VGS4 NAG2 HOW TO

It has been the most debated problem when it comes to module adaptation in FBS4 Mercedes cars.  When do we need to cut the VGS plate? How do we work on adapting it, when do I need to connect the SET088? Why can’t I adapt the transmission by OBD?

I am about to answer all your questions today.

1. What is VGS4-NAG2?

• VGS4-NAG2 is a Fully Integrated Transmission Control Unit (vollintegrierter getriebesteuergerät). Its purpose is to use electro- hydraulic valves, an integrated circuit board with pre-set adaptive logic together with a hydraulic fluid in order to control the changing of the gears in modern transmissions. In the case of Mercedes in the past 20 years or more they have been exclusively used uneven number of gears (5, 7 and 9) speed transmissions which they develop themselves with the assistance of the well- known transmission manufacturers such as Getrag. By far the most complex one to adapt of them all is the 7 speed variant (VGS4-NAG2) installed primarily in the high performance versions of Mercedes cars of the FBS4 (DAS4) generation. Think of the W/C 217 S63 AMG for example. Basically, the reason for using this transmission is the fact that the 9 speed at the time was still a young transmission and had no ability to handle the torque generated from the more powerful engines quite right. You can see a similar pattern where the 5 speed was in use in the C215/ W220 S/ CL 65/ S55 well into the advent of the 7 speed back in the early 2000s.

2. How can we adapt the VGS4- NAG2?

• There are ways to adapt this VGS, but you need to be careful. Here is what we can do. With the introduction of version 2.8 of the Abrites FBS4 manager we can now read almost any existing module by OBD or direct connection to the module itself. This makes obtaining the information from an existing transmission controller quite easy. This means that adaptation when using the existent FBS data from the car’s original VGS is a lot easier – you can read it via direct connection while the old plate is still readable. Once you have the data you can take one of two paths – either buy a brand new VGS4- NAG2 plate and personalize it directly, by direct connection or OBD (whichever works for your plate) without cutting the transmission.

3. SET088. SET088 is responsible for the VGS4-0-NAG2 type of VGS.

What if you don’t have a brand-new transmission plate? – in this situation you have to make a small incision in the plate itself so that you can reach the PCB inside and make it virgin. Now, up to version 2.7 we had to make quite a large hole and figure out ways to close it after we were done because transmission fluid and electronics don’t mix well. This is where the SET088 comes in. In the kit you get a few things:

- Hole saw with a drill bit attached so that you can make the perfect incision. Please use higher speed on your drill so that the plastic can stay in the hole saw. It is designed to retain the plastic piece but you have to help it a bit.

- A stencil to help you mark the position of drilling perfectly.

- A jig which allows you to position the connectors perfectly. This allows you to place the connector attached directly to the jig.

- A cable to connect to your ABPROG programmer which allows you to read and make the VGS virgin.

- You also get the ABPROG itself in this set, so if you are in the market for ABPROG – this is a good choice.

In version 2.8 there is no need to follow a connection sequence when connecting the module on bench as you had to up to version 2.7.

On top of that you now have many new features like VIN, Programming and other utilities you can see from the menu on the right. Please refer to the user manual. You can also watch the incredibly well done AVDI FAN video here:

We are constantly trying to simplify the processes of work as far as possible and help you as much as possible to complete your duties as easily as possible.

I hope we have achieved this task using SET088.
Until next time – try to have fun at work.

Alek