CGDI ESL / ELV Simulator Renew for Mercedes-Benz W204 / W207 / W212 (CGDI MB Programmer)

The “CGDI ELV Simulator” (sometimes called “ELV Emulator / ESL Simulator”) is a hardware adapter designed to replace or “renew” the original ESL/ELV (Electronic Steering Lock / Electronic Steering Lock module) on certain Mercedes‑Benz models: specifically chassis W204, W207, and W212. 

It works in tandem with a compatible key‑programming tool from CGDI (e.g. “CGDI MB Benz Key Programmer”). 

You might consider using the CGDI ELV Simulator if:

The original ESL on your W204 / W207 / W212 is damaged — e.g. the locking motor has failed. According to CGDI, a common cause of ESL failure is motor failure. CGDIprog.com+1

The original ESL’s internal chip (often an NEC chip) is “locked” (i.e. its security/immobilizer logic no longer accepts your EIS/keys). While theoretically unlockable, in many cases it may require replacing the entire ESL — using an emulator avoids that.

You have a compatible key‑programming tool (CGDI MB or similar) and are ready to reprogram the new/emulated ESL to match your car’s EIS and keys. The process involves reading EIS data, computing passwords, erasing the old ESL data, writing the new emulator data, and “activating” the emulator.