j2nh

Bummer.

Check engine light at 45K.

Talked to service and they said that as long as the light wasn't blinking it would be fine until I brought it in the following week. Engine ran fine, brought it in for service to investigate and:
Engine codes:
P030585
P030885
P030085 stored in M.E..

Performed compression test per guided tests. Cylinder 5 has low compression, (282). Difference of 72 RPM.

Fortunately I have an excellent dealer and am confident and assured that this will be resolved quickly. Dropping it off in a week for a 2 week spa visit.

Does anybody have a link to what those codes mean? A little confused about the "(282)" reference as well as the "difference of 72RPM". I am not familiar with that reference as it relates to compression.

Just another bump in the road. This to will pass. My wife, a cancer survivor, received a clean bill of health early last week so in the grand scheme of things all you can do is smile.

Rocman8

the 282 and difference of 72 means this was an electrical compression test with the sds computer and not an actual mechanical compression test. the computer actually measures the speed of the engine turning and it knows which cylinder is under compression so while cranking its measuring the speeds the engine is moving while compressing a specific cylinder. the 72 means there was a maximum speed difference from once cylinder to another. the spec is in the upper 20's
this is becoming more common on the m278 engine and i havent heard of it on a 157 yet but they are almost the same engine. it is also always cylinder 5 for some reason. this is a huge job so hopefully they have the right guy doing it.

j2nh

Thanks Rocman8, you explained a lot.

The service is being done by a Mercedes Master Mechanic, not sure exactly what that means, but they did advise that it could take up to two weeks to get the job done. This is an exceptional dealer and I have no doubt they will get it right.


I'll be sure to post up what they find and what they do.

Rocman8

Which dealer? The exact cause is still under investigation but it's the valve seats wearing. And becoming elongated and or valve guide issue. The cylinder head needs replaced and usually everything inside of the left head as well. This repair requires removal of the engine along with the entire front frame/suspension and half the engine torn apart.

PeterUbers

I am so glad for your wife and that she is healthy now. You have the right perspective my friend! This is just a hunk of metal that burns fossil fuel! It can be replaced with a brand-new perfect one at any time…

j2nh

Bergstrom in Appelton WI.

They were unsure of specifics but did tell me the engine had to come out which is always a huge job. I am staying positive, they have been very straight with me and I have no reason to doubt them.

I'll post up how this goes and what gets done. If nothing else it might help someone else. Appreciate your input, these are clearly not just an "engine".

j2nh

Thanks. Those are humbling, terrifying times. I wouldn't wish it on anyone but it does change your perspective on life for the better I think.

Although, just because it's a hunk of metal that burns fossil doesn't mean I don't have a blast with it!!

PeterUbers

Ironically this dealership took great care of my close friends 2013 ml63 engine problem... Was a pretty big problem and they resolved it 100%... I believe the engine had to come out

j2nh

Confirmed lack of compression on the number 5 cylinder (80%) on a leak down test.

Dealer is waiting for Mercedes engineers to decide how to proceed.

j2nh

j2nh

j2nh

Bad exhaust valve seat on #5.

j2nh

New head and then ALL these parts have to be put back on. Crazy complicated. Should be on the road next week. Can't wait.

j2nh

Back on the road!
Roars like a lion.

I can't say enough about the people at Bergstrom Mercedes in Appleton and in particular Emmitt who was my service advisor. I received an update each day on the findings and progress. Thanks guys!