SBC fault reset

dprit29855

New Registration
Joined
Jun 25, 2013
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Location
Manchester
Your Mercedes
E320 CDi/2005/2987cc
I bought a 320cdi in September and it has been faultless until recently when a warning came on the dash. I took it to an independent dealer and they said that it needed a new SBC control unit. The price I have been quoted for this is almost 2K! Can anyone tell me if this is a reasonable quote please; I only spent 7K on the car so an additional 2K so soon is less than welcome.

I have been offered a reset of the SBC for £100, is this something that could be done or would I be asking for trouble; I have looked at this on the forum but any advise would be welcome.
 

orb the Impaler

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2008
Messages
677
Reaction score
0
Location
Lancashire
Your Mercedes
2012 SLK 250 CDi AMG | Volvo V70 2.5T AWD | MV Agusta F4 | 1999 YZF-R1
(This is not in any way "having a go" at you, OP)

This "reset" solution is starting to rear it's head more and more on fora; MB designed the SBC and set the limit. presumably very conservatively, at a certain value.

As certain models depreciate to the 3-4K and below region I can see people - and less scrupulous dealers - simply resetting the SBC units repeatedly, way past any safe limit.

How long til one of these units fails and someone gets killed or maimed? All because MB chose to implement an overcomplex solution to a problem that doesn't exist and then choose to wash their hands of the issue. This isn't simply bad rust; it's brakes!!!
 

television

Always remembered RIP
Joined
Mar 14, 2005
Messages
164,073
Reaction score
367
Age
89
Location
Daventry
Your Mercedes
2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
The price from an indie should be nearer the £1400 mark I think

Yes re set or not, not easy is it
 

Miffy

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2008
Messages
7,356
Reaction score
4
Location
Bromley, London
Your Mercedes
CLK 320 CAB Elegance C208
I think after a star diag, they can see if a, a reset of the counter is all thats needed and b, if its already had a reset. If MB themselves allow a reset, and they do as I have watched the workshop video to show you how to do it, then it must be a safe option.
 
Last edited:

mersum1es

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2010
Messages
2,353
Reaction score
427
Location
Finland
Your Mercedes
W212/-09/350CDI, W219/-07/320CDI, EX:W220/-01/320CDI, EX:W211/-04/320CDI, EX:W210/-01/270CDI
And reset can be done only twice with star, don't know those chinese reset devices.

Somehow almost all accept chinese seat sensor emulators (no one actually know IS the airbag armed), but not this 'MB approved' (like Miffy said) reset.
 

television

Always remembered RIP
Joined
Mar 14, 2005
Messages
164,073
Reaction score
367
Age
89
Location
Daventry
Your Mercedes
2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
I think after a star diag, they can see if a, a reset of the counter is all thats needed and b, if its already had a reset. If MB themselves allow a reset, and they do as I have watched the workshop video to show you how to do it, then it must be a safe option.

Are you sure that was a Mercedes video mark
 

mersum1es

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2010
Messages
2,353
Reaction score
427
Location
Finland
Your Mercedes
W212/-09/350CDI, W219/-07/320CDI, EX:W220/-01/320CDI, EX:W211/-04/320CDI, EX:W210/-01/270CDI
yes it was, on starutils

or SDMedia? :)

And programming is done via adapter device (of course because no developer mode needed with official equipment)
 

goodeone

Active Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2009
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Location
Godstone
Your Mercedes
E320 CDI W211 52 plate
From what I have read, the device has other sensors that can monitor if thing are really worn out ie low pressure. To me this early limit should be deemed illegal, how would everyone feel if apple decided to build a 3000 hour usage limit into an iphone? I have been told that when the unit gets software updates this will then increase the cycle counter so they are therefore admitting the unit has no faults other than they want you money. For me it would be a reset everytime until there is an actual fault.
 

whitenemesis

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 21, 2006
Messages
17,978
Reaction score
40
Your Mercedes
CLS55 AMG '05
I'd imagine the increase in cycle limit has come about by long term testing / usage results. Would you really rather drive until the system faulted and you had reduced braking assistance?

I know what I prefer and I will be sticking with MB's service procedure.
 

television

Always remembered RIP
Joined
Mar 14, 2005
Messages
164,073
Reaction score
367
Age
89
Location
Daventry
Your Mercedes
2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
On the only 2 recalls on the 230 the cycle running time was increased, and this was noticeable. I had both done. The motor will either work or it will not. The pump part like all pumps can wear. Now we do not know if the running time was increased through wear, or just to be sure that the pressure was OK per cycle, if it was not then the pump would run again as the system has pressure sensors. Nothing is very clear.
 

Stop looking for the Best Garage!! We are here and have the best advanced solutions for you, at Competitive prices. Put us to test with any issue you may have.
Top Bottom