W124, E220, M111 engine - question about VVT

[Peter C1974]

Update.

I've done approx 50 miles today and the car drives no different since I've disconnected the VVT. I'm keeping an eye on the fuel gauge but so far so good!

 

[Peter C1974]

Another update.

Car drives absolutely fine, no different to when the VVT was connected.

Fuel consumption is fine, my commute involves going up and down the Chilterns along A and B roads. Without going anywhere near a motorway I'm getting 32.5MPG (based on my calcs).

 

[Alex Crow]

I am not at all surprised!

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Peter C1974]

Another quick update.

Car has managed 37MPG on a 50% commute / 50% motorway journey, including getting stuck in 45 minute stop start traffic on the M4. 40MPG is therefore achievable.

No adverse issues to report.

 

[television]

Thanks for the feedback Peter

 

[mej]

Thanks for an interesting thread and a useful experiment with a clear outcome. I wonder if the VVT was another marketing gimmick really? Unused 98% of the time and something too clever by half. Possibly a bit like the modern diesel swirl flaps?

 

[Peter C1974]

Thanks for an interesting thread and a useful experiment with a clear outcome. I wonder if the VVT was another marketing gimmick really? Unused 98% of the time and something too clever by half. Possibly a bit like the modern diesel swirl flaps?

Whilst I only had the car for a few days before I disconnected the VVT system, I can honestly say that the first drive post disconnection felt no different to before. However, I don't rev the nuts out of my E220 and things might be different if I touched the red line at times.

 

[grober]

I seriously doubt that Mercedes introduced variable valve timing as a marketing gimmick as apart from anything else most owners don't know it exists. In theory it should increase tractability in the mid speed range making the car less "peaky" to drive while still permitting maximum engine breathing at Low and High rpm for different reasons. The cam advance/retard stages should be considered along with the inlet manifold flow characteristics. At very low rpm engine breathing will be assisted by the very long inlet manifold pipes and the cam timing will have little effect whereas at very high rpm the long inlet manifold might prove a hindrance to cylinder filling and retarding the cam will allow greater time for this. That's my guess anyway. The other possibility is that it also improves emissions at partial throttle openings.

 

[willfie]

How to repair or replace the VVT unit

Hi,
This thread also solved my engine noise problem. I have disconnected the solenoid to the VVT unit. I would like to repair or replace the unit. Has anyone a part number for the entire assy? Any aftermarket or specialist suppliers who are able to offer a better deal.

I read somewhere a non oem would cost about £90?

Any leads appreciated....

William

 

[syncropaddy]

Another quick update.

Car has managed 37MPG on a 50% commute / 50% motorway journey, including getting stuck in 45 minute stop start traffic on the M4. 40MPG is therefore achievable.

No adverse issues to report.

40 mpg is very achievable in an E220. I almost did it in an automatic so I reckon a manual should do it. I think its remarkable in a 20 year old auto to get that sort of mpg as some modern diesels cant do that!

 

[akkizma]

Yes, I've read about it and I am certain that the cam adjuster, or actuator as it is commonly referred to can cause this sound. Apparently it is a quite common fault.

People say that the buzzing noise has no adverse effect on the engine.

Unplugging the unit will cause the engine management light to come on, the engine will loose about 25BHP and economy will suffer.

The replacement part (not from Mercedes) is about £90 but labour involved with the replacement is a lot as the timing chain needs to be removed to enable the work.

Does anyone have any experience of this issue?

Hey Peter, can you give me a lead to that part.
A new one from MB is frighteningly expensive at $1000

 

[television]

I will put this up for those reading the thread. 68 the magnet and 38 the spring