cl203 sports coupe 2004 ecu problem ... please help.

[Essexbob]

Hi, first post and bit desperate, I am a pensioner and have had my merc c-class coupe for over 12 years and has been as good as gold, Its in immaculate condition
1/ got dreaded abs failed and then ecu light and car went into limp mode about 2 weeks ago
2/ parked car and searched web and found hint it could be transmission fluid.
3/ bought long dip stick and tranny oil but levels seemed ok.
4/ have now taken to a merc specialist who say an ecu in the boot in the spare wheel recess has water damage, .... repair cost around £2000.00 !!!!
5/ no repair option as this is coded from MB germany via vin number etc.
6/ vehicle has come out of limp mode but obviously fault is still there and will fail mot.
7/ just checked 'wbac' and valued at £1100.00 !!! or £300 scrap value

feel like been kicked in the ...

Is it possible to repair these things or exchange, really don't know what to do.

 

[Dodipops]

What control unit in the boot? The rear Sam?

 

[markjay]

Yes this sounds like the rear SAM module.

Where in London are you? If you are in north or west London then I suggest that you talk to forum sponsor Terry at Wayne-Gates:

Contact Us - Wayne Gates - Mercedes Benz Servicing

Enquire Now Tel: 020 8863 9233 Mob: 07989 321638 Email: [email protected] Unit F3, Phoenix Industrial Estate, Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow, HA1 2SP

www.mercservicing.co.uk

Terry is one of the best Mercedes specialists, and an honest one as well - highly recommended.

 

[Essexbob]

Thank you for your replies, I'm east, but will contact Terry and see, thanks again.
They have said this SAM unit is in the spare wheel recess, but I can find nothing on the web referencing this location, do you know if this is a common issue with SAM water damage in the boot area ?

 

[markjay]

I don't know specifically regarding the CL203, but yes generally speaking SAM module failure as result of water ingress is a common fault on many models of cars.

 

[DSM10000]

In the C Class the rear SAM is behind a boot trim cover on the left as you look into the boot. Water leaks from the light clusters, various drains blocking etc have been known to cause water ingress.

I had a water soaked rear SAM in my C Class. Once the leak had been fixed the SAM was removed ( perfectly possible DIY if you take your time and label or photograph connectors to make reassembly easier) and it was dried out followed by spraying it with electrical contact cleaner.

After this it worked again. I am not suggesting you will have the same luck but it is worth a try.

 

[Essexbob]

Really appreciate the info, thank you.
Do you know if the rear SAM is damaged and can't be dried out can they be repaired by a pro or is the full Mercedes replacement the only solution.

 

[zipdip]

Well I would take a look at the rear SAM you know where it is,and if once you get it uncovered if unsure post a picture of it,the cheapest way out is to remove the SAM and send it to BBA in Kent they will repair it,cost will be under £300

 

[Essexbob]

Well I would take a look at the rear SAM you know where it is,and if once you get it uncovered if unsure post a picture of it,the cheapest way out is to remove the SAM and send it to BBA in Kent they will repair it,cost will be under £300

Thats good to know, once the vehicle is back with me I will attempt to locate the dodgy 'sam' and post some pics. I really appreciate the replies, a problem shared and all that.

 

[Essexbob]

trying to locate this item they have been saying is under the spare wheel,
1/ fail there is no electronics there



2/ rear 'sam' I believe, as advised by DSM1000 is behind n/s light fitting and looks in good order.



3/ Can't work out how to remove to get better look, have removed top screw, but appears to be 2 lugs at bottom and no screws

This the info on the fault is fault codes on ABS/ESP and they won't supply me the actual codes even though I have paid £100 for the diagnostics
a/ requires rear sensors
b/ connector block/controller and wiring repair to corroded terminals to rectify.

they are asking for £2000.00 to complete the work

See email info received from garage below....

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Further to our earlier conversation please find attached details of the work required to the above mentioned vehicle



Initial Diagnosis £99.00

Water in rear ABS/ESP control Module £1950.40

A Serviece £249.00

Gear Box oil and filter change £369.00

Brake fluid change £77.00

MOT £45.00

Alarm issue we suspect is the siren at fault £227.55

(This will then enable central locking to be recommissioned)





I have also taken the liberty of obtaining a price to part with the vehicle and have been offered £300 as it stands, if you did wish

To take this option and as a gesture of Goodwill I will waive the diagnosis fee so nothing will be owed to ourselves either

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