Firstly many thanks to the gurus on this forum. You have saved me a fortune and I've had the satisfaction of doing some retrofits I wouldn't have thought possible on my Benz.

However, I find it difficult to follow some of the replies as you use a language all your own. Is there a glossary where I can find terms such as VeDOK, SCN, Star, EPC and EPCnet, SAM etc?

Also, can you explain how the data card system works and why it is necessary for MB to amend the card for certain features to work on some cars. I note that you often say things such as "MB are reluctant to update the data card therefore this mod may not work". Surely, having bought and paid for the car with our own hard-earned, it is not then up to MB to decide what mods we may or may not install. Or do I misunderstand the situation?

Again, many thanks you all.

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Paul Fisher
Perth, Western Australia
My little ego trip

From 2005 and onwards Mercedes is keeping track of all the cars software updates and features. Otherwise you will not be able to activate modifications and they may not work.

Mercedes is only ensuring that their records match the cars.

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www.benzmodz.com .... putting the Me into Mercedes.

That is a good idea, I will put one together. It will be here: -

Mercedes Technical Glossary

(you can see it as work in progress now, but not yet on the main site index)


Mercedes have told UK/EU dealers that they can only update VeDOK *if* they do the work on the car. Properly registered independants can also ask the country help desk to update the database, but they will normally only allow updates to happen for items that there are retrofit instructions published by Mercedes.

There is lots of complicated interactions between the various computers on the cars now, and I imagine Mercedes don't want a liability issue when a customer messes with their car. Be that liability for an accident, or liability for fixing it under warranty. There are systems (such as airbags) that once coded can not "officially" be re-coded you have to replace the controller - you can see why MB would not want anyone changing those systems.

I have heard of cases where an owner has got the datacard updated via the local help-desk where its not been possible via the dealer route.

R

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Of course i'll take it apart.

www.mercupgrades.com
http://www.comandonline.co.uk