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Hello everyone.
I have been reading these threads for years trying to solve a limp mode problem so i decided to reach out for some advice, maybe a direction to look in...
Mothers car, bought it brand new in 2008 (e280 cdi Avantgarde) never missed a service at an authorised mercedes benz dealer since new.
For the past 2 years it has had a limp mode problem when doing things like a u-turn, changing lanes or not accelerating for a while.
I’ve tried the swirl flap motor delete with a resistor and still the car goes into limp mode after driving for a couple of minutes.
I’ve tried unplugging the EGR valve and driving.. still goes into limp mode.
Mechanic mentioned that he replaced the turbo actuator in the past but i struggle to believe that. Inspected the inside of the actuator for broken soldier joints, seems okay. When i rev the car and let off turbo flutters aggressively. Actuator arm also has a lot of play in it but not sure if thats normal. Videos attached to dropbox as i cannot upload them.
When driving i might add that when in light/medium throttle and the revs are climbing the car will often cut out for a second as if theres a boost or fuel cut.
I have access to a shop, hoist and Autel maxisys elite scanner. Codes have changed over time. Currently no CEL. Photo of fault codes below
All help is extremely appreciated. I am an experienced mechanic and am finding this very challenging.
Last edited by Aymen-Pedram; 06-22-2020 at 09:07 AM.
Ok now clear the faults, what if any return and post
The codes were cleared prior to this Scan, Oxygen sensor code will come up within a couple minutes of the car warming up and the EGR code will come up when the car goes into limp mode.
I have removed the EGR valve and the inside lookes very nice for 160,000km. However i have read that the valve may have an internal electronic fault or the valve spring cannot return quickly enough.
Do you think its worth spending about $300 for a new EGR valve. Im concerned the EGR cooler may have a problem...
My 2007 r320 does the exact same thing. It really surprised me to see that someone else is having the issue with u-turns because my technician thinks I'm going crazy. I will tell you that motorvac has a machine that cleans diesel EGR systems. It is part number 500 - 0 1 7 0. I was a rep for this company for several years and this machine does an incredible job at cleaning EGR systems. Everything they make is truly great equipment and this tool is exceptional . If your car is a Bluetec car it will clean everything from the intake flaps, the EGR valve, the cooler, and even portions of the turbo. It is basically a miracle-working machine. My 2007 however, does not have an EGR cooler (non-bluetec) so the procedure is different and did not effectively clean my EGR valve. I will say that it made a dramatic difference in the power of the car,fuel economy, and the drivability in many other ways that was well worth performing the service. I removed my EGR valve and soaked it in the solution that is used by this machine and it cleaned it like new. Unfortunately, I am still having the bizarre problem of my car going into limp mode when I make u-turns or occasionally it will randomly go into limp mode within three to five minutes of initially cranking the car for the first time that day. Once it comes to temperature the problem only arises on random u-turns. It is aggravating me to death quite frankly. I will be replacing my EGR valve next week with a new unit and hopefully this problem will go away permanently. If it does I will repost here. If anyone out there has any information to help me better diagnose this problem or help the other gentleman, trust me when I say it would be greatly appreciated by both of us. Thank you very much for any guidance anyone may offer me.
Last edited by STEVE COOPER; 10-23-2020 at 12:31 AM.
Reason: Title correction
Replace the oxygen sensor.
If the EGR is similar to the I6 engine... which I do not know if it is...
Instead of replacing the EGR just clean the mechanism and lubricate it with high temp spray lube.
The top plastic cover on the EGR comes off and you'll see a spring loaded mechanism which pushes the plunger down.
Brush all the soot off and pray it down. Make sure the lubricant gets on and into the plunger shaft. That's where it gets stuck. If it fixes the problem you'll have to do this occasionally. This works for me.
Good luck
I had a limp mode, went to MB, they changed the turbo and the game was over. But I have that irritating noise over 2100 PRM and no one tells me why it came. The car goes fantastic, but uphill is brooming unpleasantly. MB said it is perfect and when MB says so, there is no one to complain to
06-21-2020, 04:35 AM
