Switching to BMW/Mercedes

Hello,

So far, I've only worked with the CAN bus system used by the VAG group, but now I have to work on a project involving Mercedes/BMW. I wanted to inquire here about possible tips for transfers, specifically:
1/ Can you access the CAN motor/drive or comfort functions in a BMW/Mercedes vehicle via the diagnostic interface, or do you also need to connect to the gateway or control unit?
2/ Does BMW/Mercedes also have something similar to Erwin (siehe Fehlerdatenbank), where you can look up the positions of components and the colors of the wires?
3/ Are there any other recommended tips, tutorials, or resources that could help me get acquainted with the transition?

Thank you and best regards.

Hello Hannes,

You can forget about accessing data through the OBD2 interface on BMW and Mercedes vehicles. Nothing more will happen.

If you put the control units into diagnostic mode, then it might be possible to do something. However, with brand new BMW vehicles, this is only possible to a limited extent, meaning only while the vehicle is stationary. During the journey, the only thing possible is reading...


At Mercedes, the options vary depending on the model. CAN-Bus distributors located in various places (often in the rocker panel area).

You'll mostly find information about BMW on the FRM platform. In the lower compartment, front right.

You can obtain circuit diagrams from the manufacturers after registering with them.

What model are we talking about?


Best regards,

Michael.

Hello Michael,

Okay, to be precise, the main goal is to access the engine CAN bus in a current-model Mercedes A-Class and a current-model BMW 1 Series with as little (disassembly or time) as possible. Do you have any tips on how to do that? Do you know the URLs of websites where you can find wiring diagrams or information about the installation locations after registering? "Do these models/manufacturers also offer a CAN gateway?"

Best regards,
Hannes

The "Motor CAN" is no longer available in the current Mercedes models.

The topology includes multiple CAN buses, FlexRay, and, depending on the powertrain, Ethernet. Depending on the signals you need, you have to check which network they are transmitted on.

The easiest way to access the networks is through the Common Powertrain Controller, as it serves as the gateway between the vehicle and the powertrain. You can find some information online; simply search for "Mercedes CPC" or "Mercedes Drivetrain Module."

Thanks for the tip - I'll look into that. Another tip about BMW?