Frequently asked questions

The cost of an ECU repair depends on the type of control unit and the extent of the damage. Restoring the original ECU typically costs a fraction of a new replacement unit — including original coding. Before every repair we provide a written diagnosis with a fixed price so you have full cost control.

An ECU repair usually takes 1–3 working days from the moment we receive the unit: diagnosis, restoration, functional test and return shipment. For complex hardware damage or rare components it may take longer — you will receive a binding time estimate in advance.

In most cases, yes. A new replacement ECU often costs several thousand euros and must then be coded to the vehicle. Restoration typically saves the majority of those costs — and the original coding, immobiliser and software remain unchanged. We assess each case individually and recommend the more economical and technically sound solution.

Yes. During a restoration your original ECU remains installed — the immobiliser, FBS and IMMO data stay unchanged, and no re-pairing with the key is required. If cloning becomes necessary, we transfer all relevant data 1:1 using XENTRY, ODIS or ISTA so that the immobiliser continues to communicate correctly.

Yes. Through our nationwide mail-in service at klonen.biz you can ship removed ECUs to us safely by parcel: complete the online form, pack the ECU in anti-static material and send it in. We produce a diagnosis report, repair or clone the ECU and return it with full documentation. The service is available to private vehicle owners and workshops throughout Germany.

Cloning transfers the complete software of an ECU to an identical replacement unit — the right choice when the hardware can no longer be restored. Repair means we restore the existing unit, for example in the case of soldering defects, capacitor failures or output-stage damage. After the diagnosis we recommend whichever option is more economical and technically superior.

Both are possible. For vehicles with the ECU still installed, bring the car to our workshop in Hardegsen-Gladebeck. For ECUs that have already been removed, our nationwide mail-in service is available — ship the ECU by parcel, we analyse, restore or clone it and send it back to you.

Most common ECUs can be cloned, provided no active manufacturer online-lock is in place. We check the clonability of your specific unit in advance and give you a clear assessment.

We diagnose all common vehicle brands. With XENTRY (Mercedes-Benz), ODIS (VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat) and ISTA (BMW, Mini) we have access to the official manufacturer diagnostic systems. All other brands are covered with professional universal diagnostics.

You need the removed ECU (securely packaged), the vehicle data (make, model, year, engine code) and a brief description of the fault. Use our online form at /en/einsenden/ for a smooth process.

Yes. We provide the statutory guarantee on all repair work. In addition, you receive a written diagnosis report and documentation of all measures carried out.

If a repair is not possible, we inform you immediately and present alternatives — for example, a tested replacement ECU. A diagnosis fee is charged in this case as well, since the analysis effort is identical.

Wrap the ECU in anti-static material or bubble wrap. Use a sturdy box with adequate cushioning. Include a note with the vehicle data and your contact details. For valuable ECUs we recommend tracked parcel shipping with insurance.

In certain cases we can provide a compatible loan ECU so that your vehicle remains driveable in the meantime. Please mention this when making your appointment.

We work with the official manufacturer diagnostic systems: XENTRY for Mercedes-Benz, ODIS for the VW Group and ISTA for BMW/Mini. These systems have access to all 40+ control units in a vehicle — far beyond what standard OBD2 scanners can reach.

For on-site vehicle diagnostics we recommend booking an appointment. For the mail-in service you can send the ECU at any time — please complete the online form first so we are prepared.

XENTRY is the official diagnostic system of Mercedes-Benz. It has access to all control units, enables SCN coding (online coding via the Mercedes server), variant coding and software updates. A standard OBD2 scanner covers only a fraction of this capability.

Yes. We accept orders from other workshops that do not have in-house ECU expertise. Please contact us regarding our terms for trade customers.

ECU cloning means transferring the complete software — operating system, application data, coding, VIN and immobiliser data — from a defective ECU to an identical replacement unit. The result: the replacement ECU behaves exactly like the original, with no data loss and no re-coding required at the vehicle. Cloning is necessary when the hardware of the original ECU is defective (e.g. blown output stages, corroded circuit traces) but the software stored on it must be preserved — typically because a new unit costs several thousand euros or is no longer available.

Cloning an ECU typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the ECU type and the volume of data. For engine control units with immobiliser data (IMMO) the process is more involved, as the synchronisation between the ECU, key and immobiliser must be exact. For the mail-in service via klonen.biz, plan for 1 to 3 working days from receipt — including diagnosis, cloning, functional test and return shipment.

Yes — through our nationwide mail-in service at klonen.biz you can ship removed ECUs to us safely by parcel. The process: complete the online form, pack the ECU in anti-static material and send it in; we analyse, repair or clone it and return it with a diagnostic report. The service is available for all vehicle brands and is used throughout Germany — by private vehicle owners as well as by workshops without their own ECU expertise.