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Originally Posted by CoryU
Actually, MB is currently using 3 different versions of the "new" software in USA cars. Two of them are being used in most E, SL, CL, and S55's. The other is being used exclusively in the G55. There seems to be no indication or reason for using these three "different" versions, and I've not seen any pattern regarding which cars get which software, with the exception of the G.
It is very possible to load the original software the car was built with, but not by an MB dealer, simply because they don't read and save the OE software before doing the re-flash. They simply write over the OE software.
So, why are they reflashing? The air pump in these cars stays on for 120 seconds after a cold start to help light-off the primary catalysts. These air pumps are notorious for going bad after 3-4 years (some fail far earlier than that), and MB is tired of replacing them under warranty. The "main" purpose of this reflash is an attempt to get the air pump to last longer. They are also replacing the relay with one that triggers at a higher voltage as well. As for the decrease in performance most are experiencing, that secret lies with MB.
As for the SCN coding- that has nothing to do with this. The SCN code is what marries a specific ECU to a specific car, and tells it what equipment the car is built with, emissions equipment, engine, etc. Only when a NEW ECU is installed must it be SCN coded. The SCN code is specific to VIN number, not EPROM files. Furthermore, it is not possible to install a used ECU from one car into another for permanant use.
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..........Thanks Cory for the explanation.
...........I can vouch for Cory's explanation regarding SCN coding since did buy a brand new ECU from Germany that had to be SCN coded for my VIN. The ECU is sitting in my garage now and not useful to anyone else.
..........there is a company that can unmarry an ECU from a VIN. The name of the company excapes me. They are located in Portland, I think. I have talked to the owner and the problem is that they are only able to do 2002 cars and earlier. The reason I was told is that it takes a lot of time for them to figure out the ECU's as new cars get produced so the process is 3 years behind.
..........You can also buy an aftermarket ECU for your car for less than half the price from a dealer. I have also talked to the company and they do infact have aftermarket ECU's for Mercedes but again they are 3 years behind. Here is a link to the company.
http://www.ecudirect.com/finditfast/
......If you want to modify your car, do so. Just don't let the dealer flash your ECU. Why anyone will have their ECU flashed by the dealer at this point escapes my intelligence. If the dealer does it despite your refusal, I think you have a case if you wish to pursue it legally. It is afterall your car. Beyond that, you can probably have your ECU flashed back to one of the original pre-recall MB programs, thus eliminating the recall program. This can be done by a reputable tuner like Kleemann, not the dealer.
Ted