Coding of rear SAM on W164 ML

Mark A

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My 2008 ML420CDI is at it again.

Rear Sam got wet (I think it was through the 3rd brake light seal) and all lights at the back of the car stopped working.

I sent my SAM to a chap on eBay why said it could be repaired - however when I got the “fully repaired” Sam back the lights still didn’t work. Nice enough chap - refunded pretty quickly without fuss.

I now need to purchase a new rear Sam, but I guess it will need coded.

Can I code this myself - i have Star but no access to online.

Can the unit be coded by mb before I pick it up?

I live about 40 miles from nearest dealership/ indi so I don’t want to drive there with no tail lights. If I buy the sam then fit it at home will the lights work without needing coding, then I can drive in and get the rest done.

Mark
 

Uncle Benz

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You can code it offline with Star, but it is a little bit long-winded. It isn't difficult, just a lot of items to go through. Generally if you make a mistake it will flag it at the end and you can go back and just correct the mistakes without going through it all again.
 
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Mark A

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Excellent stuff - many thanks Uncle.
 
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Mark A

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Will the lights work out of the box or do I need to get the vehicle transported??

Anybody bought one off eBay?? A number of new ones listed about £350. The dealer initially said 2 days - now they are saying on back order 14th April.
 

Uncle Benz

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Mercedes offer an exchange unit, from memory for about £260. They don't like to mention it though preferring to try £500 for a new one. You can code them offline - I have done half a dozen at least.
 
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Mark A

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Thanks to all.

Any good sources for these as MB seem to have run out. 6 weeks seems a bit excessive.

M
 
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Mark A

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They managed to source one from another dealer as I told them the car is off the road at present.

I have seen several videos showing that the coding can be transferred from the old one to the new using STAR, can you confirm if that is the case Uncle.

I am using a Dell 630 with the SDconnect c4.

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Uncle Benz

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If it still communicates that might be an option. The ones I have seen are usually waterlogged and no longer talk to the machine, so I have coded them by hand.

Now I think, I am sure I have done this before, but it still asks you some things
 
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Mark A

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No worries I will get a good look at the weekend, it was communicating with the SAM enough to log the various errors at least.

New SAM installed last night and most things seem to be working straight out of the box. At least it is up and running again. I will get a good play with it at the weekend to see what is missing/ not working an if need be I will try to copy the old coding across.
 
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Mark A

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Anyone know the part number for drivers side (UK spec RHD) rear cluster seal??
 
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Mark A

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A1648261691
 

Uncle Benz

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I usually refit the rear lamps with a bead of silicone sealer. As far as I am aware Mercedes have not upgraded the design of the seal, and they are known to leak. In my experience the belt and braces approach is more lasting.
 

kid-jensen

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Agreed, a perfect application of the "black silicone sealer and wet finger"....

Don't even have to take the lamp cluster out, just give the seal a good scrub with IPA or similar, and silicone over the top.

Takes less time than going to the spares Department.
 

Abdul meah

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Mercedes offer an exchange unit, from memory for about £260. They don't like to mention it though preferring to try £500 for a new one. You can code them offline - I have done half a dozen at least.
Could you please put me in the right direction regarding how to pay £260 for the rear Sam module and which Mercedes branch does it please kind Regards
 

Uncle Benz

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I don't know what the current price is, but you must ask for a service-exchange unit, rather than a brand new one. The reconditioned unit still carries the same two year warranty, but the dealership parts departments usually deny all knowledge of the exchange unit. They undoubtedly make more profit from selling you a brand new unit.
 

Abdul meah

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Thank you Uncle Benz for your very kind reply so do I just ring the Dealer up and tell them that I want a service exchange and are they still doing this kind Regards
 

Uncle Benz

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You get the surcharge refunded when you return your old unit. If you zoom in you can see the part number.
 

Abdul meah

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Thank you Uncle Benz I will give them a call tomorrow morning and will let you know the outcome kind Regards
 


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