Just got the notice in the mail for service campaign #2006-030011, as I'm sure all you 2005-2006 AMG owners have... or will shortly. Of course, when it mentioned MB replacing the software on the engine control unit, I wrote Cory at Kleemann to find out how this would affect our modified ECU's... I'm guessing the same applies to any vendor that flashed your ECU.

Of course, if you're car is stock it doesn't matter...

Anywhere, here's Cory's email regarding the subject... save him some repeated phone calls and email.



Loren
---------------------------------
On Apr 19, 2006, at 4:15 PM, LorenRose@aol.com wrote:

Hey Cory, how are you?

I just got this service campaign in the mail that states they'll need to update the engine control unit software to correct a problem that affects the secondary air injection pump.... basically, it will trip a check engine light, that's it. Standard recall stuff.

MB says it affects most 2005-6 AMG versions of SLK, C, E, CL, S, CLS, SL and G... even the SLR... basically everything.

SO, my question to you is obvious... how does this affect the ECU upgrade we did? I'll probably post your response on MBworld because I'll bet a lot of people are going to start asking...



Loren

---------------------------------------------
Hello Loren-


VERY common problem with these cars. Every 55 kompressor car that I'm aware of has, or will have the problem eventually- I actually just got an E55 ECU in yesterday for that exact reason.


SO, to answer your question-


By update, Mercedes-Benz is basically saying they need to re-flash the EPROM chip in the ECU with new software. Unfortunately, when the dealer does this, it overwrites any aftermarket software that is in the car. Sometimes it's just a few lines of BIN HEX code, but sometimes it's the entire contents of the EPROM chip. With that being said, in most cases, you'll need to send your ECU back to KLEEMANN for an updated program. Rather than just re-loading the original modified file, we will read the program that Mercedes-Benz flashed it with, and modify that particular file, as not to loose any of the changes Mercedes-Benz made to the EPROM file. We offer this as a no-charge service to all of our customers- all you pay is shipping (typically about $40.00 for priority overnight shipping). It will still be safe to drive the car after your dealer does the flash update, but I would NOT recommend going crazy, doing top speed runs, etc. Just drive it casually back to your house, park it, and send in the ECU. If you can shoot me either an email or a phone call as to when you're sending the ECU, I can be better prepared for faster turn around. I can provide you with instructions on how to remove the ECU if you need them- it's quite easy.


Post away, my friend! Do let me know if there's anything I can do for you in the mean time- questions, concerns, etc.-


Thanks Loren!




Warm Regards,


Cory Umemoto
Technical Manager


KLEEMANN USA
3390-B Fillmore Ridge Heights
Colorado Springs, CO. 80907


Tel: +719.473.6441
Fax: +719.578.0345
Email: cory@kleemannusa.com


For more information about KLEEMANN, Please visit our website at www.kleemannusa.com and sign up for our newsletter.

 

Thanks for the info., is there a production date cut off for effected 06's?

 

dunno... it didn't say... I'll post the entire letter up above for you...



Loren

 

Thanks I'll bring a copy to the dealer.

 

MB did this upgrade to my car last time it was in, about a month or so ago..... I had a check engine light on, ticket says..

"performed ME-control unit software update to latest version 29/05 and latest MB number 1131530591"

 

Thanks for the info Loren. You have to love Cory and the Kleemann group. These guys are a class act.

O.T. Loren, did you ever get your car to the track? I know you were concerned with a perceived decrease in power after your K2 install.

 

I would have to agree, just simply based on the demeanor and how well written that reply was! It is a rare thing to have a vendor that is so well versed and is apparently so concerned about customer service. I have no experience with these guys, but you can guess who I will be calling in the future.

Very nice reply Kleemann!

 

Thanks for the info. Looks like I will be calling Renntech in the morning to see if they also will reflash my ECU free of charge.

 

Renntech will reflash your ECU for free. I just talked to the Renntech team.

 

Thanks!

 

I just got that in the mail too. Time to call the dealership

 

no, not yet... but getting rid of those too-big 295 tires helped a lot... they were rubbing and tripping traction control so much under hard acceleration, the overall feeling was a decrease. Pre-K2, the car didn't compress the rear as much, thus it didn't rub as much.

That damn wiggle... stay away from 295s... not only does it make your rear end wag around, but it will slow you down by tripping TC too!



Loren

 

So which tyres do you reccomend 285/30 or 275/30 ???

 

Slightly off topic, but I received the same letter in the mail. What is the effect of having this problem? Is it just the nuisance of having the check engine light come on, or can it lead to a dangerous or performance deteriorating problem?

Thanks.

 

If you read the letter .. it says "affecting the proper operation of the secondary air injection pump" ... it has nothing to do with the engine light .. the engine light is something that might turn on because of the problem ... that's what I understood anyway. By the way .. .wasn't there an issue with these cars and the Supercharger spuradically shutting off ... wasn't it related to the air injection pump ? might this be the cure ?

 

Sorry - I should have been more specific. The letter says that if there is a malfunction of the relay for the secondary air injection pump, the check engine light comes on. It does not say that you may suffer any catastrophic failure.

What does the secondary air injection pump do, and what are the consequences of it actually malfunctioning (other than turning on the check engine light)?

Thanks.

 

this is great to know, thanks for posting! what a service offered by Kleemann

 

I believe it's an emissions device.

 

...............I just got my letter today from Mercedes Benz USA. Just when I finally got my G55 the way I want it.

Ted

 

Stupid Question, but would this affect the lowering we did via Star Diagnose?

 

That is correct. Secondary air injection is similar in function to an EGR valve, usually "relays" start the pump and to enable vacuum tubes to act on diaphragms that allow some exhaust back into the air intake.

 

I've squeezed in the 285s just fine... every once in a while I get a small wiggle if I have the car low and Sport II on... so 285/30 is my ideal size.

I am, however, going to throw on some PS Cups (265/19) just to see how they work and if the compound is worth the 1 inch in width loss. Going to do that in the summer just for fun for a few thousand miles... this is my stupid solution to the completely unavailable 19" drag radial market. I don't want stock wheels on it, I don't have track days, and I want a 19" drag radial damn it!

Or something sticker than PS2s...



Loren

 

I'm no expert, as I'm a preacher of the washer method... but I can't imagine how, as they are different modules and systems from what I understand.

But who knows nowadays.... maybe they SAY they're just flashing the engine module, but they really flash the entire car down to your time and date! hehehe...

unlikely is my guess...



Loren

 

Installed 285/30 also...Can you find out what is your offset ???

 

OK. On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is this issue...10 being seriously important..