The very first CAN vehicle

[Efraim]

Hi,

I knew the w124.036 was one of the first implementations of CAN. In these articles they wrote the first car rolled out from MB on 1992 (?!) and W140 was the first one with CAN but as we all know the .36 was launched and produced even before. If we believe the articles, the w124.036 is the very first one!. With limited small production it must have been tempting platform for test bench of new technology. True high tech vehicle of the era!

can-newsletter.org - Applications

News and application notes on engineering and applications for CAN bus, CANopen, CAN FD, J1939, Isobus

can-newsletter.org

CAN in Automation (CiA): History of the CAN technology

Mercedes W140: First car with CAN​

25 years ago, Mercedes brought the first car on the roads using CAN networks. The legendary S-class model W140 used just five CAN-connected electronic control units (ECUs).​

​

Cockpit of the W140, the first car equipped with CAN-connected control units (Photo: Daimler)​

​

The CAN protocol was officially introduced at an SAE conference in Detroit in 1986. Five years later, the S-class model W140 was the first car with a CAN-based in-vehicle network connecting five ECUs. The development costs are estimated over US-$1 billion. Mercedes launched many innovations with this car in 1991 – not just CAN communication. This included for example double-pane window glazing, power-assisted closing for doors and boot lid, electric windows, which lowered back down upon encountering an obstruction, rear-parking markers, etc. Some regard the W140 as an “over-engineered” car.​

​

In the following models, Mercedes introduced the Auto Pilot System (APS) navigation system (1995), the Parktronic parking aid (1995), the Linguatronic voice-operated control system (1996), and the Tele-Aid emergency call system (1997). Most important was the introduction of Bosch’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in 1995 and the BAS brake assistant in 1996. These systems were also based on CAN communication.​

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Nowadays, the S-class luxury cars comprise several CAN networks and sub-networks connecting about 100 and more ECUs. In the early days, the five CAN nodes just exchanged a few messages (less than 100). Today, the Mercedes engineers have specified far more than 6000 different CAN messages. And the next generation is already under development: Mercedes considers introducing CAN FD also in the S-class. The basic research is already finished.​

 

[gerryvz]

That is correct. The .036 is very very definitely the FIRST implementation of a CANbus system by Mercedes-Benz. It did pre-date all other models that phased this in. Note that the 036 CAN implementation dates from 1989, when 500E development was hitting its stride.

 

[Efraim]

If those papers plus some other say that W140 the first automotive implementation world wide not only MB then it is actually .036. For example BMW started CAN usage on 1995 with 7-series.

 

[Stevester 500E]

I was just st the stealership.
This W140 S-Class 6 liter was in for maintenance. It was impeccable! Garage queen!

 

[Alphasud40]

While I new Mercedes was the Innovator with Bosch to create the CAN protocol I read the S class was the first to utilize. I just purchased a 92 W140.042 sedan this weekend to fix up and resell. Driving one I’m still impressed with the technology and build quality. Especially on the first build phase. Power rear view mirror, reverse guide posts and and the entire PSE system that works everything. And it all still works after all these years.
Mercedes was on top of their game in the early 90’s. Shame the economy and the influx of Lexus and other luxury contenders would forever change the company focus.

 

[Stevester 500E]

I just have 2 final words, Princess Diana

 

[gsxr]

I just have 2 final words, Princess Diana

She'd likely still be with us if she had just worn her seatbelt.

 

[gerryvz]

Hi,

I knew the w124.036 was one of the first implementations of CAN. In these articles they wrote the first car rolled out from MB on 1992 (?!) and W140 was the first one with CAN but as we all know the .36 was launched and produced even before. If we believe the articles, the w124.036 is the very first one!. With limited small production it must have been tempting platform for test bench of new technology. True high tech vehicle of the era!

can-newsletter.org - Applications

News and application notes on engineering and applications for CAN bus, CANopen, CAN FD, J1939, Isobus

can-newsletter.org

CAN in Automation (CiA): History of the CAN technology

Mercedes W140: First car with CAN​

25 years ago, Mercedes brought the first car on the roads using CAN networks. The legendary S-class model W140 used just five CAN-connected electronic control units (ECUs).​

​

View attachment 170972

Cockpit of the W140, the first car equipped with CAN-connected control units (Photo: Daimler)​

​

The CAN protocol was officially introduced at an SAE conference in Detroit in 1986. Five years later, the S-class model W140 was the first car with a CAN-based in-vehicle network connecting five ECUs. The development costs are estimated over US-$1 billion. Mercedes launched many innovations with this car in 1991 – not just CAN communication. This included for example double-pane window glazing, power-assisted closing for doors and boot lid, electric windows, which lowered back down upon encountering an obstruction, rear-parking markers, etc. Some regard the W140 as an “over-engineered” car.​

​

In the following models, Mercedes introduced the Auto Pilot System (APS) navigation system (1995), the Parktronic parking aid (1995), the Linguatronic voice-operated control system (1996), and the Tele-Aid emergency call system (1997). Most important was the introduction of Bosch’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in 1995 and the BAS brake assistant in 1996. These systems were also based on CAN communication.​

​

Nowadays, the S-class luxury cars comprise several CAN networks and sub-networks connecting about 100 and more ECUs. In the early days, the five CAN nodes just exchanged a few messages (less than 100). Today, the Mercedes engineers have specified far more than 6000 different CAN messages. And the next generation is already under development: Mercedes considers introducing CAN FD also in the S-class. The basic research is already finished.​

Yep, this article is wholly incorrect as to stating that the W140 was the first implementation of the CAN. It was the 500E, the first models of which hit the market in late 1990 and early 1991. The first W140s didn't appear until mid to late 1991 as 1992 models, as the W126 was produced through the end of the 1991 model year.

Mercedes own literature and historical recaps also indicate this fact.

The 500E was also the very first MB to utilise the LH-Jetronic injection setup.

 

[gerryvz]

Note that MB did pre-production of the 500E starting in 1990, and series production commenced in the first few months of 1991.