Mercedes Benz E280 CDI Avantgarde W211 - Problems After 'Engine Diagnostic Light' came on.. - Kippo
Brilliant until 'engine diagnostic light' came on (Oct 2014), and gave to Mercedes Brentford to check it!!

The car drove well since day one, only having to have the glow plugs replaced 18 months ago. Now, after the 'engine diagnostic light' cam on (Oct 2014), I gave the car in to Mercedes Brentford, to check the reason. The car was still driving well even then. The technicians came up with loads of 'faults' including crank and ex back pressure sensors, turbo seals and boost seals leaking, plus gearbox sump gasket leaking. Whilst doing the above, they also changed the V Belt, and the automatic transmission fluid. I ended up paying £1300 for the privilege !!! Three weeks later, on the way back from Portsmouth, the car suffered power loss, and would take ages to accelerate upto 60 mph or more... I took the car to Mercedes Brentford again, and this time they said that the quick test showed that the 'turbo and or manifold' may be required.... And this would cost anything from £1600 to £4000 to fix.. !!! I declined this, as I couldn't afford that kind of payment so soon after paying £1300 only weeks before, and also because the car was driving normallly again, after the engine had been turned off then back on... Another week after this, I find that the 'pre-glow' signal, come on after the engine is started and then remains on for 30 seconds or so after, and then goes back off... The glow plus were all replaced under two years ago!!!

Do you think this could be due to 'improper' work by the Brentford technicians, now that all these problems are appearing suddenly, or could this be an real engine fault. I had written to MBUK, but they were unhelpful in this matter, suggesting that the age of the car goes against it..even though it has low mileage.

The car has only got 45k miles on the clock. Any insight would be much appreciated.

Mercedes Benz E280 CDI Avantgarde W211 - Problems After 'Engine Diagnostic Light' came on.. - RobJP

To start with, you don't say what age the car is. Considering the W211 in 280 CDi engine spec was around from 2005 to end of production in 2009, the car could be anywhere from 5 to 9 years old. Depending on the age makes a huge difference as to whether you might get any 'goodwill' from MB UK.

However, the biggest problem is that and 'official' MB garage doesn't employ mechanics. They employ fitters, who's job it is it to fit NEW PARTS. You'd be far better off taking it to an independent MB specialist, and getting them to take a look at it.

That all said, first thought is probably EGR valve. Low mileage diesel car, several years old.

But continually taking it to MB garages out of some misguided sense of loyalty will only end up with you having an empty pocket.

Edited by RobJP on 13/11/2014 at 14:09

Mercedes Benz E280 CDI Avantgarde W211 - Problems After 'Engine Diagnostic Light' came on.. - Kippo

Thank you Rob. I will check this with an independent MB garage. For info, the car has been with me since 2007, and has only 45k mileage... Hence surprised by the sudden spurt of problems..

Edited by Kippo on 13/11/2014 at 19:19

Mercedes Benz E280 CDI Avantgarde W211 - Problems After 'Engine Diagnostic Light' came on.. - daveyjp
Problems with a diesel which has done only 6,000 miles a year do not surprise me. They thrive on high mileages, thats why there are German taxi drivers with these on 500,000 km who have had no issues.

Good advice to find an independent. Mercedes owners club sites will have recommendations.
Mercedes Benz E280 CDI Avantgarde W211 - Problems After 'Engine Diagnostic Light' came on.. - injection doc

I suspect its iether manifold flap issue or a partially blocked 2nd cat/DPF. Its very common and causes excessive pressure in the engine or over boost issue pointing towards the turbo or sensors.

I usewd to drill a large hole with a tank cutter along the exhaust under the centre floor and if it went like a rocket and no more limp mode it proved the exhaust was partially blockedf. then i would remove the exhaust and jet wash it backwards, replace and weld a plate over the hole.

I done so many Ive lost count !

Mercedes Benz E280 CDI Avantgarde W211 - Problems After 'Engine Diagnostic Light' came on.. - gordonbennet

Another vote for MB indies i'd be lost without mine, choose well preferably by recommendation, good ones do not need to advertise, they are snowed under at all times.

People from London West (presume thats your neck of the woods) drive down to the Southampton indie regularly, i haven't used him but he is well spoken of in the forums.

Edited by gordonbennet on 13/11/2014 at 21:52

Mercedes Benz E280 CDI Avantgarde W211 - Problems After 'Engine Diagnostic Light' came on.. - Kippo

Thank you all..

Mercedes Benz E280 CDI Avantgarde W211 - Problems After 'Engine Diagnostic Light' came on.. - sar786

hi Injection doc.

I think I May have a clogged up exhaust or cat system. My E280 doesnt go into limp mode but at 2000-3000 RPM I can feel a splutter ( I can replicate the sound with my tongue going in and out between my lips really fast). what is the best of sorting this out, how can I explain to my mechanic what to do.

Any help will be much appreciated.

Thanks

Mercedes Benz E280 CDI Avantgarde W211 - Problems After 'Engine Diagnostic Light' came on.. - Kippo

Cheers... This is a great forum... So many replies, in such a short time...!!!

Mercedes Benz E280 CDI Avantgarde W211 - Problems After 'Engine Diagnostic Light' came on.. - mark999

I can highly reccomend Autoelite in Hull. They are ex MB dealer Techs and have saved me a fortune over the years.

Mark