Colin:
As you stated in your 3rd post, you know if you take it to a dealership, they will just replace the control unit, which is true. You can research getting it repaired if you want. I work at a dealership, we just replace them. I don't believe there is a rebuild program. Usually there is a good reason for that. Usually no rebuild program means that rebuilds are unreliable (like your original one was reliable, haha). Well, I assume you can get it out of the dash and replace it, so you can save the labor to do the job, plus they'd probably want to charge for diagnosis to tell you what you already know, it's junk and need to be replaced, so you're saving some there. Can Fastlane provide the part? Maybe you can get it cheaper here. Or else cruise the net in search of a good deal. Finally maybe a used part instead of new? Try Potomac German Auto to start a used parts search, I hear they're pretty good, installed a few parts that came from there with no problems.
Gilly

After work yesterday I had a couple paragraphs writen describing the procedure for erasing and somehow I lost it all. Frustrated I shut down the computer and went home.

I'm glad you were able to clear the codes anyway. Gilly is probably right, but the one last thing you might try is disconnecting the unit (or battery if you have your radio code)and see what happens when it reboots. The other thing I was going to include was the phone number of Beckman, which of course I now do not have as I am at home.

If you still want it on Monday, write me and I'll look it up.

BTW, thanks for the compliment on the article. There are two others that appear here in the DIY section and I have also written an article on BMW transmissions. All except the one mentioned in this post are available at my business site:

http://www.continentalimports.com/ser_art.html

I am scheduled to write two more articles about MB vacuum controls and MB suspensions in the coming months. I feel real confident about the vacuum controls but am a little worried that there isn't a whole intersesting article on suspensions. Anyone with an idea I sure am open for suggestions.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Steve - at least include something about the links causing noise alot of the time. I am thinking about the '85 300D. When I first purchased it I had a pretty nasty sound from the rear and it was those "links" that connect the sway bar to the rear suspension arm. Also, you may want to discuss the hydraulic suspension on the older wagons. I don't know if they still have that system on the newer ones or not. What is under the ML?

__________________
Jim

Just springs on the ML. The hydraulic load leveling and/or air suspension of the new "S" class could be an idea, thanks. The problem I have with suspensions otherwise is that I really don't want to just write an article of tips as in the swaybar links or the numerous other squeeks and klunks.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Hi..like to share my experience with a faulty EC light that will not illuminate.

First I thought it was oxydation of the button and I had not luck getting a rebuilt control unit from Programa. Was reading the forum between David,Steve, and Colin and David suggested to check the error codes from the system for other problems that Colin was encoutering.

I followed the same steps and once I reset or deleted the error messages from the control unit, I was able to sucessfully toggle the EC button to on and off..the compressor kicked in.....I did not have to go and buy a new or rebuid set....YES !!! Thank you guys !!!

Here is how I got it worked, thanks to David.....Steve....Colin

1/ Turn ignition key to 2nd position
2/ Adjust the driver side temperature to display "HI"
3/ Adjust the passenger side temperature to "LO"
4/ Simultaneously press buttons "Rest" and "EC" for five or more seconds.
All of this must be done within 20 seconds. The "Recirculate" button will flash its LED. The screen will then go blank, and the first code can be brought up by pressing the right "AUTO" button.
5/ Subsequent codes are retrieved by additional application of the right "AUTO" button.
6/ Eb1 234 will normally showed from the first screen, E (meaning Error)
7/ Keep apply application of the right "AUTO" button until you come to the screen showing "FF" on the right side of the screen.
8/ Press temperature up button from the passenger side and the temperature down button on the driverside. You will see the "E"(error) change to "d".
9/ Shut the ignition key to off position, wait 10 seconds, turn the igniton on and you can now shut off the "EC" mode.

Hope this helps if you ever encoutered the "EC" light on !!!!

Cheers