E320CDI 2000 EPC starting/running fault!

[Jonnie P]

Very interesting looking back through many of the past topics and threads.I've learn't a fair bit allready about future problems I might encounter!
My E320cdi 2000 81,000miles has a intermittent starting problem.Glow light comes on and goes out as normall and if the car doesn't start on the first attempt straight away it takes 20 seconds turning the engine over on the second attempt.
Theres also a problem when you accelerate quickly the ECU shows a code EPC
and this holds the engine back from acelerating or going down the box.The car has had diagnostic check and this shows no obvious faults, engine or gearbox.They replaced all glow plugs and air mass sensor.Could it be a faulty injector and would this be the cause of both problems?
I would really appreciate advise before I pass it to a main dealer.

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

It sounds like you may have a couple of different faults, firstly a faulty injector my be causing the long cranking and possibly the epc error message,

I would have a injector leak off test done first, this will show a faulty injector and cure the long cranking issue.
If this then fails to cure the epc fault, then a fault in the charge air system is the most likely cause in my view.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Nice one...

The 320CDI seems a robust engine.

I am now at 131k. I have had more than a share of problems but none with engine. Glowplugs replaced at about 65k is normal, oil level sensor was replaced but it was faulty when the car was delivered.

A few things though, the transmission was supposed to be sealed for life but this was altered, fluid needs to be changed about 60-65k [probably 100,000km].

Watch the battery, if it is weak can cause mysterious faults. Original lasted 7 years.

MAF may/will go, easy fix and a normal fail. Mine was gone around 90k I think.

Drop links in front suspension last 25-50k. I have had them done 3 times already and they will be replaced in next service. Ball joints dont last forever and you are probably heading towards this one.

A little fault I had, and one I am grateful to the dealer for, there is a cooling fan at the ECU [I think thats where it is] that fails eventually. When it does you fry the ECU if it is in hot weather. It cost me about €200 [£140] to get done but its a case of a stitch in time.

Engine mountings can be suspect with age.

Another item to check is the front cross member. It has a known corrosion problem and Car Mechanics have a W210 as their project car so this is worth a read. If you get an opportunity get the car on a ramp and check this one out.


I have never come across your problem so can't offer much help but enjoy the motor!!

 

[kevin59]

E320cdi EPC fault

1999 model 110000 miles
My fault is not quite the same, The engine starts fine but the EPC warning shows straight away. Throttle response seems ok except going uphill when it slows down and kick down seems inneffective. Can anyone offer any suggestions please.

 

[Cole@MBS]

Welcome kevin

Has the car run out or been low on fuel??

 

[kevin59]

no not even low, the fault message first appeared yesterday and now comes on with every startup

 

[Cole@MBS]

EPC stands for electronic power control.

This only normally comes up when the rail pressure sensor see,s low rail pressure!

How does the car start. instant, or does it turn over for a while??

 

[kevin59]

It starts fine but not instantly but only a few seconds of cranking

 

[Cole@MBS]

That sounds like a normal 320cdi, if EPC is showing on the dash, the engine ECU will have store a fault code, im thinking your next move is to have the fault codes read!!

 

[kevin59]

I was coming to that conclusion I live in Hastings I will have to make some calls to find someone with, is it a star diagnostic meter

 

[Xtractorfan]

A few other things you could check on, the electrical connection at the back of the fuel rail, check it is dry and sound, also you could try changing the fuel filter and using the genuine MB one,,,,,, and have you filled up recently at any different filling stations, and just for good measure try adding some injector cleaner in the fuel tank..