2013 W204 C350 CDI Swirl flap motor / delete

[toochewy91]

Hi everyone, first post here and new MB owner! Got a car a few months ago (2013 W204 C350 CDI with the OM642 engine) and last week noticed it went into limp mode. Revving up to 2900 rpm before changing gears, unable to use paddle shifters or the manual setting on the gear lever.

Used my OBD scanner (budget one), which found these codes: P200A, 121400 (archive), 126800 (archive), and 126A00. Took it to my local garage and they said "swirl flaps in inlet manifold not operating correctly. If fault returns may require replacement inlet manifold to rectify".

Then took it to my local german vehicle specialist who advised the swirl flap motor was likely faulty and quoted circa 2-3K to investigate and replace the motor, gaskets, seals etc.

Spoke to the dealer I got the car from who suggested doing a swirl flap delete, leave the motor in-situ and remap the vehicle to 'trick it'. My questions are as follows:

1. If the specialist garage replaces the motor, and the swirl flaps themselves are faulty - this would require a new inlet manifold correct? which would then be a lot more expensive.

2. Would a swirl flap delete be a better (and more cost-effective option) option for the vehicle now? I ask as what is the likelyhood that if it is repaired, this problem will not re occur in the future.

Thanks for your input!

 

[OneForTheRoad]

You can fit a resistor at the motor connection plug if the swirl flaps are in the open position. Cost you pennies .

 

[toochewy91]

You can fit a resistor at the motor connection plug if the swirl flaps are in the open position. Cost you pennies .

Thanks for that! Any way of me telling if they are in an open position or best to ask the shop if they can do that? Trying to learn as much DIY as possible but feel this may be a bit out of my scope

 

[OneForTheRoad]

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[Gollom]

What are swirl flaps and why are they there of you can delete them? Curious

 

[DSM10000]

What are swirl flaps and why are they there of you can delete them? Curious

You can delete the EGR valve and catalytic convertors but it doesn't mean they are not needed

As for Swirl flaps.....

"They are designed to help regulate the fuel-to-air ratio and improve emissions at low engine speeds. At light engine loads the flaps close, causing the air to swirl into the combustion chamber. The swirling effect aids combustion and helps to generate a leaner air-to-fuel ratio."

 

[BlackC55]

I would replace the swirl flap motor first. I am not a fan of deleting these as they just don't feel the same after. The swirl flap motor is not expensive to do. Its about 3 hours work plus parts. When the motor is stripped off then you can inspect the flaps for wear. We like to fix these properly as its the right thing to do. The dealer is trying to find a "cheap" way out. Do you have an aftermarket warranty?

 

[OneForTheRoad]

I wonder where and who stocks the aftermarket aluminium swirl flap rods . ??

 

[toochewy91]

I would replace the swirl flap motor first. I am not a fan of deleting these as they just don't feel the same after. The swirl flap motor is not expensive to do. Its about 3 hours work plus parts. When the motor is stripped off then you can inspect the flaps for wear. We like to fix these properly as its the right thing to do. The dealer is trying to find a "cheap" way out. Do you have an aftermarket warranty?

So I did have a warranty but went over by 2 weeks when the problem started. Appreciate your input, definitely agree doing things right, just want to make sure I make an informed decision. You say they don't feel the same afterwards, could you elaborate, thanks!

 

[BlackC55]

So I did have a warranty but went over by 2 weeks when the problem started. Appreciate your input, definitely agree doing things right, just want to make sure I make an informed decision. You say they don't feel the same afterwards, could you elaborate, thanks!

The throttle response changes. Its unlikely someone that hasn't driven hundreds of them would notice tbh.

 

[ALFAitalia]

So I did have a warranty but went over by 2 weeks when the problem started. Appreciate your input, definitely agree doing things right, just want to make sure I make an informed decision. You say they don't feel the same afterwards, could you elaborate, thanks!

How long was the warranty?...don't fall for the old "out of warranty" nonsense if its less than 6 months ago you bought it. The warranty they offer is in ADDITION to your statutory right....it does not replace them. Warranties are to protect the dealer from the cost if something fails...not you. So if you don't know google, your rights.

 

[toochewy91]

How long was the warranty?...don't fall for the old "out of warranty" nonsense if its less than 6 months ago you bought it. The warranty they offer is in ADDITION to your statutory right....it does not replace them. Warranties are to protect the dealer from the cost if something fails...not you. So if you don't know google, your rights.

He told me it was 60 days, which to be fair I did think it was quite short. If I have up to 6 months ill call him back now so they can sort this out. Thanks for the info, I didnt know it was in addition to.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Consumer Rights Act 2015 for used and new cars | AutoTrader

The Consumer Rights Act provides second-hand and new car buyers with a wider range of rights covering the sale of goods and services. Here we explained which consumer rights could cover you when buying a car, or when you require a refund, car repairs or the replacement of faulty goods.

www.autotrader.co.uk

 

[Bellow]

The throttle response changes. Its unlikely someone that hasn't driven hundreds of them would notice tbh.

Here's why:



As the swirl that the flaps are there to provide is reduced, the torque (BMEP) and fuel efficiency nose dive,.

 

[Bellow]

, just want to make sure I make an informed decision.

Then be very careful as to who's advice you follow. There's advice being doled out from someone who thinks you can hand crank a diesel engine by rotating the road wheels and expects that to be sufficient to raise oil pressure...
Black C55 is giving you good advice - stick with him.

 

[OneForTheRoad]

Then be very careful as to who's advice you follow. There's advice being doled out from someone who thinks you can hand crank a diesel engine by rotating the road wheels and expects that to be sufficient to raise oil pressure...
Black C55 is giving you good advice - stick with him.

Lol.

 

[ALFAitalia]

There's advice being doled out from someone who thinks you can hand crank a diesel engine by rotating the road wheels and expects that to be sufficient to raise oil pressure..

.....on a automatic car with an open diff too!!!

 

[OneForTheRoad]

.....on a automatic car with an open diff too!!!

Tell me you tried .

 

[toochewy91]

Appreciate all the help and advice! My plan is to get the motor changed and hopefully that should fix it.

 

[toteimerced]

FYI, the European 3.0 Sprinter doesn’t even have swirl flaps, so as long as they are open, they’re not imperative to the engine running okay.