samkimg

As the thread turns ...
As you all have heard, I REALLY want power folding mirrors (PFM) added to my US spec 2010 E350 W212. I contacted Steve at MBenzNL and he installed the folding mirrors and the driver's-side door switch. So Far, So Good.

BUT, when he tried to update my computer, the car simply refused to recognize the new hardware. Bummer!

On Steve's advise I took my car to my local MB dealer where they tried to update the "ONLINE PROGRAMMING followed by ONLINE SCN CODING of the CENTRAL GATEWAY and the INSTRUMENT CLUSTER" per Steve's email. Still no working mirrors ... BUMMER!


So, I'm opening it up to the brillance of my fellow MB owners on MBWorld for (serious) advise on how to proceed. Anyone else get PFM to work on a US Spec W212? Anyone else know of a MB tech that might be able to assist? ANyone know the magic code that might help?

WGB

I can't help as my E500 has this as standard as does my ML 320 CDI and my previous ML500.

The only comment I would make is the 164's mirrors tucked away very completely and turn almost 90 degrees but the 212's only turn about 30 to 45 degrees inwards.

The function does have to be enabled to work automatically when the car is locked and it can be disabled in the speedo computer but I think the cars come with it enabled as standard here.

The cars also have the extra switch which enables the mirrors to be tucked in manually when negotiating pillars in tight car parks.

You do have to manually setup the function where the passenger mirror tilts to show the rear wheel area when you select reverse when parking which is standard if you have a memory driver's seat.

samkimg

Thanks for the note ... I have a tiny garage I share with a Lexus RX450h and a couple of add'l inches wouldn't hurt.

As to the programming, Steve was able to hack the instrument cluster to show the "enable" fold in lock, but that's all it did ... just show it on the cluster, but no folding.

Ah well ... I'm still hunting for a solution ... any ideas of how to proceed?

UK-C200

Do you know if your dealer tired to update your datacard with folding mirrors? If they do that, and *then* attempt the SCN coding, you should be good to go. If they didn't, when they SCN coded the car, it codes to the datacard - so no folding goodness.

One other question - do they fold when you push the "fold" switch or they don't fold at all?

That said, I've never seen a car that Steve couldn't code being coded anywhere else....

samkimg

1. Steve said he had coded the datacard to include folding mirrors - how can I check that?

Does anyone know how to check my datacard?

2. The switch doesn't do anything at all.

I'm at a loss ...

fromthebeginnin

If you can find a good shop, I would think they could wire them directly into the ignition (or some electrical circuit then you can work them manually like the early 2000 S class.

newyorktoLA

you can get the datacard from epc or your dealer

BenzE350

Well obviously you were not referring to me.

But why does the computer need to recognize the new hardware? Can't you simply wire it so you turn on the switch and the mirrors fold?

samkimg

I believe that it is in part so that the computer can control them as it does the windows and such.

samkimg

All -

I logged into EPC and Yes, my datacard shows:
500 OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR LH AND RH FOLDING

OK Guys (and Gals!) ... any other ideas?

Anyone know of one of those "good" techs here in NorCal?

Arrie

Have you checked the engineering menu for selection of folding mirrors installed yes or no?

It may have option for automatically folding when locking but if it has separate line saying about if the folding mirrors are installed it might need to be "checked" yes for it to work.

UK-C200

If they are in the datacard, and they appear to be, SCN coding should have done everything automagically. That said, the fact that they don't work when you push the button confuses me, as on the R171, they will fold/unfold without coding, and I'm 99% sure we share a front SAM with the 211.

I'm telling you, if Steve can't code it, I'm at a loss - he's forgotten more tricks than I know. CGW FOLDING MIRRORS == PRESENT should be all that's required - instrument panel coding is just to allow you to set auto-fold options... Did Steve leave a full dump of your coding with you?

EDITED : Would be interesting to see if you can use Star to actuate the mirrors....

samkimg

Curiouser and curiouser ...

Arrie: No luck in going thru the engineering menus, nothing looked even close and those entries that did have hope, turned out not to change anything that I could observe. Yes, I did put everything back before I drove off the next time .

Steve said he was able to get the instrument cluster to demonstrate the enable/disable power folding mirrors using a Star, but it didn't cause anything to happen, so he reversed the entry. ANd no, he didn't leave me a "dump" of my coding.

Anyone know of a good MB tech (dealer or indy) in NorCal with a STAR that might help me go "beyond the book"?

Tjdehya

I don’t understand why this isn’t a simple mod.
Canada has power folding mirrors so why can’t we just buy the PFM's from Canada, install them and update with Canada software.
I want this to be my next mod. But it sounds like there is still no success with this.

Dan Wang

Any resolution to this?

wmoor004

bump for update...

samkimg

After WAY TOO MUCH time and effort invested in learning about the E350 and Power Folding Mirrors ... here's the latest update.

1. The US version of the E350's computer WILL NOT recognize Power Folding Mirrors.
2. Four MB tech's (dealer and Indie) STAR systems were blocked by unknown passwords from enabling this function on US cars.

Options left to me:
1. Code my car to either Canadian or European programming, which would be reset back to English the first factory update I would get from my dealer
2. Give up (never!)
3. Wait for MB to give in or the passwords to be cracked
4. Install a normally open rocker switch that will manually open or close the mirrors without interfering with the programming or the computer sensors.

I am choosing option #4 and my tech is currently checking the fitment of a rocker switch WHILE I wait for option #3 to come available. I will have power folding mirrors, but they will be a "homegrown solution" to MB's bad equipment decision for a while.

Pictures and operational notes to follow once the switch arrives.

K-A

Doesn't (or didn't) the W204 C have power folding mirrors?

And the E doesn't. WTF is wrong with M-B?

konigstiger

Primary reason up until this point for not offering power-folding mirrors on either the 207 or 212 is simply lack of customer demand. Recent rise in demand has them now looking into bringing this option to the USA market requiring certification that adds delays - also explains why it cannot be retrofitted.

wmoor004

I need/want/must have this MOD! Keep us updated and thanks...

samkimg

Switch and technician are becoming available after July 10th. More details to follow.

RNBRAD

I guess I just don't get it. If this was some kind of cool mod that made the car look better I could see all the trouble. In one aspect it's cool cause no one else has it. But are you really worried about your mirrors getting bumped or what's the main reason your so adamant about doing it? I personally would deactivate it on my car as the cars that have them look hideous when parked.

ttoE550

I'd love to have it. I have about 2" clearance total in my garage door because of my mirrors. Gotta be pretty careful pulling in and exiting, especially given the cost of replacing a mirror as another thread documents.

RNBRAD

So you have the option to fold them in and out while moving?

ttoE550

Not sure what you are asking. I can't power-fold my mirrors at all. I said I'd love to have that ability. Never had them, but I assume one might be able to power-fold perhaps while stationary before entering the garage. I've tapped my passenger-side mirror a couple of times on the garage door frame. Like I said, I have about two inches of play total, so I've gotta be careful.

Maybe I am wrong and they are only folded while completely stationary. That wouldn't help me a bit.