Fitment notes: Battery located in engine compartment; European sizing H6/L3 may also fit
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Every control module on the 1981-1985 Mercedes-Benz 280CE — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement.
Climate Control Module (KE)1.5 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Behind center dashboard HVAC controls
⚠️ Early electronic climate control on models with automatic climate; vacuum-actuated with basic electronic temperature control. No coding capability; fixed operation.
Instrument Cluster (IC)1.2 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Dashboard behind instrument panel
⚠️ Electromechanical cluster with no electronic programming; odometer is mechanical. Mileage transfer not applicable.
EZL Electronic Ignition Control Unit (EZL)0.8 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Engine compartment, firewall or under passenger kick panel (varies by production date)
⚠️ Introduced mid-1980s on some 280CE variants with distributorless ignition; fixed programming with no user-accessible coding. Not present on all 1981-1985 280CE models.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 1983 Mercedes-Benz 280CE 2.8L I6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.