Thread: Features lost after instrument cluster replacement [R230 SL]

Hello,

I have a 2005 SL55 AMG (R230) on which the instrument cluster has been replaced. The problem is that since then, I've lost some features:
- seat no longer moves back when I open the door (already checked the settings, that's not where the issue is coming from)
- cruise control speed is no longer displayed
- navigation info is no longer displayed on the cluster
- interestingly, new stuff appeared, such as an option in the preferences menu that suggest mirrors can be folded automatically when closing the car. That's a bit of a surprise, considering that my car doesn't have power folding mirrors...

I bought the car in the US where I lived for a few years, got the cluster replaced under warranty right before I moved back to Europe with my car and therefore can't get the dealer fixing the mess he created. I took my car to my new local MB dealer, where I've been told nothing can be done (although I have serious doubts the guys really tried). I still think this somehow is a programming issue, but I'd need some help to explain the tech guys what they should try. Would anyone have some advice on how to get it fixed or, ideally, an SDS procedure?

Thanks in advance.

Dealer didnt try hard enough ..

It should all be code-able through the option settings in the cluster (using Star Diagnosis) - set the country code first to be 'Rest of World' and then check all the option settings which should enable the correct menus. It may just need "developer" mode to get it perfect - and you need to go to a really good independent in that case

But given this all worked before, I would expect it just to be settable by the dealer. (Things like the navigation setting is a very obvious setting ...)

Where in Europe are you ? If you are in the UK I can suggest a good place who will sort this for you.


Richard

Thanks for the quick answer!

I actually got a clone version of Star Diagnosis, tried to check the different settings and options. I successfully reactivated the TPMS this way (it was lost with other features mentioned above for some time), but failed with the rest. I'll try again over the weekend and will see if I can go deeper. I found that many features require a code (which I assume is dealer-specific), so I'm probably not capable of getting to the bottom of it just by myself.

I'm actually in France, right next to the border with Geneva (Switzerland). Considering that I don't have a good feeling with the local French MB dealer, any advice on a good dealer near Geneva would be welcome.

Hi Richard,

I spent some time this weekend working on my car with Star Diagnosis and I've been able to re enable almost everything that was missing . So far, I thought I should look into the "Special functions" which are password protected and therefore inaccessible, but I actually found everything I needed in the "control unit adaptations". The only thing that I can't bring back is the easy entry feature but, based on what I read in various forums, this feature has been disabled for good by MB. I guess I'll live without it.

Anyway, you were right, dealer didn't try hard enough. Thanks pointing me in the right direction.

Glad you are sorted!

Richard