pete_coach

Took my Wife’s 2004 SLK 320 out of Winter storage last week. The SRS light was on and would not go off.
I searched the forums and saw that folks have had issues with this. Results were never really evident.
I took the car to my normal mechanic and his scan tools did not identify the issue nor even recognize there was a problem, He suggested I go to a Mercedes dealer for their specialty scanners. I did.
They said “Found fault for N2/2 airbag control unit. Performed testing procedure through DAS. ….. As per xentry/DAS will require new airbag control module”. They also said “this model is unable to reset”.
I have searched for a module online and was not sure which to get. The dealer would not give me the part number. What they did say was it was $390 (Canadian) for the labour and the price of the module is $3167.00!!!! They also said you cannot install a used one (?). Nearly fell over with that news.
I am at a loss for words to describe my shock.
Are these available aftermarket? Can you install a used one? I actually do not know what to look for as they would not give me a part number for the airbag control module.
Suggestions? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

latemodel21

the part number appears to be 0018200826. If you want to get a new one from mercedes, it is $800 or so https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...ule-0018200826
It is possible/likely that mercedes cant install a used one for liability, not functionality reasons. In the EPC (mercedes online parts catalog) it states that this part must be coded to the car after install ... and the possibility does exist that in the case of this part it must be a virgin . But, I would start by contacting ANY company that works with body shops (to install new air bags after an accident). I would NEVER go to a Mercedes dealer for this service (or anything) unless you just hate money .

Hope that helps,
Chris

latemodel21

if a used one can work, there are 210 on ebay (for as little as $24 with free shipping) https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...00826&_sacat=0

latemodel21

If you are going to try a used one, I would try to get one that references an R170 Donor car (of the same year if possible).

pete_coach

I have used the part number that was from the parts book for the car, 001 820 08 26 to order the module. I am pretty sure that is the number for a R170 only?.

latemodel21

the Mercedes parts page that I linked indicates 50+ applications ("C230. S320. C280. Bosch. Clk320, clk430. Cl500, cl600, cl55. Slk230, slk320, slk32. S420, s430, s500, s600, s55. With sensor, from 1/2/93".)

and the ebay search for the part number that I linked has most results (for adds that list the donor car) as being from a NON r170 origin.

NOW, it is possible that it may not matter one bit which car it came from (in terms of year, software, etc) BUT ... if it does matter, I would think you would be better off with one that came in an R170 (and from a similar year as opposed to 1993 for example). I have installed modules in cars (other than an airbag sensor) and in some cases newer units were better suited for the process (recoding etc) HOWEVER, it is very likely that any unit with the correct part number can be re-coded for your application in this case.

I would try to reach out to other members (in your area) and see if someone has a StarDas tester (w/Developer kit enabled). Make sure it is a user with experience (so you don't end up having your airbags deployed : )

Cheers,
Chris

pete_coach

So, after considerable discussion with the dealer, the price of the module came down to $1600 (Canadian). Interesting how the price was cut in half. Lost all respect (of the little I had) for that dealership.
I took the information here and found an independent shop that specialized in Mercedes vehicles. There is only one in my town. I ordered a used module form EBay from a company in California for $61.00 USD. I got it installed and he shop reprogrammed the code and it works just great. It cost $350.00 (CDN) for the labor. There is no warranty on the part which I fully understand.
So, thanks all for the help. Price went down form almost $4K to a touch over $400.00.

latemodel21

thanks for the follow up, really helpful to others who may have the same problem someday to know what worked for you (and how much you saved!)

Cheers,
Chris