PLEASE HELP! Short Story. Worried!
06-01-2016, 06:48 AM
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C180 Kompressor 2003 [W203]
PLEASE HELP! Short Story. Worried!
CAR: MB C180 Kompressor 2003 [W203]
DISTANCE: 167,000 kms.
I am not a car expert by any means. My car has always been serviced on time and I use the best and most expensive fuel, oil, coolant, etc. Most service jobs have been by the Mercedes dealer. The last one, 2 days ago, was by an independent European car specialist.
After this service, the mechanic told me he plugged my car into the computer and said he got the following error message:
"Continuous camshaft adjustment. Incorrect position of the exhaust camshaft. [P0020]."
The mechanic told me this meant either my timing chain or clogs needed replacing; both very expensive jobs.
I called my regular service people, the Mercedes dealer, and told them. They said that if something was wrong, I would feel the car vibrate/rattle. They also said if I have serviced my car as required and used all good stuff, I wouldn't have problems with the timing chain or clogs. Lastly, they said that sometimes the error message can be wrong. Next week they are going to open the engine and have a look before confirming anything.
The thing is, while driving, the car does not shake and barely makes any sound. You would think it is even on because it is so quiet while driving. However, the first thing in the morning, ESPECIALLY on a cold morning, when I start the car, it shakes a fair bit for about 5 seconds and then idles normally. I let it run for several minutes before driving.
After work, in the evening, I turn the car on and no shaking. It is just mornings, especially cold mornings; it shakes a fair deal for no more than 5 seconds and then idles normally.
Could this short, but noticeable early morning shake be related to the timing chain and clogs? Or should I be worried about something else?
Also, would I hear/realise if the timing chain and clogs needed replacing or would it all just die on me suddenly without notice?
P.S: I am not getting any warning lights or warning messages on my dash.
DISTANCE: 167,000 kms.
I am not a car expert by any means. My car has always been serviced on time and I use the best and most expensive fuel, oil, coolant, etc. Most service jobs have been by the Mercedes dealer. The last one, 2 days ago, was by an independent European car specialist.
After this service, the mechanic told me he plugged my car into the computer and said he got the following error message:
"Continuous camshaft adjustment. Incorrect position of the exhaust camshaft. [P0020]."
The mechanic told me this meant either my timing chain or clogs needed replacing; both very expensive jobs.
I called my regular service people, the Mercedes dealer, and told them. They said that if something was wrong, I would feel the car vibrate/rattle. They also said if I have serviced my car as required and used all good stuff, I wouldn't have problems with the timing chain or clogs. Lastly, they said that sometimes the error message can be wrong. Next week they are going to open the engine and have a look before confirming anything.
The thing is, while driving, the car does not shake and barely makes any sound. You would think it is even on because it is so quiet while driving. However, the first thing in the morning, ESPECIALLY on a cold morning, when I start the car, it shakes a fair bit for about 5 seconds and then idles normally. I let it run for several minutes before driving.
After work, in the evening, I turn the car on and no shaking. It is just mornings, especially cold mornings; it shakes a fair deal for no more than 5 seconds and then idles normally.
Could this short, but noticeable early morning shake be related to the timing chain and clogs? Or should I be worried about something else?
Also, would I hear/realise if the timing chain and clogs needed replacing or would it all just die on me suddenly without notice?
P.S: I am not getting any warning lights or warning messages on my dash.
Last edited by Avraham; 06-01-2016 at 06:54 AM.
06-03-2016, 08:20 AM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Get it in and let them replace the chain/tensioner ASAP and inspect the gears. If you ignore this, you could end up needing a new engine.
