AutoSaurus

Yep, you got it I've got some sort of engine problem. Major? Don't know.

First off, lets don't start jumping to conclusions. Let me get it to the dealer and get a diagnoses to see what it is. Please don't start cancelling orders or backing out.

The best way I know how to described is a very rough idle or even a turbo failure. This engine is very new to me and I know very little about it.

One the way home tonight, after about 10 miles it felt as if I were running out of gas (if I had gas [its a diesel]). The engine struggled to changes gears and with the pedal almost to floor I could barely get up to speed. I thought it was a transmission problem but after another 5 miles or so I realized it was not b/c I could manually switch with no problem. Once I arrived home I could hear the engine idling very rough and could hardly stay running. It would idle around 500-1000 rpm's. Up and down.

It should be noted that no warning lights illuminated. I also noticed the temperature seemed to be a little high; it was around 90 degrees when it typically is around 80-82ish. I could also smell an unusual burning type oder while parked in the garage.

My work load is such that I can't be without a vehicle at all right now so this will either get towed or driven to the dealer immediately tomorrow morning.

*edit*
I've had this tank of diesel since Thr/Fri and have put about 150 miles on it since then.

Nevada Jack

I wonder if the fuel could have had a higher sulfur content and it took a while for the filter to become clogged? I am the worst mechanic known to man so this is fishing
Damn Jack...what is going on? This is not a new engine, they have been selling these thing in EU for at least 6 months or so. Did you check the oil at all? You shouldn't have to but a couple of reports indicated low oil levels? I have no idea what it could be...I have no knowledge of engines and what makes them run or not run.

boxboss

No way a fuel filter could become clogged in this short a time frame. AS, did you forget to pee in the tank at fillup?

AutoSaurus

This tank came from Flying J and was one of the first stations to switch over to the new diesel. I remember when the put they new stickers on. However, I have and know others that have received bad gas from this station. I remember a few months ago seeing several cars lined up at the on-ramp for the interstate which is near this station. All had bad gas and only made it a few hundred yards.

Gas stations are still hard to come by in this area due to damage from the storm still. Getting to a diesel station is even harder b/c not everyone carries diesel but those that do have the new ULSD as required by MB.

In summary, it could be bad diesel but like you who knows. I guess I better start digging through the garbage for my last fill up!

Nevada Jack

This filter is no regular fuel filter as I understand it...it is a particulate filter and is self cleaning. If Jack got gas from this station since he took delivery then perhaps it doesn't take a great deal of sulfur in the fuel to clog the filter.

AutoSaurus

checked oil level and it is perfect. Exactly half way between the dots. Check three times too.

Jack450

I've had similar problem with one of our diesel work trucks. Each time the driver noticed a loud noise before the problem occurred. Could not tow anything and top speed was 40-50 mph. The problem was that a hose on the turbo popped off. The dealer put it back on and resealed it. Hope your problem is as simple. Mechanic said that turbos are under tremendous amounts of pressure and this sometimes occurs due to it not getting a good factory seal. Anyway, good luck.

AutoSaurus

Couldn't make it 3 houses down the street this morning. Turned around and called the tow truck and the dealer.

Nevada Jack

That may be a good analysis...his narrative above seems to indicate power loss in the engine. Also on another forum an owner had his engine "limp home mode" come on and they found a loose hose clamp connection improperly installed at the factory. His and AS problem may be related to the "quality control hold" now going on in Vance?

carpersn

DAMN, DAMN, DAMN.
That's all i know to say-except i hate that for you, jack!

SHOE

Diesel engines are very funny when it comes to fuel quality. I've owned many pieces of equipment and trucks that were all diesel. The fuel filter is very sensitive to debris and water....if it indeed was bad fuel it could have clogged the filter in just a few miles. The particulate filter another poster brought up is on the exhaust not the fuel system. Your symptoms sound like bad fuel that has blocked your fuel filter or just plain water in the diesel. It could also be a loose fitting around the turbo or fuel rail system but I bet its the fuel itself.

AutoSaurus

She is at the dealership now.

carpersn

She looks awful up there...please keep us posted re: outcome (i would think they would put you right into the shop as you just took delivery)...mine was released last night and i am taking delivery tomorrow-I would REALLY like to be able to ask my dealer to check on YOUR issue before i leave their premises!!!

Nevada Jack

You say yours was released last night and you are taking delivery tomorrow. Released from where? I don't know your location but with the build on 1/25 and shipping time that hold could not have been too long.

Congrats and lets see some pics when you get it...:-)

E55MKB

I totally agree with Jack450, sounds like blown turbo hose. Basically it is causing boost leak between the turbo and the intake manifold.

carpersn

I'm in central NC, when it's released it generally takes 2 days to get to my dealer (who has most of the whole truck). i cannot wait

AutoSaurus

Where is this hose? I looked under the hood before it was towed to check for any loose hoses but didn't find any.

AutoSaurus

UPDATE: No word yet and it won't be today.

carpersn

Crap for you, and crap for my plan of having my dealer check your problem. HOpefully you have an MB loaner in the meantime?

mvenki

Its sad that its the first few thousand customer's fate that they end up doing the QC for a 70k car and make the future productions bug free (like the airmatic problems are settled now for GL450).

AutoSaurus

Are you kidding? I'm lucky to have anything. Very small dealership and very few loaners and they are all Pontiacs. Because this was last minute, I'm driving the Sale manager's demo.

boxboss

AS, I feel for you. Keep us posted as I'm sure you will.

AutoSaurus

admitted, diagnosed, treated, discharged!

It was a hose. The intercooler hose. The clamp was loose. Amazing. I hope this was the reason for the factory delay for those that are waiting. If not, get your checked at delivery.

Nevada Jack

Great news Jack...glad it was a simple fix!

StevethePilot

Am I glad I found you guys! I took a GL320 off the lot on Friday, my wife drove it to Albuquerque that evening with the kids and dogs, and tonight (Sunday) she's limping home. If the Roadside Assistance lady hadn't mentioned "limp mode" (something I thought was just happening to me because I'm over 40 years old) (and no, I'm not putting a Viagra in the tank) I never would've found MBWorld's forums where AutoSaurus nearly quoted my wife's phone call from I-40 westbound out of Albuquerque. I will look under the hood to see if I can see the hose tonight (provided she makes it back) and once the compartment's cool in the morning see if I can at least shove it on hard enough to get it to the mechanic. This is my second Merc. My first was a 1986 560SEL (used) that lived well past 100,000 until someone offered me more than it was worth. I always loved that car, but now to shell out nearly $70G for there to be a loose bloody hose, makes me worry about leaving Lexus products behind! I'm going to keep myself up to date on these forums for a while!