"Computer" needs programing on '99 SL500?
 

A guy is selling a '99 SL500 that is in good shape but does not run. The stated reason is the "main computer" is bad. He has a new replacement but it must first be programed by the dealer at a cost of about $200...That's a bunch of rubbish, yes? The main computer would surely refer to the Bosch ME 2.0 or whatever injection/ignition controller, and the dealer certainly doesn't program that, right?

He is really stupid or a crook.

A new controller will have to be programmed. It doesn't actually get anything added. It is only variant coded. The programs are in the unit and are located by installing the variant code number either from the parts info or the old controller if it has any smarts left at all.

What is so stupid is trying to sell a car that valuable, not running, due to a $200 cost. If I were advising on this purchase, I would subtract 10-20k from the price. Without running you can't check engine, trans, or A/C. Yea, I'd give him $20,000 off book price in that state, what a fool.