a salvage yard for $120 and installed it. The seller tested it and says it worked perfectly. (Let's assume he was being truthful here.)
It works a little better, but not much. My indy told me that Mercedes "initializes" the unit to the particular car and that once it has been initialized to one car it cannot ever be reinitialized or reprogrammed to operate on a different car. Therefore, I must spend the $1200 on the new one. My indy says that he has had some luck with a company that can write a program to make my new-used head unit be recognized, but it did not work in my case.
Does this make sense in your experience? If this is true, it takes the term proprietary to new heights. I would love to hear from anyone who can help.
It works a little better, but not much. My indy told me that Mercedes "initializes" the unit to the particular car and that once it has been initialized to one car it cannot ever be reinitialized or reprogrammed to operate on a different car. Therefore, I must spend the $1200 on the new one. My indy says that he has had some luck with a company that can write a program to make my new-used head unit be recognized, but it did not work in my case.
Does this make sense in your experience? If this is true, it takes the term proprietary to new heights. I would love to hear from anyone who can help.
