Yesterday my 2008 W204 started behaving oddly. The sport mode keeps randomly coming on, not the button next to the gear stick, the one on the dash that's changes suspension and the engine. The red light is always on and it's definitely in sports mode not just the red light on. Can't turn it off. Any ideas on this? Don't want to go to the dealer as its a 200 mile round trip. Thanks.
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
gIzzE
MB Enthusiast
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2004
- Messages
- 5,726
- Location
- Norfolk, UK
- Car
- 65 plate BMW F11 Touring (165k miles) + Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (140k miles) Doing my bit to be green.
Pull the negative on the battery terminal, leave for 15 mins then reattach.
See if that clears it.
See if that clears it.
Since I posted this thread, I have been unable to drive for a while, however, I did try the suggestion and this has not resolved it.
I have also tried to reset everything from the dash settings but again, this has not resolved this.
Im at a loss now. Im wondering if the activation of this sports mode is recorded on the cars diagnostics? There is a local chap whos very helpful and cheap and does have a diagnostic computer (not a proper MB one, a generic one i think) and maybe if the car is recording whats happening then maybe his computer could identify any fault or whats causing it to come on?
Any thoughts?
I have also tried to reset everything from the dash settings but again, this has not resolved this.
Im at a loss now. Im wondering if the activation of this sports mode is recorded on the cars diagnostics? There is a local chap whos very helpful and cheap and does have a diagnostic computer (not a proper MB one, a generic one i think) and maybe if the car is recording whats happening then maybe his computer could identify any fault or whats causing it to come on?
Any thoughts?
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2016
- Messages
- 13,061
- Location
- UK
- Car
- Tesla Model S, Model 3 LR, Model X /// Previous: Jaguar XFR, Mercedes E320 CDI, C32 AMG, CLK 320
If I were you I'd take it to a local MB specialist, probably needs to go on Star rather than a generic system..
Check forum for recommended indies in your area
Cheers
Hello,
My w204 c350cdi has developed this same problem. Sports button on dash comes on whilst driving and can only be switched off by turning the engine off.
The gearbox does change to sports mode, holding the gears for longer, but the suspension doesn't stiffen up, which is what happens normally.
This is the sports button on the dash which is part of the dynamic handling package .
Thanks for your help .
My w204 c350cdi has developed this same problem. Sports button on dash comes on whilst driving and can only be switched off by turning the engine off.
The gearbox does change to sports mode, holding the gears for longer, but the suspension doesn't stiffen up, which is what happens normally.
This is the sports button on the dash which is part of the dynamic handling package .
Thanks for your help .
Update......
So car was diagnosed with faulty rear level sensor, this explains why sports button only came on after sensor was called upon. Less than £150 to resolve. Was told car will default to sports mode whatever the suspension fault is. Hope this helps somebody at some point.
So car was diagnosed with faulty rear level sensor, this explains why sports button only came on after sensor was called upon. Less than £150 to resolve. Was told car will default to sports mode whatever the suspension fault is. Hope this helps somebody at some point.
exitcontrol
New Member
Its an old thread but i felt the need to post this. After reading the above i checked my sensors with the rear wheel off and saw the plastic control arm broken on one side. This apparently is due to rust and seizure of the metal ball ends. I glued the link arm together (gorilla epoxy) and connected it back in place. Make sure you connect same as other side and grease the ends. Problem solved. No longer goes into Sports mode and always starts in C (Comfort).
This is depressingly similar to the plastic intake manifold actuating lever on the M272 V6, which also just snaps when carbon buildup starts to cause resistance. I guess they would claim they moved to plastic parts to save weight.
As an aside epoxy won't give a good bond on plastic unless it's mechanically keyed into the parts (through holes or surface abrasion). But hopefully it will hold as you freed up the ball joints.
Rydog
New Member
Can anyone help? I just got a 2008 c320 cdi sport and it is stuck in sport. Same issues as above but can't locate the problem. It has been plugged in but nothing comes up
oldguy57
MB Enthusiast
Have you read posts 9 and 10?
Rydog
New Member
Where is the plastic arm located?
Rydog
New Member
And what is it called?
on the level sensor connected to the back axle
rear level sensor control arm
If you google it there are many write ups and YT vids
Petrol Pete
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
For most cars you can buy aftermarket replacement linkages made out of metal . Google...
Rydog
New Member
My rear level sensor was snapped. I have now replaced it and it has not resolved the problem
Rydog
New Member
I've just found out that the sensor needs to be reset or calibrated. Anyone have an idea on how to do this?
Take it to a MB indy who has STAR and get them to do it
Users who are viewing this thread
Similar threads
