Issues with ECU on a 320 SLK

[stevew]

For over a year have been having problems with my 320 SLK 2001 - it may or may not have co-incided with having to replace the cat (again) and lambda sensor - but shortly afterwards the car started missfiring (at a constant 50 mph in top gear) and reverting to emergency mode - this got worse and worse until it finally was flat bedded to the local dealer - the local mercedes dealer replaced the 'fly by wire' acceleration system and the rotor arm - which improved the situation - but still getting missfires at 50 mph in top gear and also it reverts to emergency drive mode about 2 every 500 miles. Even though they have conceded that the fly by wire was probably OK and it was only the rotor arm - they are not prepared to give any refund for replacing a part that did not need replacing

The local dealer now wants to replace the ECU at a cost of 1000 GBP for the part plus labour - with no guarantee that they are able to fix the issue.

Can anyone offer a) a source where I can get the ECU cheaper and b) any advise on whether they are leading me on a wild goose chase ? also if you know any specialsts can fit the ECU in the midlands or north that would also be great.
Thx
Steve

 

[jberks]

Steve,
This is rather alarming.
1) threaten the dealer with trading standards. There is an onus on them, within reason, to fix the problem. They are supposed to be the experts so if their diagnosis is incorrect, they should stand the majority of the cost of their mistake. At the very least, you shouldn't pay for the misdiagnosis and labour. After all, you're not paying £90 per hour so they can stand around having a guess. (there are plenty of people who will do that for nothing!, just bob down to your local pub). I would want a substantial refund and they can put the old components back or I'd see them in court!.

2) Others correct me if I'm wrong here, but a 320 v6 does not have a rotor arm!!! It has coil packs directly linked to the plugs.
What exactly does the bill refer to?

3) You are quite right about the ECU. There are a number of firms that will test and if necessary repair your ECU for a damn sight less than £1,000.
One firm is http://www.bba-reman.com
but I'm sure others will suggest alternatives. Try ECU repair in google.

Post your location and we'll find you a decent TRUSTWORTHY indie. I'm afraid this outrageous behaviour from dealers is all too common. In my case, they only tried a small £100 con and I spotted it before agreeing. They haven't tried since.

 

[television]

Yes Mr Berks the 112 v6 has coil packs.

Malcolm