I've had my 1st gen 210 recognition switch apart and it does not use CAN. It appears to use switched bits for the gear selector position and the W/S mode. There is a simple decoder for the gate LEDs.

Couple more hints on this:
The 10? Pin plug does not have a retention clip, it just pulls straight back. There is a gripping tab.
The 2 pin is for the backup lights and the right side mirror dip in reverse. These contacts, near as I can tell, directly switch current to the 2 bulbs and probably an input on one of the SAM modules to effect the mirror dip function. These contacts can become intermittent. I have had to use an old telephone man trick to burnish them, draw a business card through the points while gently holding them closed. Then use a pair of jewlwer's needle nose pliers to ever so gently tweak the switch leaves. This is a straight set of contacts, so you can validate the operation with a meter after reassembling the switch, but before putting it back in the selector assembly.

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

Many thanks, the car has done a lot of miles so I am guessing these things get slightly mucky after a while, especially if always sat on one setting - will look to clean the contacts up.

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UK spec Mercedes W210 E300 Turbodiesel wagon - OM606.962 with 722.6 transmission - rust free!

I have found mine pulls away in second most of the time unless you floor it, then it drops a cog into 1st.

Pretty sure it breaks traction until the anti slip takes over, a good sign first is in play.

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David


1996 Mercedes S124 E300TD - 129k - rolling restoration project -

1998 Mercedes W210 300TD - 118k (assimilated into above vehicle)

That would mean that its in W setting - S setting starts off in 1st all the time, in W setting it will start in 2nd but will drop to 1st if you go full throttle/kickdown.

I have just got to the top of the shifter mechanism, I can see that the switch is a separate piece and I can wiggle it side to side but I can't see how it can be removed - does anyone know? I basically just want to remove the switch, give it a good clean up and test then see if that is what is causing the issue.

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UK spec Mercedes W210 E300 Turbodiesel wagon - OM606.962 with 722.6 transmission - rust free!

I have found the issue with the car, the plastic plunger that is just below the selector switch got stuck down - its apparently quite a common issue. Basically muck gets lodged down the side of the rocker and jams the plunger down setting it in W mode (the switch isn't actually a switch but more of a rocker to depress a plunger).

Here is a thread I found about it, and how easy it is to clean/get to - will be trying the car out over the weekend but I can now hear a slight change in noise when I move the rocker. This will mean that I am now able to pull away in 1st gear, I 100% suggest for all owners to check this switch for muck as you might be basically setting the gearbox in W mode.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/6722-sorting-s-w-switch-problems.html

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UK spec Mercedes W210 E300 Turbodiesel wagon - OM606.962 with 722.6 transmission - rust free!