E320 CDI that feels like an E180.

[Adski]

Yes I know they never made them but it was just to get my point across as to how slow this car is. I'll explain.

My boss has an E320 diesel Avantgarde S on a 51 plate and it's ill. Firstly, there is no kickdown whatsoever. Nothing. Floor it hard as you can and nothing at all will happen. Secondly, it takes absolutely FOREVER to get up to speed. He says it's always been like that (he hasn't had it from new but has had it around 2-3 years) but it's really really slow. Once you actually get up to speed it'll sit all day and cruise at 70, 80, 90 - no problem. Sounds fine, no rattles or clonks or other warning signs but it's like there's an engine half it's size pulling it around. I'm convinced that this along with the no kickdown is too much of a coincidence so they must be related.

So chaps, any ideas? I gave it a good thrash and lots of crap came out the back but it's still slow as Hell. I drove a W211 E320 once and I remember that flying like a bat out of Hell when I floored it - surely there wasn't that much of an improvement on the engine between models - or is my memory playing tricks on me?

For what it's worth, my E280 petrol is vastly, VASTLY quicker than it. That shouldn't be the case should it?

Any help, much appreciated.

Adam

 

[Daeths]

Adam, don't know the cause but can confirm that my E320 cdi which is 6 months older fly's. So no there is not a new vastly improved engine or anything in the 211.

Rgds

Adam

 

[panason1c]

Sounds like the turbo isnt kicking in.....there can be many reasons for this, a visit to MB for a hook up to diagnostics is in order.

 

[BlackC55]

Air mass is probably the culprit and a good place to start.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Air mass meter is the most likely culprit!! Been there, get it replaced, it wont be wasted because they fail anyway sooner or later. Then drive it!!.

 

[Blobcat]

As above MAF sounds common, my previous one wouldn't kick down and felt flat when the MAF started to fail. If it has been like this for 2 years where on earth has he had it serviced???? Where ever it is I would recommend going somewhere else.

 

[philharve]

As above MAF sounds common, my previous one wouldn't kick down and felt flat when the MAF started to fail. If it has been like this for 2 years where on earth has he had it serviced???? Where ever it is I would recommend going somewhere else.

Hi Blobcat

Is a failing or defective MAF recorded as a fault code?

If the MAF fails gradually over a long time, would the owner be aware of the reduced performance?

REGARDS

Phil

 

[BlackC55]

Hi Blobcat

Is a failing or defective MAF recorded as a fault code?

If the MAF fails gradually over a long time, would the owner be aware of the reduced performance?

REGARDS

Phil

yes and yes

 

[Glenn Smith]

Air flow meter may not neccessarily show a fault code, this was certainly the case on VW tdi's, i never once saw a fault for a faulty meter, unless the wires were broken or unplugged, but i did see many poor performance vehicles that were the result of faulty air flow sensors, these varied from a bit flat to very very slow, i would say if the car was faulty when purchased it is quite possible that you wouldn't notice unless you drove another, but it shouyld have been picked up on a road test especially if done by Mercedes

 

[Blobcat]

Hi Blobcat

Is a failing or defective MAF recorded as a fault code?

If the MAF fails gradually over a long time, would the owner be aware of the reduced performance?

REGARDS

Phil

In my case as per Blackc55 yes it recorded a fault and yes I noticed. The fault was intermittent to start with however it was very noticeable.

 

[jberks]

mine didnt report when it went so I guess sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. The power drop can be gradual so I guess it may get missed until it becomes bad enough, especially with something as powerful as a 320. I suspect you'd notice it more quickly on a 180.
It only becomes really obvious (and faults + safe mode, no kickdown etc) when it goes outside tolerance but it may be dodgy well before then.

 

[surfer_2010uk]

w211 feels flat

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone can help, I have a e320 cdi 2005 avantgarde saloon, it just feels flat on kickdown, no errors on dash, seems ok on the motorway, but still not rapid.

I have noticed change of engine noise as the revs rise to about 2200 before it catched up and moves.

Could it be the MAF or Turbo.

Thanks

 

[surfer_2010uk]

Any ideas?
Much appreciated as always.

 

[prm]

Hi Surfer, you really need to get it on star and get the codes read, will tell you the prob.

 

[st4]

Any ideas?
Much appreciated as always.

if its a V6 CDi (7g car) I put money on it being the inlet port shut off motor.

The manifold linkages to the swirl flaps may be worn and the manifold clogged with a mixture of oil and soot (deposited because of EGR). The oil will have come from a leaky Turbo.

All in, manifolds, turbo seals labour, if you have change from £1500 you'll do well.

The fact this has happened to me 3x (twice on the same fault) I know the feeling.

1. Engine management lights don't come on
2. The reduced power. The engine won't rev above 2200rpm and as the turbo isn't functional, there is sod all power and the engine does sound different (nicer actually). The car is drivable for short distances on the reduced power and upto 65mph without problems.

 

[S.Speed]

God Steve I do feel for you..
As I said in another thread its such a ****** shame because the V6 is a sublime Diesel engine..

I didnt realize you had had SOOOO much hassle with the inlet motors..

I think there could be a good business opertunity if some guru could develop a once and for all fix for this problem....

 

[surfer_2010uk]

Thanks for the replies guys.
If the turbo is not kicking in will it still not display the engine light, and also can a maf on its way out give reduced power.

Sorry if I did not make it clear, its seems to be fine at motrway speeds !!

 

[surfer_2010uk]

Thanks for the replies guys.
If the turbo is not kicking in will it still not display the engine light, and also can a maf on its way out give reduced power.

Sorry if I did not make it clear, its seems to be fine at motrway speeds !!

Its not the v6 (2005 e320 cdi avant saloon)

Regards

 

[st4]

God Steve I do feel for you..
As I said in another thread its such a ****** shame because the V6 is a sublime Diesel engine..

I didnt realize you had had SOOOO much hassle with the inlet motors..

I think there could be a good business opertunity if some guru could develop a once and for all fix for this problem....

Simon, apart from driving it to the garage, and back, the back in, its not done a proper drive since 22nd December. Its the 15th Jan.

Including the major service, manifolds + VAT we are at £2000....

The cars "worth" £6500 on WBAC.

Lovely engines but I doubt, in 2 years time when my car savings account has enough to buy me a reasonable car, it will be a V6CDi . I am so glad for you, that you are not in one.

 

[jberks]

Thanks for the replies guys.
If the turbo is not kicking in will it still not display the engine light, and also can a maf on its way out give reduced power.

Sorry if I did not make it clear, its seems to be fine at motrway speeds !!

Its not the v6 (2005 e320 cdi avant saloon)

Regards

Speaking from personal experience, I've had 2 mafs go (one an a 210 E240 and one one my E270). In both cases, no kickdown, flat on power but still managed to trundle along the motorways up to 70ish. I've yet to se an engine warning light.
Star is really the only way to tell if a sensor has gone out of spec. It could be more serious but start with the obvious first.