How many W202 C Class ECUs fail at 12 years?

[rx6180]

My W202 C200 went to an auto trans specialist for a fluid change and he found metallic particles in the sump. I'm now facing a big bill if I want it repaired properly. There are a lot of new parts on my car so I was going to get it done but some sources on the 'net say ECU's are going down on 12 year old C Class cars and cost £1300 to replace. My car is 10 years old so if I spend on the trans and keep it, will the ECU be next? Anyone got any experiences with failed ECUs?

 

[doversole]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

My W202 is 10 years old this year and so far i've had no major problems with it.
I've heard tell of the '12 year-old ECU scrapping the car' rumour but I wouldn't let it spoil my current enjoyment of the car.

Having said this, you obviously have to consider whether this expenditure is worth it in the long run.
ECU's can be remapped and replaced like other parts although i'm not expecting mine to fail on its' 12th anniversary.

There are plenty of W202 owners on the forum with 12 year old (and older) cars. It may be interesting to hear their opinions.

DoverSole

 

[rx6180]

Thanks for the reply and reassurance. I've got the weekend to decide what to do so I'll keep looking to see if others have got opinions on the subject.

 

[Dec]

For what its worth, mine is Dec. 1994 and no problems, this is the first time I have heard the rumor, maybe that’s all it is, a rumor started by just one bloke somewhere and now it has spread all over the net.

Its all down to luck really so maybe it will never happen.

Dec

 

[roofless]

on the early 90s 202 & 124 i have had & seen a good few with faults bosch & siemens units on the 202 it's under the washer bottle on the p-side iner wing. the main cause is water ingress