Frequently asked questions

A Mercedes control unit is permanently bound to a vehicle identification number (VIN) from the factory — it is 'married' to the vehicle. Virginizing resets the VIN binding, immobiliser coupling (FBS), SCN coding and variant coding using specialised diagnostic systems. The control unit is then 'virgin' and can be commissioned in another Mercedes of the same series via XENTRY.

Virginizing returns the control unit to its delivery state — every binding is cleared. The ECU is virgin and is then commissioned in the target vehicle via XENTRY. Cloning copies the data of the defective control unit one-to-one onto a replacement unit — the new ECU behaves identically to the original. Virginizing suits used replacement parts; cloning suits cases where the original data must be preserved.

We virginize all common Mercedes control units: engine ECU (ME/MED-SIM), transmission ECU (7G-Tronic, 9G-Tronic, 722.6), instrument cluster, EIS/EZS (ignition lock ECU), SAM modules (front/rear), ISM (steering control unit) and further units in the control unit network. Availability depends on the series — contact us for a pre-check.

VIN binding means the control unit has stored the vehicle identification number and only works with that VIN. If the unit is installed in a different vehicle, it detects the deviating VIN and refuses to operate or goes into limp mode. Virginizing clears that VIN binding.

SCN (Software Calibration Number) is the Mercedes procedure for control unit calibration. Each control unit receives a unique SCN from the Mercedes server, linking its serial number with the VIN. When swapping a control unit, the SCN must be reset and a fresh one assigned in the target vehicle via XENTRY with an online connection to the Mercedes backend.

Virginizing — releasing the VIN binding, FBS and SCN — requires specialised diagnostic systems that work at the hardware level. XENTRY with online access to the Mercedes backend is then used for the subsequent commissioning in the target vehicle: write the new VIN, pair FBS, request SCN. KFZ Dietrich has every required system in house.

We quote an individual fixed price by series and control unit type. Contact us with the series, model year and which control unit is to be virginized — you receive a binding quotation within one working day. No hidden costs, no add-ons on appointment day.

No. A used Mercedes control unit is bound to the VIN of the donor vehicle. When installed in another vehicle, the ECU detects the differing VIN and refuses to operate, goes into limp mode or the immobiliser blocks the start. The control unit must be virginized first and then commissioned in the target vehicle via XENTRY.

Renew is the technical term for commissioning a virginized control unit in the target vehicle. Using XENTRY, the new VIN is written, the immobiliser (FBS) is paired with the EIS/EZS and a fresh SCN coding is requested from the Mercedes server. After the Renew, the control unit operates as if it had been factory-fitted in this vehicle.

Yes. To prevent misuse, we require proof of the target vehicle — typically a copy of the vehicle registration document (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I). For shipped-in control units, we additionally need your contact details. This is standard practice with professional providers and serves your security.

Yes. For customers who cannot visit us in person we offer a nationwide and EU send-in service: remove the control unit, pack it securely and ship it to us. We virginize it and return it within 1–3 working days. Please enclose a copy of the vehicle registration document. Commissioning in the target vehicle must then take place on site with XENTRY.

The immobiliser (FBS — Fahrzeug-Berechtigungs-System, vehicle authorisation system) cryptographically couples the EIS/EZS and the engine ECU. Virginizing releases that coupling. During commissioning in the target vehicle, XENTRY establishes a new FBS coupling between the virginized control unit and the existing EIS/EZS. Without this step the engine will not start.

Fully supported: W204 (C-Class), W212 (E-Class), W221 (S-Class), W207 (E-Coupé), W218 (CLS), W906 (Sprinter), W639 (Vito). Limited support: W205, W213, W222 — certain control units here are additionally protected by newer security mechanisms. Newer series (W223, W206) require an individual feasibility check.

Virginizing itself takes between 30 and 90 minutes depending on the control unit type. The subsequent commissioning in the target vehicle takes another 30 to 60 minutes. For a complete control unit set (e.g. after an accident) we plan half a day. For shipped-in control units: 1–3 working days processing time.

Yes. Virginizing and re-pairing control units is legal where ownership of the target vehicle is documented. It is a regular repair measure: a defective component is replaced with a used part and properly configured. We document every intervention and request proof of ownership.

New Mercedes control units cost between 800 and 5,000 euros depending on the type. A used control unit with the same part number costs a fraction of that. Through professional virginizing and commissioning it operates in the target vehicle identically to a new part — at substantially lower total cost.

Comfort coding modifies the variant coding of a control unit: enabling functions, adjusting settings, resetting previous-owner configurations — all within the same vehicle. Virginizing, by contrast, releases the complete binding of the control unit to a vehicle so that it can be installed in a different vehicle. Comfort coding uses XENTRY; virginizing additionally requires specialised diagnostic systems.

Virginizing clears the VIN binding, FBS coupling, SCN coding and variant coding. Adaptive values (engine ECU learned values, transmission adaptation) are also reset and re-learn in the new vehicle within a few hundred kilometres. The hardware of the control unit itself remains unchanged.

Yes. After a total loss or theft a complete control unit set from a donor vehicle can be transferred: engine ECU, EIS/EZS, SAM modules, instrument cluster, transmission ECU. All units are virginized and commissioned in the target vehicle as a bound group. This requires careful planning — contact us for individual advice.

Yes. Alongside ECU virginizing, entheiraten.de also offers classical variant coding: reset previous-owner settings, enable comfort functions, activate AMG menus, configure driver assistance systems. Details are available at entheiraten.de/komfort-codierung/.