W210 E320CDi owner's blog/maintenance costs

[toby1]

Could well do that Alexander, thanks. BAS/ABS/ESP warning lights came on tonight as well! Grrr

 

[alexanderfoti]

Could well do that Alexander, thanks. BAS/ABS/ESP warning lights came on tonight as well! Grrr

have you changed the brake light switch? It sorted mine

 

[toby1]

I'll do that first then. Cheers.

 

[toby1]

Problem disappeared overnight but I replaced the brake light switch anyway - £11.94

Whilst changing the switch I noticed an unknown black wire cut. I also found out the the driver's footwell light bulb was missing, and I suspect when I check the others, they'll be missing too.

Anyone like to guess at the mystery black wire? The remainder of it is routed up near the bonnet release lever.

 

[Myros]

is it a factory-fitted wire

or something a previous owner routed that way for a sat nav or such like. You might only know if you go down into the loom and see where it comes from.
I'd say test it with a meter to see if it's live. Isolate it anyway.

 

[toby1]

Car has factory COMAND but yes, it could be a previous owner's doing.

I'll see if there's a feed, good idea.

 

[gjbc2007]

I have owned a w210 e320 cdi for about 3 years now.Its a 2001 car and I've managed about 15000 miles in that time,not a huge amount I must admit.It has now done 83000 miles.Although you do have to keep an eye on the rust the wheelarch edges seem most prone a touch up with hammerite silver smooth is not a bad match and not noticeable in that area it has been a pleasure to drive and not expensive in maintaining.The car is let down by annoying faults that I have never found anyone who was prepared to look into.They are all keen enough for the routine stuff but are not nearly as keen once out of there comfort zone.I have a pausing wiper,the indicators are the same(you turn them on and count to five before anything happens) and an interior front light that works sometimes.I have been to the main dealer who said its because of a non genuine screen but couldn't explain the indicators.The local independants were not keen to investigate.Any tips much appreciated Sorry to rant on I think I may have strayed from the point. In conclusion many friends have spent far more than me on other makes and overall I'm still pleased I bought it.I have been tempted many times to upgrade it but have always resisted as it would take some replacing without a substantial amount of cash.

 

[toby1]

On the way to work this morning, had occasion to give it a bootful. EPC warning light came on and power cut out. Slowly crawled to a halt, no motor running, no PAS, etc.

Turned key off and started again, no problem, continued to work with EPC warning still present. Will search for options but it's looking like a STAR job.

 

[alexanderfoti]

On the way to work this morning, had occasion to give it a bootful. EPC warning light came on and power cut out. Slowly crawled to a halt, no motor running, no PAS, etc.

Turned key off and started again, no problem, continued to work with EPC warning still present. Will search for options but it's looking like a STAR job.

Oh dear. Mine did this recently but has stopped now. I'm sure its either an air leak or leak off from an injector. The problem is that STAR will only show epc error due to low fuel rail pressure most likely.

 

[toby1]

I'm tending to think that way. Fuel consumption seems to be increasing.

We still ok for a meet as per mail?

Cheers.

 

[alexanderfoti]

I'm tending to think that way. Fuel consumption seems to be increasing.

We still ok for a meet as per mail?

Cheers.

hmm odd. Yeah no problem for 7th April.

 

[toby1]

I wonder if it's linked to post #57. Getting the lumpy start-up most mornings coupled with blue/grey smoke. It clears after about 10 seconds. We'll see what your STAR has to say

 

[alexanderfoti]

I wonder if it's linked to post #57. Getting the lumpy start-up most mornings coupled with blue/grey smoke. It clears after about 10 seconds. We'll see what your STAR has to say

Hmm Mine has been doing that whenever it gets cold, A nice grey cloud of smoke, then again mine has a rough idle constantly. Im sure its down the to the spray pattern of the injectors buggering up at low fuel loads, but im not going to change the injectors for that.

If I give it a bit of throttle when starting, the grey smoke cloud can obscure me for a quick getaway! It has never caused me any issues, I put it down to spray pattern as above + 3 failed glow plugs.

 

[toby1]

Dreaded black smoke has returned on light load. I'll refit the EGR shunt to see if this makes any difference.

On the plus side, convertible drivers give plenty of room for me from behind!

 

[Jonny Moore]

Avon tyres only 8k !!!

 

[toby1]

That was before the camber was adjusted. It was miles out

 

[toby1]

AutoAid breakdown cover purchased £38

 

[toby1]

19/05/12: 113,997 miles.

OSF wheel bearing re-packed with grease and adjusted.

Pilot bush replaced and ATF top-up

STAR plug-in: List of codes as long as your arm but long story short, I require a VAC transducer for the charge system. All codes re-set. £81.58

I think I'll need a new wheel bearing as there's still a road speed dependant rumbling

Also ran a bit stifled on the way home with more smoke than usual. Was ok on kick-down but sluggish on lighter load. Hopefully related to the VAC transducer so I'll order one tomorrow

 

[toby1]

Lots of dark grey/black exhaust smoke

Whilst I await my charge vacuum transducer to be delivered, the dreaded smoke has returned. Worst on boost and not too bad at light load but raising eyebrows wherever I go.

Really hope the transducer fixes this. I have to drive down to near Worthing tomorrow so I think I'll disconnect the MAS and hope it goes in to limp-mode

 

[toby1]

Trip to Worthing and back was without incident with the MAS unplugged. No normal boost or kickdown as I expected and also much reduced smoke.