bad engine on possible new car

[donteus]

Hi All

ok, I am not a mercedes owner just yet, but there is a possibility that I could be, if it does not cost too much.
Guy at work is selling his '02 clk 270 CDi (I think this is correct?)
anyhow, there are some issues, which after having a read around on here, seem all too common!
loss of power, not revving above 3K etc. the story of the test drive is:

started off, very good acceleration.
1/4 mile up the road, a whole bunch of black smoke from the engine, reasonable acceleration.
1/2 mile up the road, very sluggish acceleration, no kick down, not getting to turbo stage.
back at factory, parked and will not rev above 3K
turned off engine, and back on again, normal revs available.

so, MAT, inlet manifold, cats, gearbox, injectors etc etc etc.

seems the first things is to get the star codes. anyone know someone really cheap near Henley on Thames? its difficult as I don't own the car yet, and obviously may not buy it depending on what is wrong, so don't want to pay out a whole bunch of cash on something I may not end up buying.

or are there some tests I can do myself outside work to eliminate some of the issues?

any and all help appreciated here!

 

[rpe2]

As you say, get the codes read, at a guess, the MAF, but could be one or many of the items you have listed.

I use John Griffiths in Caversham.

 

[E270 Owner]

Get a MB Independent to inspect the vehicle

or


Car Checking -The AA

Motor Vehicle Inspection & Car Checks | RAC

 

[tonyc280]

there's always plenty of other good cars around!!!

 

[jamesfuller]

As Tony said above, there are plenty of cars around for sale. I really wouldn't get into paying for someone else' car to be diagnosed!

I would say, make a silly low offer to take it off his hands if you are willing to spend a bit on it or do it yourself or just get a different one.

For what its worth, if I had to guess I would start by checking the battery followed up with a MAF sensor! But that would be a guess, really needs diagnosing properly.

 

[donteus]

well, he's looking for £500 for the car. it has 170K on the clock, but this still seems a reasonable price?

or can anyone recommend a fault reader from ebay that will actually read the codes? most seem to be diesel from 2004 onwards

 

[renault12ts]

Can't be bad for £500...the parts could be sold for more if it really was a dog.

 

[Dieselman]

It's worth £500 all day long.

The fault is likely to be either the EGR valve sticking open, the turbo actuator sticking, the inlet manifold swirl flaps sticking or a split boost pipe.

 

[Skhan]

Whatever the fault it's worth £500!

 

[V12]

I'll buy it from you for more than £500 if you want to make a quick buck.

 

[LittleRestraint]

Sorry to jump in, but those wheels on your car....what are they called? (In your profile pic)

Edit - question was meant to be aimed at V12

 

[donteus]

Ok, do its a good price, this is a good start!
Dieselman, all the bits you mentioned, would they all reset turning the car off and on again? And will all the faults throw up error codes?
How accurate are the errors on a merc, pretty direct, or 'could be this this or this'?
And thanks for the help so far, appreciated

 

[donteus]

Oh, and forgot to say, very lumpy on tickover. I am near the car all day, so if there are any quick and easy tests I can do, let me know, and I will have a look during the day

 

[donteus]

oh, and he is currently getting 24MPG according to the trip computer!