OBD2 connector missing

[flex]

Just acquired a 2005 E280 CDi W211. It had an issue which I was sure I could fix so I went to plug in the diagnostic machine and couldn’t find the connector port. I know now where it ought to be but nothing there. Have removed the panel and looked in behind in case somebody had previously forgotten to replace it in the hole. Still nothing! There is an empty plug holder but no fitting in it and no wiring to be seen anywhere. All that’s there is the CANBUS fitting with the brown wires.
Has it ever been known that an OBD2 was not fitted in the first place?
If not, what part no. and wiring kit do I need and where can I find the correct wiring diagram?
Many thanks.

 

[mioba]

It looks like a scart lead port. Sure you are looking in the right places.
Usually under a small flap.

 

[AndySlade]

Not sure when OBD2 was introduced as a requirement within EU (as was) for Diesel cars? Do you have earlier 30 round pin connector?

 

[flex]

It looks like a scart lead port. Sure you are looking in the right places.
Usually under a small flap.

Thanks. As op, I found where the connector should be under dashboard to the right of bonnet catch. The small door/cover is there but nothing behind it. I took off the whole panel thinking it might have dropped through if smene in the past had been mucking about with it and forgot to put it back in place. Nothing behind the panel except an empty holder for the opposite end of the OBD2 wiring. There are no wires visible at all (apart from the brown wiring of the CANBUS) and I’ve had a really good look.
It’s as if the whole OBD2 gubbins has vanished! It’s not on the passenger side under the dashboard, not in the engine compartment (as it is in the W210) and not in behind the door at the left side of the boot apart beside the fusebox and wiring.
I’m stumped.

 

[flex]

Not sure when OBD2 was introduced as a requirement within EU (as was) for Diesel cars? Do you have earlier 30 round pin connector?

Yes. I have another Merc with W210 engine and have the round 30pin for that.

 

[mioba]

Very odd. Could be a contributing factor as to why the car sold.
Perhaps a question for the seller?

 

[Craiglxviii]

No. MB moved to OBD2 for cars designed post 1999. The early 210s had 30 pin, the later ones OBD2. All 211s had OBD2. It’s inconceivable that yours doesn’t have the connector as the assembly plant use it for end of line testing prior to onward shipment.

 

[LostKiwi]

No. MB moved to OBD2 for cars designed post 1999. The early 210s had 30 pin, the later ones OBD2. All 211s had OBD2. It’s inconceivable that yours doesn’t have the connector as the assembly plant use it for end of line testing prior to onward shipment.

I suspect only the very last 210s had OBD2 ports - my 2001 doesn't.

Anything from 2002 should have one.

 

[flex]

Thanks folks. Still haven’t found anything. It’s drving me nuts
Has anybody come across other unusual locations other than the three places I’ve already looked?

 

[mioba]

It could be that your car was built at a time when there was a crossover of the ports.

Although you may have facia for the OBD2, you may actually have older diags port located elsewhere.

Its totally normal that when there are reversions of models - parts are used interchangeably to use them up.

 

[Craiglxviii]

It could be that your car was built at a time when there was a crossover of the ports.

Although you may have facia for the OBD2, you may actually have older diags port located elsewhere.

Its totally normal that when there are reversions of models - parts are used interchangeably to use them up.

No it isn’t normal at all. The OP has a 211 and they came with OBD2 from the start.

 

[Blobcat]

No it isn’t normal at all. The OP has a 211 and they came with OBD2 from the start.

I vaguely remember reading another thread where there wasn’t an OBD2 port. Problem is OBD is too short for our search function to find

 

[Craiglxviii]

I vaguely remember reading another thread where there wasn’t an OBD2 port. Problem is OBD is too short for our search function to find

It is an odd one. My 211 had had the OBD2 socket pushed out of its clip so it was rattling around on the end of its harness inside the dash. But, there was a port for it to clip into,- all I had to do was fiddle it back in.
There is a <vague> possibility that early 211s may have had their OBD2 port in the engine bay, following the round 30 pin practice. But I’ve only seen one reference to this and now I can’t find it.

 

[mioba]

Very strange its not there. OP have you contacted the PO

 

[V6Matty]

My 2003 S211 had the ODB plug exactly where the OP is looking so I know it should be there, it does sound like someone has removed to maybe get it replaced and never put it back in

 

[Tony Dyson]

Yes. I have another Merc with W210 engine and have the round 30pin for that.

I have often wondered whether the reason that the OBD2 port is located in the driver side footwell/kneespace is due to an original design of a LHD vehicle which would put the port in the passenger side, which to me makes so much more sense, especially with a requirement to perform ‘Live Data’ procedures during some maintenance/repair policies, I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve kicked the plug out of the socket and had to rearrange the lead while my v2.0 scanner is plugged in to make it safe for driving, I cannot think of a more inconvenient location for such a fundamental piece of equipment and have often thought myself of relocating it to a more convenient location, either in the glove box or the centre console on the passenger or rear elevations, but thinking about it is as far as I’ve got!
I cannot though, think of a single reason why anyone would want to remove it completely, unless of course the car’s been through a back street LHD→RHD chop shop somewhere? If you’ve looked everywhere and are satisfied it hasn’t been relocated somewhere else in the car you need a friendly WIS/EPC owner to identify any off-the-shelf component parts and wiring schematics to determine where everything is fed from, locating these connections will of course indicate whether, if still populated the possibility of an existing OBD2 port hiding somewhere in your car still exists? Good luck in your endeavours.

 

[RhodieBill]

Apparently the e280 cdi got the OBD2 Port in 2004. Maybe yours was missed out for some reason???

 

[Botus]

its a VERY sensible anti theft measure on cars to relocate the OBD socket

pull the trim and go hunt down where he put it (the hoodies don't have time and just nick another car... a blank socket is the best way as jimmy hoodie gets very confused) - its a NORMAL mod on a keyless go car

 

[mioba]

I am not sure how removing the port could be an anti theft measure, How is having the port there opposite.

Just a gen question, as then surely cars with the port are easier to steal which means every car except the OP's

 

[flex]

Very odd. Could be a contributing factor as to why the car sold.
Perhaps a question for the seller?

Waiting to hear back from him. Still not found the darned thing.