C180 Kompressor

[Jezza93]

Hi guys,

So I just bought a C180 Kompressor, 110K miles and I've definitely been scammed as prev. owner said it "had no issues at all".

After checking, the car seems to be idling quite rough on cold starts and smells like its running too rich. I checked the DTC codes and a few misfires came up along with some lean codes as well as a MAF circuit low code came up - I cleared them and the MAF code went away but the rest came right back up. No CEL on and the car is exactly the same even with the MAF unplugged. I did order a MAF sensor hoping that was the issue but the readings are showing as ~2g/s on idle and around 15g/s at around 3/4K rpm.

I'm aware of the vacuum hose leaks that are common on the M271 engine and was wondering what the repair bills would be for the hoses below the airbox and worse case scenario the ones even further down? I need to know rough estimates before I give it to a mechanic to charge diagnostic fees, would rather just sell on as spares and repairs and take my loss rather then pour money into it..

Cheers

 

[markjay]

The vacuum hose is cheap, but you'll probably be charged for 2h labour, so anything from £100 if you're lucky to more realistically £150-200 at a reputable specialist.

Other common issues on the M271 are blocked crankcase breather, and premature timing gear failure.

The former is located near the faulty vacuum hose, so I would get it replaced as a matter of course if you're already doing the hose.

The latter is more critical, and sadly will write-off the car if it happens - sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear.

 

[Jezza93]

The vacuum hose is cheap, but you'll probably be charged for 2h labour, so anything from £100 if you're lucky to more realistically £150-200 at a reputable specialist.

Other common issues on the M271 are blocked crankcase breather, and premature timing gear failure.

The former is located near the faulty vacuum hose, so I would get it replaced as a matter of course if you're already doing the hose.

The latter is more critical, and sadly will write-off the car if it happens - sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear.

I was riding on the fact that if the car is throwing lean codes then it might not be the timing gear? Am I wrong in assuming that?

The car seems to run perfectly fine once warmed up, which is why I didnt pick up on the issue when viewing it. Drove it 1 hr 30 mins back without any issues..

 

[markjay]

The timing gear issue will present itself as very rough and loud idle (engine running on 3 cylinders and the sound of valves hitting pistons). Once two cylinders stop firing the engine won't run at all. On occasion it will start with a rattling chain, so you might get a warning. But what you describe does not sound like it's the timing chain issue, most likely the vacuum hose.

 

[allenhh]

I had a similar problem with engine showing a rich code and it failed MOT on emissions, all vacuum hoses had a split all changed cost £300, still running rich, had the O2 sensor changed still running a bit rich but passed MOT, then I noticed engine never really got up to temp, turns out the thermostat shaft was slightly bent, so it would open but would take yonks to close, put a new thermostat in all all is peachy.

 

[W1ghty]

Hi guys,

So I just bought a C180 Kompressor, 110K miles and I've definitely been scammed as prev. owner said it "had no issues at all".

After checking, the car seems to be idling quite rough on cold starts and smells like its running too rich. I checked the DTC codes and a few misfires came up along with some lean codes as well as a MAF circuit low code came up - I cleared them and the MAF code went away but the rest came right back up. No CEL on and the car is exactly the same even with the MAF unplugged. I did order a MAF sensor hoping that was the issue but the readings are showing as ~2g/s on idle and around 15g/s at around 3/4K rpm.

I'm aware of the vacuum hose leaks that are common on the M271 engine and was wondering what the repair bills would be for the hoses below the airbox and worse case scenario the ones even further down? I need to know rough estimates before I give it to a mechanic to charge diagnostic fees, would rather just sell on as spares and repairs and take my loss rather then pour money into it..

Cheers

Where in London are you buddy , do you need an MB specialist garage recommendation?

 

[Jezza93]

I had a similar problem with engine showing a rich code and it failed MOT on emissions, all vacuum hoses had a split all changed cost £300, still running rich, had the O2 sensor changed still running a bit rich but passed MOT, then I noticed engine never really got up to temp, turns out the thermostat shaft was slightly bent, so it would open but would take yonks to close, put a new thermostat in all all is peachy.

I highly suspect its a vacuum leak too, temps seem okay on mine so I'll see what the mechanic says when I take it there. The supercharger seems to be making quite a racket too actually, not sure if thats normal

 

[Jezza93]

Where in London are you buddy , do you need an MB specialist garage recommendation?

I'm based in East London and was recommended a garage recently but would be open to having a look at any other recommendations. Cheers

 

[W1ghty]

I'm based in East London and was recommended a garage recently but would be open to having a look at any other recommendations. Cheers

I’m sure someone will be along to recommend someone soon

 

[markjay]

Not East London, but West London, Terry Gates at Wayne Gates in Harrow.