My daughters '98 E320 has a problem with both the wipers and the turn signals/emergency blinkers going out when it rains. When the wipers crap out, they totally crap out - no wiping at all and also the turn signals go at the same time, but they may come on o.k. again and then go out again in a block or two - no rhyme or reason for it. I've been advised that the problem is the SAM unit.

I finally got the SAM unit located and pulled it. It is dry, looks fine as does the wiring to it. so there is no obvious reason to suspect it.

Questions:
1. Before my daughter springs for a lot of $$ for another unit, is it possible that replacing any of the 5 multi function relays that are above the SAM will cure the intermittent wiper/turn signal problem? I have (1) black 002 542 11 19, (1) green 002 542 03 19, (2) yellow 002 542 14 19 and (1) black 002 542 13 19 (The green one is apparently only for the washer pump and the last black one (0025421319) is apparently for the fuel pump.)

2. Is there any "art" in removing the cover of the SAM or is it just a matter of prying the thing apart - and probably damaging it. Some posts have reported solder cracks that can easily be repaired, but this one just doesn't want to come off to reveal the pc board underneath.

3. Anyone had experience with http://mandbspecialist.com/mercedes-...rts-repair.php that advertises they repair SAM units?

4. I understand that when you replace your SAM, it must be reprogrammed. Is this strictly an MBZ dealer function or can it be done at a decently equipped independent or, hopefully, even by a shadetree DIY guy?

Thanks and Happy New Year

__________________
'76 240D-Sold
'78 240D-Sold
'85 300 SD, 165K-Sold
'88 300 TE, 165K-Sold
'64 Porsche 356C Cabriolet- under restoration
'86 560SL 124K Miles-Sold
'94 320E Wagon, 74K Miles-128K Miles JUNKED
'06 E350 Wagon, 84K Miles
07 SL550, 14K Miles

1) No

2) yes, pry off the cover

3) many electronic places repair that type of computer incl Beckmann Technologies

4)On that model, no coding or programing required

One Question??
When the wipers quit... does any of the windows, seats, locking system also stop working?

__________________
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One Question??
When the wipers quit... does any of the windows, seats, locking system also stop working?
-------------------
Answer: Not now. This whole thing started when two windows went down a couple of inches by themselves and wouldn't come back up. I replaced the console switches and it seemed to fix it. Then we got a lot of rainy days and the wipers/turn signals started this intermittently going on/off thing which happened every time it rained.

A couple of days ago I was able to get completely into the under hood assembly and actually get the SAM unit out to inspect it - without getting the cover off. I put it all back and we have since gone through one rain storm with everything working perfectly. Obviously can't call it cured, but I'll keep an eye on it and see what happens before ordering a new SAM. I'll report what happens.

Your help and good advice is very much appreciated. Happy New Year!

__________________
'76 240D-Sold
'78 240D-Sold
'85 300 SD, 165K-Sold
'88 300 TE, 165K-Sold
'64 Porsche 356C Cabriolet- under restoration
'86 560SL 124K Miles-Sold
'94 320E Wagon, 74K Miles-128K Miles JUNKED
'06 E350 Wagon, 84K Miles
07 SL550, 14K Miles

To bring this up to date: We have now gone through a number of nasty rain storms and the car components have worked perfectly since I took out the SAM unit, inspected it, and put it back without doing anything else.

Either I have "the touch" or it is just another example of "the innate bastardliness of inanimate objects".

__________________
'76 240D-Sold
'78 240D-Sold
'85 300 SD, 165K-Sold
'88 300 TE, 165K-Sold
'64 Porsche 356C Cabriolet- under restoration
'86 560SL 124K Miles-Sold
'94 320E Wagon, 74K Miles-128K Miles JUNKED
'06 E350 Wagon, 84K Miles
07 SL550, 14K Miles

Probably corrosion on the pins. Sometimes just removing and plugging back in is sufficient to fix stuff. Seen it before.