W211 Rear SAM Module (blew off)

[maxiv]

Hi Colleagues,

I hope you had a nice Christmas break.

I have recently purchased a Mercedes W211 320CDI 2003 from my friend who connected the batter the other way around and potentially blew the rear SAM module.

I can see the plastic has melted and there is currently SBC/ESP error + the radio and heating doesn't work.

The part number of the module on my car is: 211 545 20 01. I have found a similar module on eBay, but the part number is slightly different pn: 211 545 51 01 or another pn: 211 545 22 01), so the question is whether it would work and is it worth trying?

Also, I am aware that some modules might need programming. My VIN is WDB2110262A241409. Is there any way to check if I would need to programme it? Is there any quick way to do it without going to the proper Mercedes garage?

There is also a suspicious cable in blue as in the photo above. Would you know what it is for as clearly someone was playing with it ;(

Many thanks for any support you can provide.

 

[LostKiwi]

There is no way to know if any replacement SAM will need coding as we couldn't possibly know where the donor SAM came from but it's pretty safe to assume it will need coding to match your vehicle
The blue wire is definitely non-standard so again there's no way we could know what it's for.

As far as I'm aware the rear SAM doesn't control SBC or ESP - I believe they are front SAM. To find out look at the fuse diagram. The SSM that controls them will be the one with the fuses for them.

 

[maxiv]

Hi Kiwi,

Thanks for your reply.

Assuming I will need to code the SAM module, how do you do this? I have spoken with my mechanic who is fixing engines etc., and he surprisingly wasn't sure how this should be done. Do you have any tips?

Since SBC pump is not connected with the rear SAM (as you said), I might need to replace the front SAM also ;(

Regarding the blue cable, I suspect that someone has relocated the rear window heater circuit, but I have no idea why would they do this.

 

[mioba]

Are you still friends.....

I would not be getting different pn re the fuse tray.

There is a relay bypass there with that not so pretty blue taped wiring.

Time to consult a fuse chart and see whats what.

Did you ask your friend what led to the blue covered wiring.

 

[Uncle Benz]

I’d hazard a guess that the relay bypass is an attempt to get around the burned fuse position. Three of the relay’s original sockets are being used, but one has been skipped and wired around the back. A study of the fuse and relay chart might show that fuse and relay position serve the same item.
Incorrect battery connection will usually blow one of the big main fuses, often located under the carpet in the front footwell, and often the alternator too

 

[peterws1957]

Hi Kiwi,

Thanks for your reply.

Assuming I will need to code the SAM module, how do you do this? I have spoken with my mechanic who is fixing engines etc., and he surprisingly wasn't sure how this should be done. Do you have any tips?

Since SBC pump is not connected with the rear SAM (as you said), I might need to replace the front SAM also ;(

Regarding the blue cable, I suspect that someone has relocated the rear window heater circuit, but I have no idea why would they do this.

I would have a look at the website 7 Zap Mercedes Chassis Europa, under your model number. It will identify the part number required under the relevant section, together with updated part numbers if applicable. Usually as well identifies whether coding is required. (I forget the terminology used but it is obvious). As others have said the new module will probably require coding which can only be done on the MB system STAR. An indie should be able to do this for you.
Before doing anything if it was me I would carefully check the other fuses and if the burning is confined to the one fuse area you could simply use an appropriate in line fuse and by pass the burnt fuse holder to see if things spring back to life. Only do it if you have a bit of confidence in your wiring ability and obviously disconnect the battery!

 

[maxiv]

Hi Mioba,

I have asked my friend about that blue tape, but he didn't know as he bought a car at the auction. What is more, he was driving this car for one year with no issue until he connected the batter the other way around.

I have also noticed that apart from the SAM module that has melted, another black box in the boot that is connected to the batter and has some writing on it with a white pen indicating that it is a replacement component from eBay. I guess this is a comfort module?


Hi Uncle Benz,

Thanks for the comments that you suspect the relay bypass is an attempt to get around the burned fuse position. I wonder why would someone try to skip the fuse when it is cheaper and quicker to replace it. Unless the whole SAM module needed replacing, hence the previous owner bypassed the issue without replacing the entire unit?


Hi Peterws1057,

Would please kindly advise where I can download the MB system STAR? Is it something most of the mechanics would have, or is it more likely that I will need to tow the car to the MB service to do this?

 

[mioba]

You need to get the car to a garage, star is a licenced product for MB diags.
If I was you (but I am have OCD) I would be looking at the fuse charts to see what the bypass serves, I would also get a new fuse tray, based on your vin (these are car specific based on the options the car came with) and replace it, last thing you want is an electrical fire due to a short. Lastly consider removing that bypass and fit the correct relays/fuses/sam - sorry but any bypass is just a cheap bodge job.

If you are not comfortable tackling those issues, explain this all to your garage (again and I cant reiterate enough get it to a reputable MB indy), although MB can do it they will charge big money (mosstly from the labour rates) and let the respective garage order the parts and put the car straight.

Where are you located, someone here may know a reputable MB indy near you and most garages are heppy to help customers is collecting the car.

for example only

Mercedes-Benz Teilekatalog (Ersatzteile online)

mb-teilekatalog.info

https://f01.justanswer.com/iB4ATLVV/2002%E2%80%942009_Mercedes-Benz_W211_(E-Class)_fuse_diagram_%C2%BB_Fuse_Diagram.pdf

As mentioned dealer only parts as parts may well be superceded

Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[maxiv]

I’d hazard a guess that the relay bypass is an attempt to get around the burned fuse position. Three of the relay’s original sockets are being used, but one has been skipped and wired around the back. A study of the fuse and relay chart might show that fuse and relay position serve the same item.
Incorrect battery connection will usually blow one of the big main fuses, often located under the carpet in the front footwell, and often the alternator too

Hi Uncle Bezn,

Ref @Incorrect battery connection will usually blow one of the big main fuses, often located under the carpet in the front footwell", would you have any photo of the fuses under the carpet as I can't find any info about it in the forum? The alternator seems to work fine as I don't get any charging errors on a dash. The car starts and drives, although the radio, the heating module inside the car don't work, and I constantly get SBC errors, but breaks still work. Aaaa, and when I indicate to the right/left, I hear fast clicking inside the car, but the indicators seem to indicate with the normal pace (no faster than usual).

Thanks,

 

[mattkh]

.... Aaaa, and when I indicate to the right/left, I hear fast clicking inside the car,
Thanks,

I don't have a W211.
With the car stationary, the driver's door open, ignition on, turn the indicator right, and then try to pinpoint exactly where this fast clicking is coming from.

 

[mioba]

Hi Uncle Bezn,

Ref @Incorrect battery connection will usually blow one of the big main fuses, often located under the carpet in the front footwell", would you have any photo of the fuses under the carpet as I can't find any info about it in the forum? The alternator seems to work fine as I don't get any charging errors on a dash. The car starts and drives, although the radio, the heating module inside the car don't work, and I constantly get SBC errors, but breaks still work. Aaaa, and when I indicate to the right/left, I hear fast clicking inside the car, but the indicators seem to indicate with the normal pace (no faster than usual).

Thanks,

I have posted the link to the fuse chart locations above......

 

[maxiv]

Thanks. So you are referring to the Front Prefuse Box that shod be below the carpet? I can’t find any videos on youtube how to locate it :/

There is a video but this fuse box is not even mentioned there

 

[LostKiwi]

You may have 2 prefuse boxes. One in the rear in front of the battery and the other may be under the bonnet on the opposite side to the SAM if it's not under the plate in the passenger footwell.

 

[M80]

This seems pretty much as the video, but being static and printable might be of use.
It shows front and rear pre fuse set up toward the bottom.

Fuse Box Diagram Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211; 2003-2009)

Fuse box diagram (location and assignment of electrical fuses and relays) for Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E200, E220, E230, E240, E270, E280, E300, E320, E350, E400, E420, E500, E550, E55, E63) (W211; 2003-2009.

fuse-box.info

 

[LostKiwi]

This seems pretty much as the video, but being static and printable might be of use.
It shows front and rear pre fuse set up toward the bottom.

Fuse Box Diagram Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211; 2003-2009)

Fuse box diagram (location and assignment of electrical fuses and relays) for Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E200, E220, E230, E240, E270, E280, E300, E320, E350, E400, E420, E500, E550, E55, E63) (W211; 2003-2009.

fuse-box.info

Locations may be reversed for right hand drive vehicles compared to left hand drive.

 

[M80]

Locations may be reversed for right hand drive vehicles compared to left hand drive.

Under my bonnet definitely.

 

[maxiv]

After investigating this further, it appears there are several SAM modules that would work on my car. I can't find anywhere on eBay the one that I currently have in the Merc (211 545 20 01), but I have found the first one from alternatives ending 51 01.

I have spoken with my mechanic, and he thinks that once we have removed the old SAM and fitted the new one, the radio and heating module in the car will start working, and the SBC error will disappear, but reading your comment that I will need to transfer data from old SAM to a replacement, I am worried that my mechanic will not handle this. Is there any chance that the new SAM will work, or once installed, I won't be able to start the car until it is programmed? Would you please help me to understand what sort of programming is required and how to do this?

Thanks and greetings from Birmingham, UK.

Happy New Year!

 

[jacko028]

After investigating this further, it appears there are several SAM modules that would work on my car. I can't find anywhere on eBay the one that I currently have in the Merc (211 545 20 01), but I have found the first one from alternatives ending 51 01.

I have spoken with my mechanic, and he thinks that once we have removed the old SAM and fitted the new one, the radio and heating module in the car will start working, and the SBC error will disappear, but reading your comment that I will need to transfer data from old SAM to a replacement, I am worried that my mechanic will not handle this. Is there any chance that the new SAM will work, or once installed, I won't be able to start the car until it is programmed? Would you please help me to understand what sort of programming is required and how to do this?

Thanks and greetings from Birmingham, UK.

Happy New Year!

Did you ever sort this out ….am having the same issue , replaced battery and now have no right hand indicator and no working radio , and told to replace rear SAM . Did you have to re programme after fitting …was it easy to fit ? Am hoping my non Mercedes mechanic can do this !