Anyone experiencing issues after Nox Recall?

[clineng]

Hi,

We have two W212 E classes that were recently back in the Main Dealer for NOX recall and apparently given just NOX software updates.

My 2010 E350 now won't change up to top gear until a higher speed but I can get over that.

My wife's 2012 E220 is like a different car since it came back. It is like it is detuned and is an absolute pig. It is notably down on power, gear changes points are totally different i.e it holds gears longer but if you go to kick down it generally quickly changes up a gear rather than changing down a gear so kickdown is meaningless. With holding the gear longer it then often jerks into the next gear as opposed to being smooth. Also if you put your foot down pulling away from lights there is a some black smoke - again, everything the opposite of what is was before. So basically down on power (but not in limp mode) and gearbox response to throttle input is totally different to what it was. It drives like a car with an EGR or DPF issue if I was trying to relate it to a particular symptom, but in this case there are no error messages.

Main Dealer is booked up for 3 weeks, but also having spoken to them they say there is no experience of these symptoms known to Mercedes, and the usual one hours labour charge for the diagnosis if it turns out not to be the recent software upgrade.

Yes, as an Engineer I know it is possible there has been another fault which coincidentally came into the car at almost the same but very keen to hear is this a one off or have other people experienced this on an OM651 engine following NOX update??

Thanks

 

[Naraic]

The dealer is...fibbing. The software update is well known to change these cars and not for the better.

 

[A.J.]

I am just glad I got rid of Diesels two cars back. We don't get these sort of problems with Petrol...............yet

 

[onefortheroad]

Someone mentioned a remap will overwrite the mb software and return it to stock plus whatever gainz the remap gives.

My e350 changes to 9th at around 70 to 75 mph. At times I do it manually though.

 

[clineng]

The dealer is...fibbing. The software update is well known to change these cars and not for the better.

That is exactly my thoughts and no doubt the party political line!!

 

[GAD Tuning LTD]

Absolute lies! Complete calibration change! Worse MPG, Worse performance and drivability! I have these in constantly for recalibration to get them running how they should again!

Many thanks

 

[clineng]

Someone mentioned a remap will overwrite the mb software and return it to stock plus whatever gainz the remap gives.

My e350 changes to 9th at around 70 to 75 mph. At times I do it manually though.

I read the opposite that a remap with not overwrite the main basis of the new software, like the gearshift pattern. If anyone has any information on this I would be most grateful as a remap was the first thing that sprung to mind and without any original problems, I have had very good experience of Remaps on many older Turbodiesel Mercedes and BMWs we have owned.

 

[GAD Tuning LTD]

Yes the calibration can be READ and then adjusted! The TCU will take input and output information from the engine management which will determine shift points etc...

This is also the case for the Diesel Gate VAG cars also!

Many thanks

 

[clineng]

Absolute lies! Complete calibration change! Worse MPG, Worse performance and drivability! I have these in constantly for recalibration to get them running how they should again!

Many thanks

Does the scope of the recalibration parameters open to Non Mercedes persons allow full change of gearshift pattern etc? I am based in Dublin so unfortunately I will not be able to use your services. So at this point what is possible/recommended re the Remap. Your recommended package (so more power etc but not pushing it too hard re reliability), where would that leave it versus original figures and say re a 250CDi from Factory?

Incidentally, any idea to the extent to what power, torque etc the car has lost. It is like chalk and cheese now to what it was. This is the third W212 E220 my wife has had and the last one was sold with 287k miles on it so we're well used to what they should drive like!

Your knowledge and opinion gratefully received.

 

[clineng]

Also, would you recommend the likes of programming out the EGR etc or any other recommendations?

Thanks

 

[GAD Tuning LTD]

Does the scope of the recalibration parameters open to Non Mercedes persons allow full change of gearshift pattern etc? I am based in Dublin so unfortunately I will not be able to use your services. So at this point what is possible/recommended re the Remap. Your recommended package (so more power etc but not pushing it too hard re reliability), where would that leave it versus original figures and say re a 250CDi from Factory?

Incidentally, any idea to the extent to what power, torque etc the car has lost. It is like chalk and cheese now to what it was. This is the third W212 E220 my wife has had and the last one was sold with 287k miles on it so we're well used to what they should drive like!

Your knowledge and opinion gratefully received.

Not the shift strategies directly not yet as the tool manufactures are starting to roll out transmission communication properly over the next year or so.

But due to the outputs of the engine now due to calibration the gearbox TCU has to make decisions based on the new info which ultimately it doesn't like or calibrated to that end.

Best thing would be pop me an email directly I can go more in-depth as we are so busy at the workshop currently

Many thanks

 

[ajlsl600]

What I learn is.
If its going ok ,go nowhere near an update.
2nd time I am readin updates mean lower mpg,rougher runnin and shifts.
I also learn,somehow software in car u paid for aint yrs and any dealer update goes thru whole car like it or not,not just nox system when those are changed
Benz cant make or organise decent quality sensors,thats got to be a cost thing.none changed on my 01 clk320,now a day does not go by I dont read dpf,nox adblue egr grief, I nearly sure this stuff is made to fail. Just statistically most make it thru warranty,then its shxxe for us and xmas for benz

 

[matthew k]

You don't get something for nothing, the manufacturers were cheating for a reason. Unfortunately due to our weak consumer laws there's no compensation for the people affected.

 

[Larkone]

You don't get something for nothing, the manufacturers were cheating for a reason. Unfortunately due to our weak consumer laws there's no compensation for the people affected.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/05/mercedes-owners-launch-group-action-legal-claim/

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

The bottom line is that the ‘NOx software upgrade’ detunes the engine with further implications on gearbox shifting pattern. MB also seem to be having problems with NOx sensor longetivity on ADBLUE engines - I also won't be buying another diesel

 

[Blobcat]

The bottom line is that the ‘NOx software upgrade’ detunes the engine with further implications on gearbox shifting pattern. MB also seem to be having problems with NOx sensor longetivity on ADBLUE engines - I also won't be buying another diesel

My thoughts as well. Loved my W213 E220d, I won't be buying one myself though

 

[LostKiwi]

Modern diesels are far too complex to be reliable and far too dirty not to have emissions cleaning equipment.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

My thoughts as well. Loved my W213 E220d, I won't be buying one myself though

Yes agree the W213 chassis with the 220d OM654 is a great package and I was tempted but living with the BMW N55 IL6 petrol has reminded me just how good the IL6 engine is which vindicates BMW sticking with the IL6 when other manufacturers including MB dropped them in favour of V6 petrols.

I notice MB have learnt from their mistake and are now producing the M256 IL6 petrol you can’t claim to be the best and not produce the best

 

[LostKiwi]

V6 engines have significant advantages over IL6 engines.
Shorter crankshafts flex less, packaging is easier to maximise passenger space or for transverse mounting, they can sometimes be produced on the same assembly lines as V8s or V12s (M112 and M113 were a great example of this) and when done well are lighter and just as smooth.
The only real drawback is compromised primary balance (which is fixed by use of balance shafts).

The MB m112 engine is silky smooth and in my view easily the equal of contemporary BMW inline 6s for smoothness.

 

[JBell]

My thoughts as well. Loved my W213 E220d, I won't be buying one myself though

Buy one, give it to GAD and be happy