Down shift, check engine light, V8 grumble, power loss, and a burning smell. (20 sec)
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Matt - Yes, if you see my earlier post above it should cause random misfires as should the MAF. Something is definitely borderline on cylinder 4. The only condition that the ECU should shut down the fuel supply to one cylinder - in this case no 4 - is if it detects no spark on that cylinder. The knock sensor acts globally for all 6 cylinders & would retard timing - the O2 sensors can only read AF ratio on a whole bank & if dangerously rich or lean would shut down the whole bank of 3 cylinders. Now when lane has one of these grumbling sessions & power loss it might be shutting down 3 cylinders & going into limp. I'm not there to witness this behaviour so it is difficult to tell. lane can't really afford a new ECU which is why I've been trying to eliminate all the simple low cost or no cost apart from time items but this is fast coming to an end and what confounds me is that we get no fuel trim codes. lane could check out the wreckers yards & see if a cheap ECU is available somewhere. He could also have the ECU repaired at one of these module repair places if we knew it was the ECU - at the moment we don't. Once again the dealer has it easy - they can try another ECU & if it does not help - return it to stock. I was praying that Frank was right all along & we had a bad injector - well we did not - if lane is happy that the Sorensen injector is working normally.
Lane - you have had the fuel rail off & you now know where the pressure test/service point is. I want us to do the fuel pressure test while I try & find what the spec is. Maybe Autozone can loan you a fuel pressure tester or it's the dealer I'm afraid.
Good luck!
Lane - you have had the fuel rail off & you now know where the pressure test/service point is. I want us to do the fuel pressure test while I try & find what the spec is. Maybe Autozone can loan you a fuel pressure tester or it's the dealer I'm afraid.
Good luck!
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Aug 7, 2010 at 07:00 AM.
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From: Orlando, FL
C240
I went to MBSO and did a diagnostic. Basically, I need to pay another 400 dollars on top of the 150 dollars I just paid in order to get a compression test done. First of all, they say cylinder 2 and 5 are misfiring or running rough, but not enough to throw a cel. Cylinder four is perfect when not under load, but is the problem cylinder when under load. On my invoice, "additional time needed" is typed, along with "possible concern with internal engine needs". I was told my problems are internal since I've replaced most parts that can cause the misfire, and a reflash of the ECU is of no use, as my ECU is working normal. Worst case scenario is to buy a new motor, says my dumbass of a SA.
In my head, I have two options. One- trade in/sell car. Two- fix the car.
Between one and two, I have to make my decision on how much will cost less in the long run. My SA made certain I knew, whatever is causing my issue is going to be very expensive. If future repairs exceed the hit I'll take when discarding the car, I'll be behind the wheel of a Nissan or Honda for a few years.
I sat in the damned dealership from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Great day.
In my head, I have two options. One- trade in/sell car. Two- fix the car.
Between one and two, I have to make my decision on how much will cost less in the long run. My SA made certain I knew, whatever is causing my issue is going to be very expensive. If future repairs exceed the hit I'll take when discarding the car, I'll be behind the wheel of a Nissan or Honda for a few years.
I sat in the damned dealership from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Great day.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Engine internals? I don't think so! Lane - how much oil does this car use? It ran perfectly for 400 miles?? 400 dollars for a compression test 
You can do your own compression test & prove them wrong. Pity you did not do all cylinders with the plugs out. If compression is fine on all cylinders then it can't be rings or valves. This is not a high mile car!
Did they give you a Star printout?? Did they pressure test the fuel rail?
I wondered whether she was storing codes. It obviously is. Damn idiots - the thing might just need a new set of coilpacks & wires - Stealers!
You can do your own compression test & prove them wrong. Pity you did not do all cylinders with the plugs out. If compression is fine on all cylinders then it can't be rings or valves. This is not a high mile car!Did they give you a Star printout?? Did they pressure test the fuel rail?
I wondered whether she was storing codes. It obviously is. Damn idiots - the thing might just need a new set of coilpacks & wires - Stealers!
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Aug 7, 2010 at 02:34 PM.
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From: Orlando, FL
C240
They said I need to change all wires.
"I don't sell a set of spark-plugs without selling a set of wires to people because spark plug wires are damaged once they are touched."
Also, my parts guy sold me two different spark plugs. Iridiums x2 and Platinums x10. Lots of idiots around here.
They did nothing else, and I got no star printout.
Edit: I've never needed to add oil to it.
"I don't sell a set of spark-plugs without selling a set of wires to people because spark plug wires are damaged once they are touched."
Also, my parts guy sold me two different spark plugs. Iridiums x2 and Platinums x10. Lots of idiots around here.
They did nothing else, and I got no star printout.
Edit: I've never needed to add oil to it.
Last edited by laneshift; Aug 7, 2010 at 04:26 PM.
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if it is the coilpack, it should've moved the problem to another cylinder.
do you have a experienced MB specialist shop in your area?
I say go back to your dealership and demand for a refund because they're telling you some BS.
do you have a experienced MB specialist shop in your area?
I say go back to your dealership and demand for a refund because they're telling you some BS.
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You're not gonna like it and Glyn is going to disagree but I say sell it ASAP. I know you've worked hard and stuff and I admire your technical abilities and patience (as they far exceed mine on both counts) but know when to let go. The 2.6L M112 is a fine motor, solid as a rock, reliable - usually on these early 203s its the REST of the car that is the nightmare. The last thing you need is to spend a ton more money getting an unusual-for-this-engine problem fixed only in six months to be plagued by the very usual-for-this-car other issues and electrical gremlins. Dealership prices are always outrageous but how can anyone fault the dealer for saying they need more time? You guys have gone over every possibility that is DIY-possible and it is still not repaired. The dealer likely won't have a quick answer, either, and their time will be very expensive.
I really believe that jumping ship now is in your best interest. Unless you really end up with a lemon a Honda/Toyota/Nissan will be much cheaper to own and operate for you right now and much more reliable.
I really believe that jumping ship now is in your best interest. Unless you really end up with a lemon a Honda/Toyota/Nissan will be much cheaper to own and operate for you right now and much more reliable.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Lane - they are picking up some trouble on number 5 - just not so bad. On KrisV420's car we replaced all wires & finally all coil packs.
If you are using no oil which is typical C240 then what can be wrong with the internals apart from maybe a valve not seating perfectly & a compression test would soon tell you that.
I use the original Bosch plug but let me assure you that this problem is not plugs if you have fitted new plugs of the correct heat range.
How can the dealer jerk tell you that this is going to be very expensive when they don't know what the hell is wrong
A pox on the dealer! 
Lane - you are going to have to decide what you want to do with the car. I would fix it but that's me. This misfire has not cost you what a B service does yet. Whatever the problem it can be fixed - you have to decide if you can afford it.
Take all the plugs out & compression test all cylinders. Try & borrow a fuel pressure tester from Autozone & give me that fuel rail pressure.
+1 to Frank's comment. Ask the dealer for your money back because they are obviously just parts changers & useless. In fact it has been my impression from day one on this forum, that with few exceptions, US Benz dealers are useless at diagnosis. Star & all - half of them are not even competent on the Star. When dealers need to be told how to switch Xenon = present you have to wonder!
Good luck
If you are using no oil which is typical C240 then what can be wrong with the internals apart from maybe a valve not seating perfectly & a compression test would soon tell you that.
I use the original Bosch plug but let me assure you that this problem is not plugs if you have fitted new plugs of the correct heat range.
How can the dealer jerk tell you that this is going to be very expensive when they don't know what the hell is wrong
A pox on the dealer! Lane - you are going to have to decide what you want to do with the car. I would fix it but that's me. This misfire has not cost you what a B service does yet. Whatever the problem it can be fixed - you have to decide if you can afford it.
Take all the plugs out & compression test all cylinders. Try & borrow a fuel pressure tester from Autozone & give me that fuel rail pressure.
+1 to Frank's comment. Ask the dealer for your money back because they are obviously just parts changers & useless. In fact it has been my impression from day one on this forum, that with few exceptions, US Benz dealers are useless at diagnosis. Star & all - half of them are not even competent on the Star. When dealers need to be told how to switch Xenon = present you have to wonder!
Good luck
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Aug 7, 2010 at 09:39 PM.
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Glyn you're right, but Lane will have to pay the dealer's ridiculous labor charge per hour while they investigate. As is already obvious this isn't something that is obvious. It won't take long at a dealer to reach four-digit repair costs. And yes, dealers are part swappers - they never actually fix anything.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Yes - that's why I say Lane has some decisions to make as to whether he can afford to run a Benz that has no warranty. If he is prepared to put some more personal effort into the car we can maybe lick this problem. Compression test, fuel pressure & maybe a full new set of wires & coils. Worse case scenario maybe a fuel pump & a new engine harness.
This is lane's choice. If the car is Brazilian built I might get rid of it because that is where some early problems came from in the US - South Africa had none of the early problems you guys did apart from cam sensors on the M271. If it's German built I would definitely keep it. What is lane going to get for a C240 that does not run properly with depressed US pricing?
BTW - the SA Benz plant in East London has just been awarded 1st place in the JD Powers survey for initial quality - knocked out all the German plants.
This is lane's choice. If the car is Brazilian built I might get rid of it because that is where some early problems came from in the US - South Africa had none of the early problems you guys did apart from cam sensors on the M271. If it's German built I would definitely keep it. What is lane going to get for a C240 that does not run properly with depressed US pricing?
BTW - the SA Benz plant in East London has just been awarded 1st place in the JD Powers survey for initial quality - knocked out all the German plants.
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From: Orlando, FL
C240
I'm shopping for cars as we speak. I'm doing just what you said, lilbenz, and it sucks. I would not have thrown new brakes and fluids at this car if I'd known I would end up in this position.
I'm eyeing the altima and accord at this time, along with the new v6 mustang, though it'll be the v6's first year as a new engine, might want to steer clear.
I have not decided to sell the car just yet, though. I have to sleep on it. How do I tell if this is a brazilian made benz?
I'm eyeing the altima and accord at this time, along with the new v6 mustang, though it'll be the v6's first year as a new engine, might want to steer clear.
I have not decided to sell the car just yet, though. I have to sleep on it. How do I tell if this is a brazilian made benz?
Last edited by laneshift; Aug 7, 2010 at 10:05 PM.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
We still have some absolute basics to check like compression on all cylinders, wires etc. It is no surprise that the next thing the dealer wanted to do is a compression test - lane and I did not know until now that two other cylinders were messing around. This takes us right back to at least replacing all plug wires & probably coils.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Aug 9, 2010 at 07:19 AM.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Lane - Honda's are damn good but the most reliable car on the planet is a Toyota - big time boring though.
Country of manufacture is on the doorjam sticker.
Country of manufacture is on the doorjam sticker.
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From: Orlando, FL
C240
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Yes and apparently you cannot trust the "W" VIN. Look for "Passenger car made in Germany". Drew's car has a "W" VIN but was "Made in Brazil".
Glyn's right again about Toyota. I'd stay away from the Rustang on all counts not just because it's the first year of a new engine but because the car is atrocious. If you're looking at NEW cars now is a great time to buy a new Toyota.
If you're looking used stay away from any late-90s and early-00s Honda cars/SUVs with V6 engines and automatic transmissions. They are NOT to be trusted as they are constructed entirely of glass.
Best car I've ever known was my ex's 1998 Japan-built Camry. Over 200,000 miles without an issue - ever. EGR valve was the only thing ever replaced. Even the factory original CD player didn't struggle with burned CDs. Even the alternator never failed! I'm speaking in past tense because the car was mothballed early this year when he acquired an 07 Camry. It had too much sentimental value to get rid of, but to the day it was placed in storage it never had a failure of any sort. Here it is at 10-years-old and ~175,000 miles aging better than my Benz with almost 100,000 fewer miles:
Sigh.. I loved that car and miss it far more than I miss my ex.
Also - forgive me - I'm not sure how a C240 is any less boring than a Camry.
Glyn's right again about Toyota. I'd stay away from the Rustang on all counts not just because it's the first year of a new engine but because the car is atrocious. If you're looking at NEW cars now is a great time to buy a new Toyota.
If you're looking used stay away from any late-90s and early-00s Honda cars/SUVs with V6 engines and automatic transmissions. They are NOT to be trusted as they are constructed entirely of glass.
Best car I've ever known was my ex's 1998 Japan-built Camry. Over 200,000 miles without an issue - ever. EGR valve was the only thing ever replaced. Even the factory original CD player didn't struggle with burned CDs. Even the alternator never failed! I'm speaking in past tense because the car was mothballed early this year when he acquired an 07 Camry. It had too much sentimental value to get rid of, but to the day it was placed in storage it never had a failure of any sort. Here it is at 10-years-old and ~175,000 miles aging better than my Benz with almost 100,000 fewer miles:
Sigh.. I loved that car and miss it far more than I miss my ex.
Also - forgive me - I'm not sure how a C240 is any less boring than a Camry.
Last edited by LILBENZ230; Aug 7, 2010 at 10:26 PM.
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From: Orlando, FL
C240
Yes and apparently you cannot trust the "W" VIN. Look for "Passenger car made in Germany". Drew's car has a "W" VIN but was "Made in Brazil".
Glyn's right again about Toyota. I'd stay away from the Rustang on all counts not just because it's the first year of a new engine but because the car is atrocious. If you're looking at NEW cars now is a great time to buy a new Toyota.
If you're looking used stay away from any late-90s and early-00s Honda cars/SUVs with V6 engines and automatic transmissions. They are NOT to be trusted as they are constructed entirely of glass.
Best car I've ever known was my ex's 1998 Japan-built Camry. Over 200,000 miles without an issue - ever. EGR valve was the only thing ever replaced. Even the factory original CD player didn't struggle with burned CDs. Even the alternator never failed! I'm speaking in past tense because the car was mothballed early this year when he acquired an 07 Camry. It had too much sentimental value to get rid of, but to the day it was placed in storage it never had a failure of any sort.
Also - forgive me - I'm not sure how a C240 is any less boring than a Camry.
Glyn's right again about Toyota. I'd stay away from the Rustang on all counts not just because it's the first year of a new engine but because the car is atrocious. If you're looking at NEW cars now is a great time to buy a new Toyota.
If you're looking used stay away from any late-90s and early-00s Honda cars/SUVs with V6 engines and automatic transmissions. They are NOT to be trusted as they are constructed entirely of glass.
Best car I've ever known was my ex's 1998 Japan-built Camry. Over 200,000 miles without an issue - ever. EGR valve was the only thing ever replaced. Even the factory original CD player didn't struggle with burned CDs. Even the alternator never failed! I'm speaking in past tense because the car was mothballed early this year when he acquired an 07 Camry. It had too much sentimental value to get rid of, but to the day it was placed in storage it never had a failure of any sort.
Also - forgive me - I'm not sure how a C240 is any less boring than a Camry.
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Smooth, quiet, about the same power, supple ride.. C240 and Camry I4 have a lot in common. I really love the new Camry SE-V6. Don't think I haven't thought about replacing my W203 with one. 
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
My sisters kid is now living in Vancouver - He is a qualified horticulturalist & knows zero about cars. I made him buy a Camry - seeing I was doing some of the paying.
Matt - those old Camry's were great but the suspension was Sooo soggy on the US version.
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late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
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Yes!! But the Camry you see in the photo is wearing Tokico Blue struts. The originals were still functioning fine but it firmed it up nicely. I don't think that qualifies as a failed part since the originals were fine at high mileage but we put the Blues on it at about 150k. So yeah, the struts weren't original - my bad.
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late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Matt is really by nature a Toyota driver. Impatient with niggles & want's low running cost. I would love to see his state of mind after owning 7 Alfas in a row as I did at one time.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Yes!! But the Camry you see in the photo is wearing Tokico Blue struts. The originals were still functioning fine but it firmed it up nicely. I don't think that qualifies as a failed part since the originals were fine at high mileage but we put the Blues on it at about 150k. So yeah, the struts weren't original - my bad.
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I don't have a lot of patience with cars, that's for sure. I would have long abandoned the C240 at hand. And you're right, I want low running cost and I want it to work the same way every time. That's why I own an Apple computer. So far, my Benz has offered this consistency but I've always worried that it's leading me on. Perhaps that's why I long for that old friend in the photo I posted. It was complete peace of mind. The 5S-FE 2.2L four-cylinder didn't have much in it but it was the smoothest four-cylinder I've ever experienced.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Yes - that balance shaft 2.2 was a great if strange sounding engine that ran forever. I was sorry to see Camry go from SA. I like the new Asian Camry. But Toyota could not compete in this market against Benz, BMW & Audi on price - the Camry was just too expensive vs the Germans for what it was. So Toyota build all the smaller models here like Corolla etc. and then go straight to the Lexus range.
Toyota is no one seller here followed by VW, Benz, Audi & BMW - Lexus sells very poorly on this market - It really is a car aimed at American tastes.
Honda & Nissan have never tried to do the Acura & Infinity thing here. South Africans just don't buy the premium brand nonsense.
Toyota is no one seller here followed by VW, Benz, Audi & BMW - Lexus sells very poorly on this market - It really is a car aimed at American tastes.
Honda & Nissan have never tried to do the Acura & Infinity thing here. South Africans just don't buy the premium brand nonsense.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
lane - My records show "The diaphragm pressure regulator in the fuel filter regulates the fuel pressure to approx. 3.7 to 4.1 bar"
I've asked Johnand to check this on the WIS & post the test method. Just to make sure we get it right.
It is my contention that even if you decide to sell the car that you will loose your shirt on the deal if it is not running properly.
Let's try & get it right.
We run a fleet of 571 cars in the SA subsidiary of the oil business I'm retired from. I've watched the running cost per kilometre of the fleet over many years & while Benz is nowhere near the operating cost of BMW & VW products - our worst. It can't match our Toyota running costs - our lowest. As a result of this we have changed the car policy recently & put all sales people into Toyota's - "much wailing & gnashing of teeth" by the staff. In fact I think it is a counter productive & competitive move. The best sales people will just go & work for the opposition where they can still drive a BMW, Audi or whatever.
I've asked Johnand to check this on the WIS & post the test method. Just to make sure we get it right.
It is my contention that even if you decide to sell the car that you will loose your shirt on the deal if it is not running properly.
Let's try & get it right.
We run a fleet of 571 cars in the SA subsidiary of the oil business I'm retired from. I've watched the running cost per kilometre of the fleet over many years & while Benz is nowhere near the operating cost of BMW & VW products - our worst. It can't match our Toyota running costs - our lowest. As a result of this we have changed the car policy recently & put all sales people into Toyota's - "much wailing & gnashing of teeth" by the staff. In fact I think it is a counter productive & competitive move. The best sales people will just go & work for the opposition where they can still drive a BMW, Audi or whatever.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Aug 8, 2010 at 09:24 AM.
