R230 SL500 BCU fire

[StewartHoneywillSL500]

Good afternoon everyone, I was delighted to be greeted by the smell of burning from my 2003 SL500 R230 earlier. Only to discover a small electric fire in the boot. A burnt out BCU.
The difficulty I have is finding a new replacement unit, as MB Dealers are advising the unit is now obsolete. I have been advised the part number is A230 540 1045. Although when searching part A230 540 0945 keeps coming up, are they compatible?
It’s going to be an absolute shame to write my beauty off, for a part shortage.
Does anyone know where I can get a new one?
Thanks Stew

 

[sl500amgsport]

Good afternoon everyone, I was delighted to be greeted by the smell of burning from my 2003 SL500 R230 earlier. Only to discover a small electric fire in the boot. A burnt out BCU.
The difficulty I have is finding a new replacement unit, as MB Dealers are advising the unit is now obsolete. I have been advised the part number is A230 540 1045. Although when searching part A230 540 0945 keeps coming up, are they compatible?
It’s going to be an absolute shame to write my beauty off, for a part shortage.
Does anyone know where I can get a new one?
Thanks Stew

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[Malcolm Johnson]

In these cases as the car ages, tend to rely on my indie who knows the Stuttgart suppliers pretty well. Merc UK are no good for old cars i have found.

 

[peterws1957]

Good afternoon everyone, I was delighted to be greeted by the smell of burning from my 2003 SL500 R230 earlier. Only to discover a small electric fire in the boot. A burnt out BCU.
The difficulty I have is finding a new replacement unit, as MB Dealers are advising the unit is now obsolete. I have been advised the part number is A230 540 1045. Although when searching part A230 540 0945 keeps coming up, are they compatible?
It’s going to be an absolute shame to write my beauty off, for a part shortage.
Does anyone know where I can get a new one?
Thanks Stew

A bcu fire seems fairly rare but not unknown in a 230. Several reports of this are mentioned on US MB forums. Cars are apparently written off by Insurers apparently due to consequent damage to wiring etc and the inability to replace the bcu. I suspect your only hope is to find a bcu off an accident damaged vehicle. Dronsfields in the North often have 230's in for breaking - might be worth a call.

 

[alexanderfoti]

We have had a few enquiries on this, including one r230 that had consequential damage that required an insurance claim. Best to keep both batteries in tip top condition (or on a tender or cut off switch)

 

[peterws1957]

We have had a few enquiries on this, including one r230 that had consequential damage that required an insurance claim. Best to keep both batteries in tip top condition (or on a tender or cut off switch)

Were you able to repair these cars with a replacement bcu?

 

[alexanderfoti]

Were you able to repair these cars with a replacement bcu?

In one case yes, in the other case the customers insurance company wanted to get involved and we don't deal with insurance companies directly (only via an insurance repairer)

 

[StewartHoneywillSL500]

Progress report.
I have found a Mercedes specialist that deals with insurance companies to do the work.
I have found a route for the BCU unit.
However there is one particular loom that exits the bcu, it appears to have a copper connection, that disappears off behind the wheel arch to the right of the fuel tank, towards the SAM unit behind the drivers seat. From my understanding, it then travels along the car to the main starter battery or SAM unit in the front. I may be wrong, but this is now the loom i am trying to source. Any ideas anyone?
I am desperate to keep my classic on the road, but rapidly coming to realise she's going to be written off.
HELP
Stew

 

[scottit]

Hi - recently did a video on the battery control module and why they might catch fire:

Try messaging Dave Smith at the R230 graveyard - he may have that section of wiring loom.

https://www.youtube.com/@DavidSmithSL

Mike