W203 C180K Engine/Gearbox issue?

zars

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Hi folks

My C180K has been running very sluggish over the last week. It feels down on power and I have to work the pedal harder to get it going. I know it's not the quickest car of all but have definitely noticed a difference.

At moderate speeds if I gently accelerate it feels the need to change down a gear. If it does stay in gear nothing happens so I have to press harder.

'A' road driving behaviour has changed in that the gearbox always now drops down when I speed up even when the pedal is lightly pressed. Bear in mind I'm not forcing a kickdown.

The only significant thing that's happened recently is that the car was very (very:Oops:) low on fuel a couple of weeks ago (something that I always avoid but couldn't be helped in this instance) so could this be the cause?

I've not had any lights come on so trying to work out if it's an engine or gearbox issue. Car has had gearbox oil changes every 3 years by previous owner, next one is due next year.

Apologies for the vague description of the symptoms, hopefully someone can assist.

Thanks
Zahid
 

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It could be the MAF failing, you could unplug it to check and try the car, some will go better to prove the point
 
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zars

zars

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Thanks mate (and on the tyre question:cool:) Am I right in thinking it's behind the airbox?
 
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zars

zars

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Steve, would that not throw up a CEL? I had a hose go earlier in the year (one under the engine cover - not sure of the exact one) and the dreaded light came on for that one. Or could it depend on how bad the split is?
 

Steve@Avantgarde

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Whats a CEL?!

If you mean the management light then it may not, depends on what values are being read. As in any situation like this you need a STAR test to establish what fault codes you have and look at some live data.

You could also have the makings of a stretching timing chain.
 

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Possible oil on the air mass, unfortunately if it is its a pain to fully clear even after the breathers are unblocked.
 
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zars

zars

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Whats a CEL?!

If you mean the management light then it may not, depends on what values are being read. As in any situation like this you need a STAR test to establish what fault codes you have and look at some live data.

You could also have the makings of a stretching timing chain.

Sorry:lol: Yes engine management light. I'm used to calling it that from my days with a Saab 9000.

I don't like the sound of a stretching timing chain. The car only has 71k miles:confused:
 
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zars

zars

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Possible oil on the air mass, unfortunately if it is its a pain to fully clear even after the breathers are unblocked.

I think I'd better book it in for some checks or if I get a chance I'l have a go myself:neutral:
 

Steve@Avantgarde

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Sorry:lol: Yes engine management light. I'm used to calling it that from my days with a Saab 9000.

I don't like the sound of a stretching timing chain. The car only has 71k miles:confused:

Did one today car only had 64k miles on and was a tooth out on the the inlet cam and 1/2 tooth on the exhaust!! Mileage is no guarantee!!
 
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zars

zars

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Mate, please stop :neutral: :)lol:)
 


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