w211 limp mode - errors I have got!

theoddbod

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E-Class 320 CDi Avantgarde
Hi all!

this is a slight duplication of my introduction thread, but I have posted here for the technically gifted

basically just brought e-class 320 cdi Avantgarde ( facelift 06 model ) and experience a loss in power usually when accelerating and the car going into 'limp' mode - ie... no power, 1500 rpm max and max 60 mph (eventually)

before I go back to the car sales I decided to get it diagnosed ( for-warned is for-armed )
these are the results..
4 Errors -
Throttle position valve
Glow plug relay unit
Turbo Actuator
Exhaust Back Pressure Sensor

these were cleared with the Turbo Actuator and Exhaust Back pressure codes immediately

they have said they have a "specialist" who can repair the actuator without replacing the whole of the turbo
looking at 450 for the work

Does the above sound correct - can the actuator be changed without the turbo ?

do you think I should get these done ( hopefully by the place who sold me the car 12 days ago ) or will this turn into a money pit ?

Cheers
Darran
 

mersum1es

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W212/-09/350CDI, W219/-07/320CDI, EX:W220/-01/320CDI, EX:W211/-04/320CDI, EX:W210/-01/270CDI
It can be done, but should be pinpointed to actuator first. Hope they used SDS to diagnose the vehicle. Actuators are sold in ebay around 100 $€£ but it must be 100% right part and what I have read there is some knowledge needed to avoid installing it wrong. Still 450 sound expensive to me. Exhaust back sensor fault could be culprit or consequence of turbo or vise versa. Throttle position valve is one more point in the gas flow path... that's why I asked proper and expert diagnose, those all parts are not neccessarily gone bad, only one of them. Plus any leakage of boost pressure line or block in exhaust line may cause pressure related fault code.
 
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theoddbod

theoddbod

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  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #4
just an update - after a bit of chasing the sales garage took the car back for repair, it was with them for 4 days - they sent it to an indy Merc specialist

so I've had it back for a few days now and everything is good - I don't blat cars when the engines cold - but I have given it some stick from when the engine temp was around 50 degrees - No problems under hard acceleration at all :D

they did a few resets, and at the moment gear changes take place higher up the rev range than they did before (was around 2500 rpm currently at 3500 rpm)

fuel is good - returning 37 MPG according to the car - we dont have any motorways here in Norfolk :( so driving is mainly country lanes and some town driving

cheers
Darran
 

Wighty

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W211/E320cdi/2009 and CLK200k 2009
just an update - after a bit of chasing the sales garage took the car back for repair, it was with them for 4 days - they sent it to an indy Merc specialist

so I've had it back for a few days now and everything is good - I don't blat cars when the engines cold - but I have given it some stick from when the engine temp was around 50 degrees - No problems under hard acceleration at all :D

they did a few resets, and at the moment gear changes take place higher up the rev range than they did before (was around 2500 rpm currently at 3500 rpm)

fuel is good - returning 37 MPG according to the car - we dont have any motorways here in Norfolk :( so driving is mainly country lanes and some town driving

cheers
Darran
Nice one buddy . Glad to hear you are up and running . The 37mpg reading is about right for non motorway stuff. .....
What did the repairs end up being ?
 

Wighty

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nothing to me - sales guy said the parts were £125 and labour was just under £200

Darran
I didn't mean costs , just what the repairs were. I was going just curious having the same car .
 

Botus

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S500/2010/500
all the points u wrote in your first post are normal …

swirl flap motor dies under stain of soot and filth in the ports (merc call swirl flaps, inlet port shutoff motor) it can be fixed with a 10 pence metal film resistor on middle two wires and leave disconnected. Car drives better without it (its by the fuel filter in centre of the V)
turbo actuator stops working when swirl flap motor pops fuse 44 in the front SAM (fuse box under the bonnet), they can drop link wires inside but rare, resolder them.
exhaust back pressure sensor (turbo variable geometry control sensor) wears out, 50 quid and 10 mins to fit
EGR clogs up with same filth and stops working stupid money - but even more stupid to get it out and clean (but you should try)
CAT sensor dies, shows up in STAR but the car drives the same with no lights, 90 quid & may get 1 to 2 mpg improvement
engine breather doesn't work, later one available lots of orange seals at both ends and clips to hold them in signify if its been done
 
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