kiddpi

I am brand new to this site, and desperately need some help. I have a 2008 Mercedes SL550 convertible. Recently the red battery indicator light came on/off sporadically, then finally came on and stayed on. I took the car to locate Advance Auto, who said battery was fine, but the alternator was only charging at about 12.8 instead of more than 14. I purchased a new aftermarket alternator and belt, took it to my local Mercedes dealer to have them install it. They called and said the battery and alternator was fine, but the battery control Module A2305401045 was bad. Further, they said the part was no longer available, and they offered no solutions. I found one on Ebay for $1500which matched exactly what I need, but the dealer says the BCM is "VIN specific". They said they could only program the used BCM if it was wiped clean, and my used BCM is not wiped clean. Dealer says they have no way to wipe it clean. They recommended I find an online hacker, which sounds shady. I have not returned the used BCM yet. Any suggestions would be very helpful.

FYI, I am not a mechanic, nor do we have any savvy Mercedes/import locations other than the one Mercedes dealership in WV. Right now the car will start and function fine, except the red warning light being constantly on. HELP!

rmorin49

Someone on this forum may be able to help I think you should try the forum for your SL model R230. I hope you can sort this.

kiddpi

I did not see a forum or a section for SL 550 convertibles. I just picked a couple forums at random that started with SL, hoping I was in the right one.

hornethandler

Here's a link to the R230 page, as well as a link to what seems to be a common R230 battery issue.

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r230-17/

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...w-i-fixed.html

Good luck!

cdk4219

They are idiots , r230 BCM are not coded, plug and play. Just plug it in. Yiu really need a different repair shop and parts supplier / diagnosis when you own anR230. Auto zone and the dealership will definitely make you reconsider ownership of one of these vehicles

kiddpi

Thank you so much for the helpful information. The dealership was no help whatsoever.