Blue Efficiency injector recall?

[CDL]

Hi, first time post, looking for some feedback.

I recently received a letter from MB to have the injectors replaced (before any breakdown), which they did the day after I received the letter as they had them in stock.

However, my main issue is with fuel economy. Before and after the injectors were changed, I was getting no more than 30mpg for urban driving and a maximum of 44mpg on the motorway.

I notice that CoupeMan is getting over 50mpg for an E250 manual. As I have a C250 CDi Sport Manual (Blue Efficiency), I would expect to get similar figures (book value for urban is 42.8mpg).

Anyone else had similar issues?

(Had car since Nov 09)

 

[Wayfarer]

Hi, first time post, looking for some feedback.

I recently received a letter from MB to have the injectors replaced (before any breakdown), which they did the day after I received the letter as they had them in stock.

However, my main issue is with fuel economy. Before and after the injectors were changed, I was getting no more than 30mpg for urban driving and a maximum of 44mpg on the motorway.

I notice that CoupeMan is getting over 50mpg for an E250 manual. As I have a C250 CDi Sport Manual (Blue Efficiency), I would expect to get similar figures (book value for urban is 42.8mpg).

Anyone else had similar issues?

(Had car since Nov 09)

My C250CDi sport estate has averaged around 48mpg since new and on Monday got 53 mpg on a 320 mile round trip at a steady 70/75
A light foot and not changing up to soon seems to be the key, I reckon with all the torque available from the engine you don't notice it, but have found on a couple of 20/30 mile frequently repeated trips in 50 limits it appears more fuel efficient in 5th rather than the car "recomended" 6th.

The overall mpg tallys with the full to full fuel tally I presently keep, and have no reason to disbeleive the 53mpg on the trip

Just over 4500 miles on the clock now and running very well, in fact would go as far as saying its the best car I have ever run, far superior to the BMW 320 it replaced

 

[grober]

Hi, first time post, looking for some feedback.

I recently received a letter from MB to have the injectors replaced (before any breakdown), which they did the day after I received the letter as they had them in stock.

However, my main issue is with fuel economy. Before and after the injectors were changed, I was getting no more than 30mpg for urban driving and a maximum of 44mpg on the motorway.

I notice that CoupeMan is getting over 50mpg for an E250 manual. As I have a C250 CDi Sport Manual (Blue Efficiency), I would expect to get similar figures (book value for urban is 42.8mpg).

Anyone else had similar issues?

(Had car since Nov 09)

Manufacturer fuel consumption figures are rarely met in the real world. The consumption tests are pretty rigidly defined [ they have to be for valid comparison purposes] and manufacturers "massage" many of their cars running characteristics to achieve optimum results---engine ECU boost and fuel maps and gearbox/final drive ratios. If you were to duplicate the consumption tests in your own car it would probably achieve close to the quoted figures----- but not likely in your everyday motoring. For that reason many tuning firms now offer engine remaps which improve performance and as a bonus slightly better fuel consumption when used conservatively. That's perhaps one area to explore further down the road.

 

[Pottsy]

However, my main issue is with fuel economy. Before and after the injectors were changed, I was getting no more than 30mpg for urban driving and a maximum of 44mpg on the motorway.

I notice that CoupeMan is getting over 50mpg for an E250 manual. As I have a C250 CDi Sport Manual (Blue Efficiency), I would expect to get similar figures (book value for urban is 42.8mpg).

Anyone else had similar issues?

(Had car since Nov 09)

I have an E220 Automatic. For a big heavy slusher, the economy is fine. But be warned! The economy varies enormously with journey length, road type, driving technique and temperature. I do mostly motorways, and after 30 miles the trip mpg is still normally at about 46. Only from 30 to 80 miles does it creep up to 55+. 10C difference in air temperature can make 10 mpg difference, and town work sees 35 mpg and mild A roads 45.

Here are my "brim to brim" measurements taken from the pump (not the trip computer) to date:

 

[Rory]

Manufacturer fuel consumption figures are rarely met in the real world. The consumption tests are pretty rigidly defined [ they have to be for valid comparison purposes] and manufacturers "massage" many of their cars running characteristics to achieve optimum results---engine ECU boost and fuel maps and gearbox/final drive ratios. If you were to duplicate the consumption tests in your own car it would probably achieve close to the quoted figures----- but not likely in your everyday motoring.

Having said that, several owners have posted that their cars are way out from the official figures, yet others are doing much better.

This does seem common on many models these days - Honda had a lot of hassle with diesel Accords producing widely different MPG figures.

 

[G.O'Rilla]

Hi Pottsy - your experiences are pretty well the same as mine over almost the same mileage (my last fill at 11343). 50 odd on a run and about 42 around town. Well pleased for an auto - total average 46.31

 

[hawk20]

Seems to be getting quieter and quieter on the injector problems. Is it cured now?

BTW most cars will achieve the manufacturers 'combined' figure when on a run as most car mags have reported, provided driven at not much above the legal max. Every MB I have had (A's, a B, two C's several E's an S and an ML would all achieve the 'combined' figure on a reasonably long run and better if driven gently.

Trouble is some people expect to get the 'extra urban' figure but that is not based on cruising at 70 ish.

 

[Toadshall]

It is well worth while to read the statistical data in the link below. Using 15000 psi as an injection pressure say at 2 to 4K rpm poses substantial issues as regards wear etc

Common rail - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Regards,

Toadshall

 

[Bibendum]

Delivery CD 200 C Class Estate

I ordered an E250cdi coupe sport in January.

originally told end of June delivery, now been told mid-july at earliest and they wont know for definite until the car is actually in production!

tempted to start considering other manufacturers...

Hi Fletch, ordered my CD 220 C Class estate in Dec 09, original delivery quoted as April, now first 2 weeks of June..... not sure if the fleet manager is messing me around or if merc really are so awful in managing their supply chain. In their hands really because can't cancel ... beginning to wish I'd taken the A6 avant with all the bells and whistles..... waited so long that the shine is definitely gone off the experience..

 

[Simplygrey]

Ordered E250 CDI Avantgarde on 27 March. Told it will be with dealer on 22nd June and available for delivery 25th/26th June

 

[Wayfarer]

Hi Fletch, ordered my CD 220 C Class estate in Dec 09, original delivery quoted as April, now first 2 weeks of June..... not sure if the fleet manager is messing me around or if merc really are so awful in managing their supply chain. In their hands really because can't cancel ... beginning to wish I'd taken the A6 avant with all the bells and whistles..... waited so long that the shine is definitely gone off the experience..

Ordered my c250CDi sport estate in October, it arrived mid April, thought about trying to cancel, but glad I waited, probably the best company car I have had, although misses out on the bells and whistles its far superior to the previous BMW and a real joy to drive not to mention around 50mpg

 

[simongaff]

Hi All,
first time on here thought I'd just fill you in on our experiences as first time MB owners. Our C220 CDI BE Sport Estate was delivered in late Nov, 2 weeks later we "ran out of fuel" very late at night, despite having a quarter tank left! Last month we had the dreaded injector failure leaving myself, wife and 11month old at the side of the road. 5 days later the car was returned but immediately had to go back to have the radiator fan connected. The next day it started to make a loud "pinking" noise but the misses persuaded me to keep it for a few days and see how it went! After 5 days it got much worse and was down on power. So back it went! MB tried to suggest it was bad fuel despite flushing the tank and the problem still remaining! They have fitted more new injectors and we have the car back, so far so good (only 2days). MB have sent fuel samples and the old "new" injectors back to Germany for analysis.
We're just in the process of negotiating compensation after very nearly handing the car back. So far they have offered a free service and 1months finance payment. Frankly not good enough!

On the subject of fuel consumption we rarely break 34mpg normally (lots of in town driving) and have never better 45 on the motorway (80mph normally) even with the new "new" injectors.

Just one final thing does anyone get a shake or wobble through the steering column similar to scuttle shake in a convertible. Dealer says its normal but its driving me mad!!!

Thanks

 

[rothbury]

Hi All,
first time on here thought I'd just fill you in on our experiences as first time MB owners. Our C220 CDI BE Sport Estate was delivered in late Nov, 2 weeks later we "ran out of fuel" very late at night, despite having a quarter tank left! Last month we had the dreaded injector failure leaving myself, wife and 11month old at the side of the road. 5 days later the car was returned but immediately had to go back to have the radiator fan connected. The next day it started to make a loud "pinking" noise but the misses persuaded me to keep it for a few days and see how it went! After 5 days it got much worse and was down on power. So back it went! MB tried to suggest it was bad fuel despite flushing the tank and the problem still remaining! They have fitted more new injectors and we have the car back, so far so good (only 2days). MB have sent fuel samples and the old "new" injectors back to Germany for analysis.
We're just in the process of negotiating compensation after very nearly handing the car back. So far they have offered a free service and 1months finance payment. Frankly not good enough!

On the subject of fuel consumption we rarely break 34mpg normally (lots of in town driving) and have never better 45 on the motorway (80mph normally) even with the new "new" injectors.

Just one final thing does anyone get a shake or wobble through the steering column similar to scuttle shake in a convertible. Dealer says its normal but its driving me mad!!!

Thanks

You've been particularly unlucky and I admit that I have been lucky so far.
I agree with you about the mpg but I think 34 in town is fine and I get anything from 42-45 on trips even caning it which again is better than I have achieved in any comparably powered car.
No you should not get any shaking or wobbling through the wheel- it is certainly not normal so get them to fix it.

 

[corned]

Just one final thing does anyone get a shake or wobble through the steering column similar to scuttle shake in a convertible. Dealer says its normal but its driving me mad!!!

Go and beat that idiot around the head repeatedly until he retracts that stupid statement. And they wonder why people hate dealers.

"Yes, Sir - they're always like that. Cracked windscreen and punctured tyres are very expensive factory modifications. You're really lucky that you got them thrown in for free."

 

[simongaff]

Thanks guys, shall express my displeasure when I pop in to drive their demonstrator, which will apparently convince me that they all do it!!

 

[corned]

Good luck! Don't forget to ask about other free features - keyed paintwork - leaking brake calipers - buckled alloys...

 

[Wayfarer]

Mpg

Weather warming up and 55mpg from a c250cdi man estate on a 220 mile round trip today driving steadily 70ish on about 80% motorway - well impressed, just over 5000 miles from new (april 10)

 

[G.O'Rilla]

It's funny, you know - just had the routine drive back from Heathrow to Suffolk this afternoon and was astonished to see 56.3 mpg on the trip when I got home. Indicated 70 MPH apart from the roadworks - and it's an auto....... Not bad at all. the more I drive this car, the more I like it

 

[mastermerc]

i am now claiming back cleaning cost from merc for dropping diesel all over my drive!

 

[rothbury]

Weather warming up and 55mpg from a c250cdi man estate on a 220 mile round trip today driving steadily 70ish on about 80% motorway - well impressed, just over 5000 miles from new (april 10)

That is indeed impressive but I have to say that if you are going to ENJOY this powerful car you will get probably 44/45 on an auto. I can't see the point in buying a 250 with 201 bhp and 369 torque if fuel economy is your
main concern! I could am sure do a lot better if I crept around all the time but that totally defeats the point of the car which IMHO is the ability to drive fast and still get reasonable consumption. Otherwise frankly we may as well all be driving VW polo diesels.