C220 CDI gearbox/loss of power

[Jase]

Hi - I'm having a few problems with my 51 plate C220 CDI and was after some advice.

The engine failed massively at 95k, and it was replaced by the Merc dealer (they paid 75% towards the new engine - still left me with a big bill!). I noticed soon after getting it back that the gear changes were quite jerky, especially when cold, but seem to get better as it warms up. It wasn't like this before the new engine, but thought it could wait to be looked at until the next service.

However, today I was driving along and noticed that there was no pick up of power at all. I was struggling to top 60mph, and it took an age to accelerate. I dropped it from D to 3, and the revs increased, but the power output didn't.

I stopped, put it in neutral and floored the accelerator, and barely reached 3k revs.

I turned the car off and back on again, and it appeared to be ok, albeit a bit less power that I am used to.

Any ideas what may have caused this? Could it be linked to the fitting of he engine, or is it likely to be a new problem and just a coincidence?

Any thoughts would be appriciated

Thanks

 

[Xtractorfan]

Its possible that you need to replace the air flow meter (MAF) if so use the genuine MB item..

 

[Jase]

Its possible that you need to replace the air flow meter (MAF) if so use the genuine MB item..

Thanks

Is this likely to be linked to the engine change, or a separate problem?

 

[Xtractorfan]

No..well hard to say really ..they generally have a life span of their own and as they are a sensitive electronic unit failure is quite common ..I think they cost around £60 from Mb, but if youve had an engine fitted recently you could go back and ask for a star diagnostic check which should pinpoint your problem

 

[Jase]

No..well hard to say really ..they generally have a life span of their own and as they are a sensitive electronic unit failure is quite common ..I think they cost around £60 from Mb, but if youve had an engine fitted recently you could go back and ask for a star diagnostic check which should pinpoint your problem

Thats great - thanks again

One last question...I may not be able to get to the garage til next weekend (as I work away). Will it cause bigger problems if I were to drive it in the meantime?

 

[Xtractorfan]

No it is more annoying than anything else. if it is the MAF switching off and restarting will in most cases clear the fault and allow the car to drive normally, if its auto when the engine goes into limp mode and you cant pull over to stop and restart use the manual shift to select the gears and you will be able to keep up with the traffic..

 

[television]

I think that the price from Bosch is more like £150 and thats much cheaper than from MB,, sometimes the cars will run with it unplugged and worth a try,,they are easy to fit and only take a few mins

 

[Jase]

Thanks - that's given me some ideas (so they can't try to stitch me up! ) - you've been a great help!

 

[Xtractorfan]

I think that the price from Bosch is more like £150 and thats much cheaper than from MB,, sometimes the cars will run with it unplugged and worth a try,,they are easy to fit and only take a few mins

Malcolm the diesel MAF is for some reason or other much cheaper than the petrol version ..both priced from Mb .. Euro car parts also do a Pierburg (original fitment) for £48.. but the problem I find with the non MB ones is the boxes arent always sealed ..Im talking here about the pierburg maf and not the ebay rubbish

 

[Blakey]

Hi Jase,

What you describe is the car going into limp home mode. It's designed to protect the engine/gearbox from being damaged due to a problem.

There are any number of problems that could cause this, - the best way to accurately determine the root cause is to have the fault codes read and diagnosed.

I would take it back to the MB dealership that did the engine replacement and get them to diagnose. - How recently was the work done?

Chris.

 

[Jase]

Hi Jase,

What you describe is the car going into limp home mode. It's designed to protect the engine/gearbox from being damaged due to a problem.

There are any number of problems that could cause this, - the best way to accurately determine the root cause is to have the fault codes read and diagnosed.

I would take it back to the MB dealership that did the engine replacement and get them to diagnose. - How recently was the work done?

Chris.

Apologies for taking so long to reply - I've been working away all week.

The engine was changed about 4 months ago. The transmission seemed quite 'lumpy' as soon as I picked the car up, though improved as it warmed up each time.

I took teh car to the dealer last night and I'm waiting for them to tell me whats up at the moment, so will report back later! :-(