r230 sl55 computer
 

what are the main computers, part numbers and functions for the sl55. which ones hold programming functions and what are their programs? thanks.

The whole car is basically a computer on wheels. There are none I would consider the "main" computer, many important computers on the car, for example the engine control unit, the SBC control unit, transmission control unit, and the list goes on and on. What are you trying to do?
The part numbers will vary from car to car, depending on optional equipment, and many are ordered by the VIN number.
Most of the computers at least have some version coding features which need to be set up with the shop computer, and/or transferred over form the previous computer, or set manually if the old one is really junk or missing.
Some of the basic parameters that are set are model version, country code, and right or left hand drive for example. Some of these are set according to how MB directs them to be set, other things can be set according to customer preferences, but usually everything is set according to how it left the factory.

Gilly

Interesting....,

What kind of parameters are variable in the ECU system? If you where to interface with the ECU what is changable in other words.

Are there different levels of access to the Software, if so are passwords required?

What programming language is used? What about OS, is it DC proprietary?

The engine control unit is a little different as far as what can be changed. Much of the info is "burned in" I guess you would call it, and can't be changed. This is part of the anti-theft features of the car, very complex on newer cars like this. You can go in for example and look at the VIN number, but not change it. There are only a few changes that can be made, for example on the new V12 I know you can turn the cylinder shut off feature on and off. You can also shut off individual fuel injectors and coils as diagnostic tests. Operations can be performed electronically such as a compression test, using the crank angle sensor/flywheel speed. There is so much info there it's hard to believe, which is why it would be easier to discuss if I and the techs here knew what you actually want to know.

In some control units, certain changes will require a password from MB, yes. I don't recall having to use this on an engine control unit though.

MB is just in the past 6 months or more starting to make the control units flash-updateable. In the past, any computer upgrades or corrections were made via a control module replacement.

I am unsure how to describe the OS or programming language. In the example of the ECU, I believe it would be Bosch proprietary (Bosch ME engine management system).

Gilly