loss of power on a 230 SLK

[milanoli]

Hi,

I drove my wife's 230 at the weekend and it seems to have lost its umph! It used to shift along nicely if you floored it, now until 3K revs its actually quite slow, then post 3K it picks up but doesn’t feel supercharged. Its done 72K and has been serviced regularly, any ideas?

Thanks,

Miles

 

[jimsinessex]

What year is the car?

If it still has a kompressor clutch, check that it is engaging.
This can be done at a standstill, rev the engine from under the bonnet and you will hear and see the clutch engage at about 800 - 1000 r.p.m

Your symptoms could be explained by a lack of kompressor output.

If the clutch is not engaging it could be:-
1) The air c/o flap valve after the air filter not operating, this fault will show up on a diagnostic.
2) A lack of an earth signal from the engine ECU to energise the clutch. BEWARE this fault will also register as an air c/o flap failure on the diagnostics!

Good luck, fault 2 will require a new ECU at vast expense, been there and paid for it I regret to say.

Jim

 

[jberks]

Good luck, fault 2 will require a new ECU at vast expense, been there and paid for it I regret to say.
Jim

Too late for you Jim but if it is the ECU, be aware that they can be repaired, though the dealer will probably neglect to mention this, preferring to offer you a new shiny one.

 

[jimsinessex]

Ah well, experience doesn't come cheaply!
Can you suggest a reliable ECU repair service so I am ready when lightning DOES strike me the second time.

Thanks, Jim

 

[jberks]

Not personally. I've been lucky so far. However, BBA Reman (Google) have been mentioned before and http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=12562&page=2 recommended one too.