We have 2 '88 300E in the family. One is automatic and one is 5 speed. In
attempting to isolate a very intermittent "check Engine " condition, I thought
about swapping the Injection computers, however they have different part
numbers:

5 spd - 006 545 6432 (0 280 800 256)
Auto - 005 545 7232 (0 280 800 216)

One reference I found on the web showed the following:

005 545 7232 9/85-06/91 KE 103.(981,982,983) - E,SE,SEL,SL 107 124 126

006 545 6432 09/86-1989 KE 103.983 - 124.030, 300E 126.024 Fed&CA 124 126

Which doesn't really tell me anything other than one is only for Federal and
Ca. 300E (which I assume means a 103.983 engine) , whereas the other is used in
a number of models.(with engines 103.981,982 and the same 983).

The main concern is that I obviously do not wish to toast either computer or
other components in either car.

Does any one have definitive knowledge or experience as to the
compatibilty/swapability between the two ?? Also the difference between a
103.981/2/3 would be interesting to know. The opinion seems to be that the
005 545 7232 Auto has a higher hp setup.

Any comments appreciated....George

yes you can try swapping.you will be safe in this instance.

__________________
David S Poole
European Performance
Dallas, TX
4696880422

"Fortune favors the prepared mind"
1987 Mercedes Benz 420SEL
1988 Mercedes Benz 300TE (With new evaporator)
2000 Mercedes Benz C280
http://www.w108.org/gallery/albums/A...1159.thumb.jpg

Consider also Fuel Pump Relay and OVP Relay and OVP Relay Fuses

__________________
David
1986 300E Anthracite + ECodes + MB Mileage Award

Thank-you David and D2 for your responses.

That is good news to hear the injection control units are compatible.
It will be interesting to see if the problem is related to these computers.
Also will be interesting to see if there is any noticable performance change
between the two units.

The fuel pump relay was previously replaced with no change to the intermittent problem.
I have just swapped the ignition module and cleaned the grounds at the
ignition module. I have extended the duty cycle pin 3 to the inside of the
car to monitor it. It is probably worth swapping the OVP relay however
tapping and wiggling the relay and fuses does not cause the problem to
occur.

About the only clue that might have some significance is that this
apparently does not tend to occur on highway jaunts, which makes me
suspicious that at lower speeds and around town the extra heat in the engine
bay may be the catalyst for the intermittent component/connection.

I am also considering extending the fuel pump supply to a voltmeter in the
car to see if it disappears at the same time as the problem occurs.

My dad is going to use one of the cars for his winter driver , so will
get him to report back as we swap items.

I will report any progress or results......George

The jury is finally in on this problem and it turned out to be a very intermittent fuel injection ECU...days.......even weeks between
occurrences. Thanks to David Poole's advice that the two versions of ECU's are swappable, the problem was eventually isolated
to the ECU.

I have acquired a matching replacement unit and have taken the intermittent ECU apart and see there are many soldered
connections that could potentially be the source of the trouble. I plan on acquiring a suitable magnifier to examine these connections
and possibly a re-soldering fix.