Scott,
answers to your questions:

1.) How did you determine the version of your ICM firmware?

ANS: On the ICM body (near the "load portion" of the unit) is a set of numbers representing the sw (firmware) version, like 7.95 for example.

2.) How did you specify the new part/firmware revision?
{For example, did you request that the salvage yard send you an "ICM, firmware version 7.95 ?"}

ANS: No, the part number is clearly marked on the unit. For my car it is: 015 545 61 32. This is a newer replacement for the original part (can't remember that number). But it was the same as the "bad" ICM unit except for the newer sw update on the load module.

3.) Is the ICM similar to the LH-unit, in that it may be
taken apart (opened up) - revealing a socketed (insert-mount) EPROM? If so, I can clone a good chip, easliy, with my device programmer (on my PC).

ANS: No, the ICM cannot be taken apart. Actually, in older versions, you could remove the load module portion and replace it separately. But not in newer versions! The ICM is located on the left fender wall probably on the side or top of the left wheel well. Mine is in the latter position mounted with three (3) nuts and heat sink compound. Very, very simple to remove and replace. Very expensive ($1113) for a new unit!
Mine has four (4) push on connections and one (1) vacuum line connection (to the so called 'load module'). Yours probably does too. My web page shows my ICM under the "DI" menu (#4) with a schematic. It should be very similar if not identical to yours.

Hope this helps.

__________________
Regards . . . . JimF
-------------------
'94 S500 Cpe

Visit my Mercedes Web Page

Thank you, Sir!

I will go down to the garage, now, to check my part #.

Please clarify: when you say "left," do you mean "driver-side?"

With appreciation,

Scott,

Yes, driver's side.

__________________
Regards . . . . JimF
-------------------
'94 S500 Cpe

Visit my Mercedes Web Page

Jim:

My ICM data follows, taken directly from said part:


015-545-61-32 {indeed, the same part # as yours}
8 Zyl. [08]
SIEMENS EZ 0067
5WK6-425 SW 25.94


Is the "SW" argument (i.e - "25.94") the firmware revision?

RSVP / Thank you,

For what it's worth, I'm following this thread closely as well. It looks like I'll probably be replacing my ignition control unit (LH-SFI).

If you'll need to replace yours, here are a list of sites (some I got from Jim) where you can start your search:

http://www.copartfinder.com/
http://Car-Part.com/
http://www.martinsautoparts.com/
http://www.parttrackers.com/
http://www.all-parts.com/
http://www.mypartshop.com/
http://www.mercedesrecycling.com/

Willy

Willy:

Thank you; I am in the process of looking for the ICM part, now. My only uncertainty is how, exactly, to determine the firmware version.

Jim, can you clarify, please?

Thank you,

Scott,

Isn't that interesting? Same PN.

Referring to Willy's post, I used all of the available parts sources I could find, so suggest you do the same.

Re the sw revision: mistyped the number: old was '25.93', new is '25.95'. The main thing is to request is the part number. Here's data that I got from the local MB dealer:

Org PN: 013 545 64 32
Replacement: 015 545 61 32
Newest replacement: 015 545 62 32

Remember these are for my car but they are probably the same for yours but please CHECK first!

Note to Willy,

The LH-SFI (hot wire, sequential fuel injection) controls and regulates fuel injection frequency and timing. Calling it the Ignition Control Unit will steer people astray.

Will be monitoring both threads. Good luck.

__________________
Regards . . . . JimF
-------------------
'94 S500 Cpe

Visit my Mercedes Web Page

Scott, Jim:

Certainly the newer models of MBs come with more advanced (and therefore pricer) computers like the ICM. Even I was amazed at the technical data being presented here on the ICM. But like what Jim said, replacing it was a cinch. And if you could spare some time sourcing around, getting a good-condition used one aint that bad. Mine only cost US$100 for a new Bosch ICM.

Guess I cant help much at this stage, but hang in there Scott, you arent far away.

Good Luck......

Cheers

Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)

All:

I most appreciate everyone's willingness to share and work together towards solving others' problems.

THANK YOU!

I will keep everyone posted, as my saga unfolds...

Have a great weekend!

Reply to Jim.

Jim... you're right. I really meant to type "Injector" control module but had "ignition" in my head.

Thanks

Willy

Scott,

Can you tell me about the chip burner and software that you have? As a programmer, I'm extreemly interested in doing some "testing".

As I said in an earlier thread, I have problem with my car in that the Check Engine light is coming on with a code "19". Someone was kind enough to send me a Service Bulliten which indicates that this is a known problem and that I may need to replace the LM-SFI in my vehicle. I guess that my vehicle is running a bit "rich", although I feel it is running fine. They have a new replacement part # that I should use.

My thought is to either get another one from a salvage yard, or maybe just replace the chip in hopes that it will solve my problem.

Like you, I would LOVE to get a chip for my 94 E420 that I can test with to see if it makes the light go out. I would then purchase the chip.

Suppose I got my hand on a bin file, is there a chip that I can purchase which can be programmed?

Thanks

Willy

Needham's Electronics EPROM/EEPROM burners:
EMP-10: $219.95 (cheapest, but DOS only)
EMP-11: $334.95 (best value, Windows software)
EMP-20: $449.95 (very nice)
EMP-30: $995.00 ("the engineer's programmer")

LH unit chip specifications (for all 500 series) follow:

-------------------------------------------------------
FDIP28W, insertion-mount form factor, 28-legs/pins
-------------------------------------------------------
size * density: 32Kb * 8
speed: 120ns
manufacturer: ST
model: M27C256B -12F1 P880N 9810E
made in: SINGAPORE
for details, visit: http://www.st.com/stonline/books/pdf/docs/2384.pdf
JAMECO cost (Belmont, CA): $4.75 each
JAMECO part # 65904
----------------------------------------------------------

Here is the latest update on my 500E stalling problem:

My friend (a 15+ year veteran Mercedes technician) has just informed me that he saw my exact same problem, a few years ago, ( 500E stalling when turning sharply) and that he fixed it by using a new E-Gas module with a specific software version.

This Saturday, I will try to see if I can swap-out an E-Gas module from someone's 500E.

I will let everyone know the results of my tests, if any occur. In short, at this point, my problem is 99%+ confirmed to be due to low idle RPM - *NOT* an electrical or grounding problem.

Stay tuned...

[Edited by run.exe on 03-28-2001 at 01:30 AM]

Scott,

I think you're on the right track. It's hard to see how a mechanical problem can cause the car to really idle slow and/or stall.

According to MB, a new EA is $949. PN: 140 545 72 32 It may not be the same for you car.

By the way, I have a BP uSystems CP1128 machine and wonder if you have a BIN file for a 500?

__________________
Regards . . . . JimF
-------------------
'94 S500 Cpe

Visit my Mercedes Web Page

Jim:

I am considering the RENNtech chip but no, I do not have any binary (*.bin) files; however, I hope to have archived my OEM (stock) chip by late tomorrow night.

I will assume (and hope) a new EA unit (E-Gas module?) is
covered, under (3-year Starmark) warranty...