What Tool to Program MB W164 Amazonas EIS All Keys Lost

 Mercedes Benz W164 has 2 types of EIS, Motorolla based and NEC based. The very early W164 models have Motorola which you can read by external programmer like vvdi prog, smok, rosfar etc. Then there is EIS with NEC procesor not motorola, cannot be read with those programmers.

 

 photos of that plug differences

NEC Processor with 01/S switch

Motorolla processor with ST12 08/S switch

 

Part number differences:

1st version of these old W164 EZS with the 2 plugs far apart 2005 -> 2006 had Motorola MCU inside. These have part numbers: 164 545 05 08 and 164 545 07 08

Then from 2007 -> 2009 these old W164 EZS with the 2 plugs far apart have an NEC MCU inside. These have part numbers: 164 545 09 08, 164 545 10 08, 164 545 11 08, 164 545 13 08

From 2009+ These W164 used a smaller EZS with the 2 plugs close together, these EZS are supported by most tools for AKL and have part numbers: 164 545 15 08, 164 545 16 08, 164 905 xx xx

Only motorolla bassed eis can be decoded. nec based eis has locked/ unreadable processor with city name mask i.e. amazonas, sydney etc. best solution for this is to replace eis and make ecu virgin then personalize and activate ecu with new ( used) eis installed.

vvdi mb tool now find all keys lost password.

For example: extract the key password from the infamous Amazonas chip on a Mercedes W164 X164 W156 EIS from 2006- 2008 using xhorse vvdi mb tool and power adapter.

VVDI MB vs CGDI MB vs Autel IM608 vs AVDI

 Are you interested in buying a tool for Mercedes Key programming? Which Tool is easy to work? New update, support and more cars?

Here is a brief review of some common MB key programmers: Xhorse VVDI MB, CGDI MB, Autel IM508/IM608 and AVDI.

 

VVDI MB ($849) is probably the best of the ‘low cost’ tools. You can buy adapters and such to make the connections fast and easy, it’s reliable the only issue is the token system, it’s a pay per use model, however most come with 1 free token per day for a year.

VVDI Key tool plus ($2,095) is more expensive but you get a fairly well featured key programming tool for other purposes, and is standalone with no laptop required.

CGDI MB ($579) offers 1 free use per day in perpetuity, however you must be more familiar with how these cars work and be confident in wiring up the EZS manually. It also appears to generate the key EEPROM or write the keys poorly at times, especially with early cars you’ll have a key working but the dashboard will say key is calculating.

Autel im608 with G-Box ($2,579) offers good coverage but it can be really, really finicky for password extraction. No usage limits, however you’ll need to keep your update sub current for the online service required for generating keys and extracting passwords.

AVDI has excellent coverage, and doesn’t require you know the system quite as well as some of the others. But it’s expensive and the error handling if the internet drops during extraction is frankly terrible (it’ll sit there spinning it’s wheels forever if it drops at the wrong time). The manuals can be a bit useless though, especially for wiring diagrams.

 

CGDI MB vs VVDI MB which is better?

Much the same coverage, VVDI MB expects you to have a VVDI prog or use their accessory cables(or make your own) to get the data by IR. CGDI comes with a little bunch of wires that you connect according to the provided schematics for password extraction, can work from programmer dumps as well.

VVDI uses a token system or a yearly sub for password extraction, but you get free tokens if you use their keys. CGDI membership comes with 1 free password per day for the lifetime of the unit, they sell tokens as well but are very cheap.

VVDI writes keys fine, CGDI I find writes keys poorly at times, especially on 202/208/210 vehicles.

Neither one offers Gateway emulation for 209/211/169/245 vehicles, Poldiag and Autel offer that function which means you don’t need to wire up a gateway with the EZS on the bench. Neither VVDI nor CGDI are really designed to work in the car for AKL(though they can but not well), that’s a AVDI/Autel function.

Some people generally use the CGDI for getting the password, then read the car with Xhore VVDI, input the read password and write keys with VVDI. When writing replacement ESLs or EZSes some will usually do that on the bench with CGDI, the octopus of wires is far easier to do than finding the right adapter for what you’re working on.

 

In Sum:

Some solutions are more streamlined for certain cars than others, some are quicker than others at certain cars. And you’ll need to get an appropriate programmer such as smok/vvdiprog etc if you want to be playing in this space anyway because occasionally it’s 100% necessary to go back to the old way and get a dump out of a EZS. You need to decide on the mercedes coverage you need and your realistic budget and fit a tool to your needs and hopes.

Who Tested the ECU programming with VVDI MB?

 Who tested the ECU programming with Xhorse VVDI MB Tool? This fbs3 manager, It will let you write vin and immodata, in some ecus.

Not all ecus. crd i failed to write a new vin.

But the eis data, can be learned to the crd ecu, even if the vin is different from the eis.

Car starts.

 

This feature is also in vvdi mb, but might not support so many ecus.

I already have MB cgdi myself.

 

In fact!

VVDI MB and CGDI MB won’t do ECU programming.

They only do renew (deactivate) ECU with supported models.

If you need programming and coding, of coz you need Autel, Star etc.

 

1. VVDI MB + Mercedes Benz ECU Renew Cables can renew (deactivate) ECU for the following models:

CR3.XX

CR4.XX

CR5

CR6

CR60.XX

SIM271DE2.0

SIM4LKE

SIM271KE2.0

CRD.11

CRD2.XX

ME9.7

MED17.7.X

SIM266

sim4le sim4se

 

Need VVDI MB Mercedes Benz ECU Renew Cables (see image below)

2pc x Benz ECU cable

1pc x CR3.XX Adaptor

1pc x CR4.XX Adaptor

1pc x CR5 Adaptor

1pc x SIM271DE2.0/CR6/CR60.XX Adaptor

1pc x SIM4LKE Adaptor

1pc x SIM271KE2.0 Adaptor

1pc x CRD.11 Adaptor

1pc x CRD2.XX Adaptor

1pc x ME9.7 Adaptor

1pc x MED17.7.X Adaptor

1pc x SIM266 Adaptor

1pc x sim4le sim4se

 

2. CGDI MB can renew (deactivate) ECU for the following models:

271KE2.0

SIM266

ME9.7

CR60.XX

271DE2.0

CRD2.XX

CR3.XX

CR4.XX

MED17.7X

CR5

CR6

CRD11

 

Procedure:

Example 1. use CGDI MB to renew Mercedes Benz ECU SIM271KE2.0.

Need:

1. CGDI MB
2. ECU Renew cable

Method: on the bench

 

1. Open the CGMB software, click on “Auto computer”.

2. Press “Read” and wait for the info, the data will show.

Press “Get erased password”, usually it will take a few seconds, it depends on the internet connection speed, if it failed, just do it again and you will get the password successfully.

3. Press “Erase” to clear the ECU, you will get message “successfully”.

 

4. Again, press “Read”, and your ECU is ready to be programmed on the car. As you can see, it’s not activated it’s not personalized any more.

 

Done.

 

Example 2: How to renew Benz ME 2.8 ECU by CGDI MB and adapt with DAS?

 

3. ECU programming and coding with Autel MaxiSys:

Workable Autel Models: Autel MaxiSys Pro MS908P, Autel MaxiSys Elite,  MS908S etc.

 

1). Supports ECU Programming for Specific BMW & Benz

Autel MS908S Pro for example, it comes with SAE J2534 Pass-Thru (J2534 Programmer) to replace the existing software & firmware and program new ECUs for BMW & Benz vehicles to fix software-controlled drivability issues and emission issues.

NOTE: Please send us VIN number of your BMW, Benz to check compatibility before purchase.

NOTE: Currently, NONE of Autel scan tools can program ECUs for vehicles other than BMW & Benz.

 

2). Advanced ECU Coding Function

ECU Coding function allows you to update the computer software on the vehicle to the latest version, recode adaptive data for certain components after making repairs or replacements to improve driving performance, fuel efficiency and reduce power loss. Available coding operations vary by the test vehicle, and only the available operations display in the menu.

 

NOTE: ECU Programming applies to BMW & Benz vehicles ONLY.

NOTE: ECU Coding is NOT universally compatible. Please check compatibility with us before purchase.

 

Related user’s review:

Autel MaxiSys Benz W220 J2534 Online programming review

BMW ECU Coding and programming Tools recommendation

 

4. ECU programming and coding with MB Star:

 

This page is on Benz online /offline programming with Star:

http://blog.obdii365.com/mb-star-diagnostic/

 

And How to do programming online for Mercedes Cars with sdconnect C4 DOIP:

http://blog.obdii365.com/2021/09/03/programming-online-for-mercedes-cars/

 

Alright, hope it helps!

https://www.obdii365.com/

Solutions to Program Mercedes FBS4 Keys

 Let’s start with a hot topic: looking for a solution to Program FSB4 Mercedes Keys.

 

1. Yes , main dealer tool with main dealer security access.

The way for a locksmith to access these tools or is dealer only is: if you have very deep pockets and willing to pay the price Mercedes want then of course you can buy.

For example: the good way to do FBS4 keys on 2014 and up Mercedes-Benz vehicles: you go to the dealer and you pay a thousand dollars and you get the key done, that’s the only way, it’s no happening, so give it up, stick with 13 and down cars and get your ass to the dealer and get your FBS4 key and stop complaining and talking about how you know how to do it.

 

Experience for sharing:

even if u can afford the price for the equipment and software u still will need to have a LSID, for us only. outside the US I don’t know if they even allow aftermarket to do keys with their software.

 

The dealer do them all time, easy!

Mb service account, vat number, dbs certificate and correct insurance. Mercedes will authorize you. order fsb 4, to chassis via security portal or thur dealer.

 

Let’s take a look at what most locksmiths are going to do:

Conclusion 1:

I would put money on Abrites or Diagspeed to come up with a solution soon. And I would also put money on the Chinese swiftly copying that.

Read article: FBS4 Key Programmer reviews

This article refers to Xentry online, AVDI Abrites, Diagspeed, VVDI MB, CGDI MB.

 

Conclusion 2.

The server needed to calculate is so expensive it’s likely gonna be a while before anyone comes up with solution. No way to pay for that server unless they charge $20k for the tool

 

Conclusion 3.

No way to do FBS4 except Mercedes Dealers

Someone told with an online xentry account will be ok

But online access need to have the permission to Programm fsb4 keys. Mercedes-Benz don’t allow personal to do it , If you get the permission all your personal data and stuff are required to the database. So Mercedes-Benz can recognized who and when programmed a fsb4 key and for what reason

then you will get in trouble

Only can do it by Mercedes Benz dealers now

This is not a technical issue

This is a problem authorized by Mercedes-Benz

So currently no equipment can support FBS4 Program .

 

www.obdii365.com

 

Read more:

How to Repair Mercedes W205 FBS4 Mileage without CAN Filter?

Mercedes GL400 X166 FBS4 Mileage Correction with CG100 and CAN Filter

Xhorse vs CGDI vs OEM Benz FBS3 Key

 Obdii365.com engineer made a table comparison of Mercedes Benz FBS3 keyless go smart keys available in our store. You make your choice.

Item	SA1880	SA1880-B	SA1880-B1	SA1783-B	SA1880-C	SA1783
Numbe
Brand	OEM	OEM	CGDI	CGDI	XHORSE	XHORSE
Full KeylessGo	Yes	Yes	Yes	Semi-smart	Yes	Semi-smart
Frequency	433Mhz	315Mhz	433Mhz/315Mhz	433Mhz/315Mhz	433Mhz/315Mhz	433Mhz/315Mhz
change frequency	No	No	Yes (default 315Mhz) Change frequency: 1.solder/desolder FRE resistor on key board 2. change frequency in cgdi mb software via IR	Yes (default 315Mhz) Change frequency: 1.solder/desolder FRE resistor on key board 2. change frequency in cgdi mb software via IR	Yes Change frequency: 1. Remove FRE resistor on key board 2. change frequency in vvdi mb software via IR	Yes Change frequency: 1. Remove FRE resistor on key board 2. change frequency in vvdi mb software via IR
renew times	3 times	3 times	no limitation	no limitation	no limitation	no limitation
Way to renew	1.connect key board with USB cable 2. Connect USB cable with computer to renew	1.connect key board with USB cable 2. Connect USB cable with computer to renew	Way 1: First press the trunk button, then press LOCK button till the indicator turns on, wait for 1s, then press UNLOCK button, indicator flashes, the key is renewed. Way 2: Renew in CGDI MB software	renew via IR in cgdi mb without limitation	renew via IR in vvdi mb without limitation	renew via IR in vvdi mb without limitation
Support car list	2009 up FBS3 BGA (W221 W216 W164 W251)	2009 up FBS3 BGA (W221 W216 W164 W251)	W221-S,   W216-S,  W164-ML,   W251-R, W166-ML,  W164-GL,   2009 up FBS3	W221-S,   W216-S,  W164-ML,   W251-R, W166-ML,  W164-GL,   2009 up FBS3	W204, W207, W212, W164、W166, W221 BGA key (usually 2010 up FBS3)	W221-S,   W216-S,  W164-ML,   W251-R, W166-ML,  W164-GL,   2009 up FBS3
Compatible device	VVDI MB, CGDI MB	VVDI MB, CGDI MB	multi mb programmer, cgdi, vvdi, fvdi, avdi, autel etc Get 200 points to exchange 1 token for cg mb	multi mb programmer, cgdi, vvdi, fvdi, avdi, autel etc Get 200 points to exchange 1 token for cg mb	VVDI MB, CGDI MB Get 200 points to exchange 1 token for vvdi mb	VVDI MB, CGDI MB Get 200 points to exchange 1 token for vvdi mb
Key type	BGA	BGA	BGA -76/78	BE	BGA -76/78	BE
Update	/	/	Yes	/	Yes	/
Version	v41	v41	v41/v51	v51	v41	v51

 

Read also:

http://blog.obdii365.com/2020/09/29/how-to-choose-xhorse-mercedes-be-key-or-bga-key/

What Tools can Virgin Mercedes 7G VGS3?

Which cheap or clone device can virgin a VGS3-NAG2(Gen3) unit without costing the earth?  I need do make renew TCU 722.9 VGS3 which tool works best?

Abrites is too expensive and I don’t want any subscriptions.

FYI:

VGS Conductor Plate

There are three conductor plates for the Mercedes-Benz 7-Speed 722.9 automatic transmission. The conductor plates are designated as models:

• VGS 1 – Requires Replacement of Valve Body and Conductor Plate
• VGS 2
• VGS 3

How do I know which VGS conductor plate I have?

Look for a number printed on top of the VGS / VDO. You should have a number such as VGS 3.

What tools can virgin VGS3? 

FVDI: most failed, risky

VVDI MB: failed

Genuine AVDI Abrites: worked, and easy

CGDI MB: Yes

MBCAN tool: Yes

Vediamo:  requires a MB Star diagnostic system

FVDI:

VGS2 is ok, VGS3 need luck.  Only the older versions do this. The new SVCI failed most of the time.

Working experience:

1).Have tested vgs3 with FVDI2014 and FVDI2015 but not work.
VGS1 and VGS2 work.

2).

I had a faulty VGS3 module, I bought one from ebay and it was not virgin. I used FVDI Chinese clone (FVDI 2016 fitted with a dongle ) to make it virgin, then used the same FVDI to write my VIN number and the variant coding decimal string of my faulty module which I extracted using Vediamo. I also used the same FVDI to release transport et assign the new unit to my car. Then using Vediamo I wrote the variant coding 4 characters into the new unit.

VVDI MB:

Cannot virgin VGS3 (confirmed by Xhorse engineer)

Working experience:

Im facing a problem with couple of 7g etc plates which is not being virgin..
It can find the password but it can’t do the personalization to no, it is stuck at yes.

CGDI MB:

CGDI Prog MB can make virgen like avdi…confirm it works well.

The CGDI virgine 722.9 TCU 1time in Day free! when you need second virgine you must pay 4$ (one token for single purpose), and the CGDI can virgine ISM,DSM,ECU, only numbers 1,2 and 3! the CGDI can’t virgine FBS 4 plate only original Abrites FVDI can virgine FBS 4 TCU.

CGDI MB renew TCU guide can be found here.

Note:

Error 1:

Erase failed error when reading on car via OBD, read fine but cannot erase

Solution:

check pin out between vgs 3 and cgdi mb.

Should try direct connection sometimes it doesn’t work with OBD2 as the can bus is shared with other modules…make sure you use the prebuilt cable or put 120 ohm resistor between CAN High and Low on direct connection.

Most devices will not do virginizing over OBD2. It has to be direct connection to CAN.

You can renew on bench .  Better to use direct connection and 15v adapter

Error 2:

Erase password not found error when renew 7gtronic 03 plate

Solution:

CGDI MB will renew VGS 1, 2 and 3. Take a screenshot of your TCU. Some need to write file 41.

Save the file and send to CGDI engineer. They will try to calculate the erase password for you.

AVDI Abrites:

Yes, works 100%, but very expensive.

AVDI = 890 euro interface + 2510 euro MB software module.

connect to 7G on bench with avdi

1-can h
2-can low
4-positiv 12v
5-31 grund
use between can h and low120ohm resistor and connect to obd plug star diag.

Working experience:

If you hear it buzzing you have connected it with hydraulic blok/magnet solenoids connected.

if yes, you need to put the shift level to P gear so that the magnetic valves are using much less power, or connect it with a more powerful power supply..

or simply disconecct the tcu from the hydraulic plate.

i make those everyday on bench with avdi and everything is working perfect.. Das manager, and regular diagnostic. btw you don’t need the 120ohm resistor on avdi.. only on vediamo/das.

MBCAN tool:

can make 7G units VGS1 VGS2 VGS3 virgin.

MBCAN is able to virginise the unit on the bench by using the Special hash reset.

 YOU CAN RESET:

• CR3.xx
• CR4.xx
• CR5
• CR6(working)
• CR60.xx(working)
• CRD.11
• CRD2.xx
• CRD3 (working)
• ME9.7
• MED17.7.x
• SIM4LE
• SIM4LKE
• SIM266
• SIM271DE2.0
• SIM271KE2.0
• 7G units VGS1 VGS2 VGS3
• ISM – SIEMENS+CONTINENTAL (Updated finished, old customers please contact us for new software)

Vediamo:

Board mark 2 (VGS2) is possible to renew thru vediamo!  VGS3 need luck.

Vediamo require SD connect C4.

The working solution you found does not VGS3 units because their EEPROM memory is double sized and TCU code cannot properly execute internal procedures. So it will not work on 3rd generation units with part number A 0034460310. However, in many cases and cars produced even after year 2008, which was factory equipped with VGS3 you can still use VGS2 as replacement.

Vediamo with VGS2 NAG2

Demo guide: How to Virgin VGS2 TCU Mercedes 722.9 via Vediamo?

Vediamo with VGS3 NAG2

Demo guide: https://youtu.be/B7A1aNJe_z4

In sum:

CGDI MB – low cost and many possibility!

Abritus – fine instrument but many money.

All its tool can calculate Sander Has – its need force renew VGS. Or manual send command of CAN to EGS but need buy sander Hash.

Read More:

SVCI 2018 Virgin Mercedes 722.9 7G-Tronic EGS and ISM