2000 E320 210 used ECU - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jstbecauz · #1 04-22-2009, 04:16 PM

Is it possible to take a used ECU from one vehicle and install it and program it into another 210 of the same year make and model? or are the ECU's deemed useless after they are installed in the original vehicle?

Thanks

mbdoc · #2 04-22-2009, 05:03 PM

Useless in any car except the original that it is "married" to.

ILUVMILS · #3 04-22-2009, 05:46 PM

Are we talking about the Engine Control Unit, or the generic Electronic Control Unit (transmission, ESP, etc.)? If we're talking about the engine control unit, the car won't start if it's got a "borrowed" ECU. All of the others, except possibly SRS, should work. It's always a good idea to check part numbers for compatability before swapping ECU's though.

jstbecauz · #4 04-22-2009, 05:50 PM

Thanks!

jstbecauz · #5 04-22-2009, 05:51 PM

Does a new one from Mercedes need to be programmed in the vehicle or can it be done with the VIN before I install it?

Thanks

ILUVMILS · #6 04-22-2009, 07:46 PM

Exactly which control unit are you referring to??? Some are plug-and-play, some need to be programmed!!!

Texholdem · #7 04-22-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILUVMILS

... It's always a good idea to check part numbers for compatability before swapping ECU's though.

Even if the part numbers are identical, according to M.B. DOC a "borrowed" ECU is still "Useless in any car except the original that it is 'married' to."

Does that apply for new ECU? If yes dead ECU means death of the car?

It's not clear to me.

KarTek · #8 04-22-2009, 09:06 PM

This is very interesting... How does the ECU "know" which car it's installed in? They all should be electrically identical unless there's some other unique module on the car that is like a transponder giving a code to the ECU.

TMAllison · #9 04-22-2009, 10:17 PM

The "computer" ECU everyone thinks the OP is referring to is married to the car after ~40 starts through DAS....I think. Keeps someone from swapping thier computer into your car and starting it with their key in very simplistic terms.

If it goes bad you get a new one and it gets programmed to the car using SDS.

Texholdem · #10 04-22-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

The "computer" ECU everyone thinks the OP is referring to is married to the car after ~40 starts through DAS....I think. Keeps someone from swapping thier computer into your car and starting it with their key in very simplistic terms.

If it goes bad you get a new one and it gets programmed to the car using SDS.

The 1996 & 1997 W210 still have blade key, nothing to do with ECU. So looks like the whole no-swapping/mo-replacing applies only to newer W210's

TMAllison · #11 04-22-2009, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texholdem

The 1996 & 1997 W210 still have blade key, nothing to do with ECU. So looks like the whole no-swapping/mo-replacing applies only to newer W210's

To my knowledge that is incorrect.

mbdoc · #12 04-23-2009, 08:06 AM

All MBUSA sold passenger cars sold starting in 1996 have a form of DAS & the fuel computers are married to the VIN................

jstbecauz · #13 04-23-2009, 08:34 AM

the ECU that I am referring to is the one that controls the fuel system, injectors and other drivability functions. I would assume also controls the antitheft too? It is the rearward computer at the firewall on the right front fender area.