Simon: Do you think there is a function in the DRBIII scan tool that disables the
system ? Perhaps it's time to visit my MB master mechanic.

 

Yes, I think there may be. Searched the manual for 'dyno' etc but nothing showed. I did some hunting around on the MB forums for the SLK R170 and found that there is a dyno mode, but it is invoked via the multi message display that they have and we don't. There was also another procedure that uses the trip button and some other up/down keys we don't have either. I found what may be the entry point to it: If you turn the ignition to position 1 and hold the trip reset in for 40 second the display reads 3.2, 20 9. Which is the engine size and if it is the same as the SLK I think the other figures refer to the firmware version. At this point with the SLK you are supposed to start pressing the keys we don't have to get to the dyno mode. I messed around for about an hour trying the up/down on the cruise control, holding in the TC button and all sorts of other combinations I could think of but gave up - the are billions of possible switch/pedal/time combinations - more chance of winning the lottery on consecutive weeks I think. Anyway I think I can sort it via the ABS sensors, I should know tomorrow.

Got an email this morning to say that USPS had tried to deliver my ECU kit at 7 am - Sod's Law strikes again as I had to go out to the airport and wasn't in. Have to wait until Monday now.

 

I'll make some phone calls on Monday to see if I can get an answer.

 

That's great, I've got Gordon at the dyno shop chasing it too.

 

I'm certain you thought of this, but on the slight chance it was overlooked - did you test with the traction control off? Not at all certain what the "ESP" or the "BAS" does (besides more acronyms to keep track of) but presume they could get antsy if only one set of wheels were going. I'm guessing the BAS may not come into play, but the ESP probably would. All of this presumes the UK version has the same traction control stuff as the ones here do - besides having the brakes and steering on the wrong side, what other differences are there in the models that you know of?

Henry - who drove a car with the steering on the right side for over a year - course I was in Japan at the time.

Cheers

 

Yep, we tried TC on/off, fuses and ABS pulled, and various combinations of these. The TC button only actually disables the TC part of the system i.e. maintaining traction when under power, not the ESP which is controlled by lateral accelerometers. BAS only comes into play if a rapid rate of rise in brake pressure is detected. whereupon the further increases brake pressure with an electric pump - whatever happened to just allowing the driver to 'drive' the car.

Apart from obvious things like lighting and control positioning like you mention, I don't believe there are that many differences between the US/UK version.

Strangely I've actually been driving left hand drive cars for the last 10 years or so, as my other two cars are US imports; a Fiat Spider and 1970 911.

 

Strangely I've actually been driving left hand drive cars for the last 10 years or so, as my other two cars are US imports; a Fiat Spider and 1970 911. [/quote]
Isn't that a bit awkward? I was OK in my Honda in Japan, but got crossed up when I drove a US spec Mustang. Of course, you are driving on your home roads, so I guess that helps.

Biggest problem I had was learning to shift with my left hand.

Electronics in today's cars is getting to be a real headache. Had a 2003 Evo Mk 8 in the shop - motor was bored & stroked etc - afterwards the thing wouldn't start. End of a long story - the immobilizer refused to communicate with the ecu despite changing ecu's AND the immobilizer and having the dealer program each - finally solved the whole mess with an AEM ecu. The car was down for nearly a year.

Henry