Replacing ESM (Electronic Selector/Shifter Module)

Where did you get the part? Is it used?

Bruce- New part.

If you use a new or virginized ESM it should auto learn the personalization info from the EIS once you turn the key. If it is used, it will need to be virginized to function.

New one on me for this model.

I have no intention of doing this, just curious but what has to be done to the part to make it a virgin again

Hello Rudy, The part needs to be new or used in Virgin state. After you install it it needs to be programmed so it learns the immobilizer codes. Many scan tools can do it. It does not require that you connect to anything outside the service bay.

I have no intention of doing this, just curious but what has to be done to the part to make it a virgin again

Hey Jason, There is a CPU chip in the shifter. It contains the programming for the immobilizer. Originally we developed software which can set the units to virgin from outside. But what we found was that as the units aged there were other failures of the CPU chip as well as a number of other mechanical failures. We now replace CPU with new chips which are blank in the immobilizer portion of the…

Pretty wild stuff. I like seeing component level repairs :-)

Robert- It will be new. Thank you for the info(BTW Bluelink is our go-to for MBZ coding!!)

Rudy, I just did one. You will probably need to replace the EIS also. I recommend just plug the new ESL in and turn on the key to see if everything works. If you connect it to the column the ESL will engage and you will be cutting it off if the EIS doesn’t work. you need a valid VSP, and both the ESL and the EIS require a Bluekey to activate.

This car does not have an ESL. (Steering Lock). And you only need to replace the EIS in rare instances.

My eyes must be reading what I want them to and not what is actually written.... I could have sworn he said ESL..... need to check my glasses 🤓

Jamey- I know Robert cleared up the confusion,I just wanna say Ive done dozens of EIS and ESLs on various MBZs. However Ive never had to replace a shift module(It wont come out of park. ) BTW the new "streamlined" VSP process is still the same. Paperwork​.​paperwork,paperwork and signatures!!(Its our local dealer that still wants us to fill out a bunch of paper work. Even though we…

Hi Rudy: I'm curious if you are going through here: locksmithsdrm​.​com/mb-sdrm/defaul… Guido

That’s where I go and no one at my local Mercedes dealer knows how to check that email. I have to forward the email I get from TRP to them. Then they still want me to send them the customers drivers license and registration! I explain to them I have already uploaded it to NASTF, thats why TRP is telling you to sell me the parts.....

Hi Jamey: You may wish to consider asking them how the dealer principal/s may feel if they have their franchise yanked because you filed a restraint of trade lawsuit against them and M-B. Think they may start looking at e-mail then? :) Guido

It is my understanding that the emails from MBUSA go to the parts managers email. He is supposed to make them available.

That’s the way it’s supposed to work. I told them that, and they either are playing dumb, or the manager with the access is no longer there and that information was not passed along. I tried to change the email in TRP, but it will not allow me to do that. I am just forwarding the email that TRP sends me to the parts guy’s email..... plus providing them with all the same customer information…

BTW we have been rebuilding the shifter ESM for years.