Are CLK electronics centralized?

[Robert Cox]

I'm currently considering purchasing a 1998-2002 CLK cabriolet. However, I'm somewhat reluctant due to the number of electronics problems these cars seem to exhibit eg. unexplained stalling, windows not closing fully, seats not sliding forward, mirrors not tilting back radio/CD failure etc.(and even MB extended warranties appear to have limitations on fixing electronics problems).

Talking to CLK owners, these can often be minor problems that sometimes fix themselves or can be "reset" by removing the battery for a few minutes.

Does anyone know if the electronic gadgetry on cars like the CLKs are all under the control of a single "module" like the ECM, or are there a multitude of electronics "black boxes" scattered throughout the bodies of these cars??

Thanks.

[TimFreeh]

I recently purchased the W210 DVD and have been familiarizing myself with how things are done on the newer chassis. I'm absolutely stunned at the number of computer modules that are linked into the CAN. I was aware that the engine and transmission coordinated activities via a computer network but lighting control, rear view mirrors, seat controls and climate control systems are also networked together via a separate "interior CAN"

After seeing the level of computer control in the newer W210 chassis I'm amazed that they work as reliably as they seem to do - I'm guessing the W208 chassis will be the same. There are lots of computer modules in todays cars, I'd guess 30-40 in a W210 chassis.

[Robert Cox]

Wow! Thanks for that. No wonder things can go wrong, when I think of the number of times my mobile phone, PC, PDA etc freeze.

Perhaps it would be worthwhile for MB to install a large red REBOOT button on the dash - esp. if the software was written by Micro$oft