C220 Engine feels like a slug

[GeoDG]

Hi,
So I got kinda tired of these so called mechanics and they're "diagosis". 1 already told me not to go to him anymore, not even even for an MOT because he doesn't know what's wrong with the car so I thought I'd start doing some research by myself.

I've had this C220 2003 (automatic) for a while now, it's an ok car but it's starting to become an embarrassment.
It's not in the best shape but it does the job and I've started to work on it and fix it up. The main problem the car has is the engine. When I do a cold start in the morning, if I don't rev the engine a bit to get it warmed up, I can't even get up a kurb in reverse, and corners are a death-trap, car barely moves.
When the engine get warm properly it starts picking up speed (as most diesels do) but not a lot no matter how much I floor it (always all the way down) I never went past 40-45 mph. Also when I go up a really small slope, people have to either wait for me or overtake as it doesn't go over 20mph.

Many people told me many things, from the engine being clogged as it is a diesel engine, to the "turbo" being dead or some random ECU issues. Now I'm asking everyone here, does anyone have an actual clue as to what is wrong with my horse carriage?

Thanks

 

[markjay]

Welcone to the forum.

Like you said, it could be any one if a long list of things.

EGR and other emissions-related faults tend to get the EML light up on the dash, did you get that?

Also, you do not state the mileage the car covered, and its service history?

And BTW, 'sluggish' response can also be related to automatic transmission issues.

I suggest that you find a reputable local specialist who will hook-up your car to MB STAR diagnostic computer and scan the engine ECU for fault codes, which will provide an indication as to what's actually wrong with the car.

You gave your location in your profile as 'Somewhere in UK', if you can be a bit more specific, then one of the members on here may be able to recommend a specialist local to you.

 

[OneForTheRoad]

Sounds like its in limp mode . Easy fix once you have error codes.

 

[Dave Richardson]

If the engine doesn't rev above 3000 rpm then the engine is in limp mode that is likely to point towards an EGR valve or other breathing related issue . Best to get the car to an engineer with a Star machine or similar good quality diagnostic equipment & get the car read for faults, guessing & replacing parts at random could turn out to be a very expensive path to take r

 

[wongl]

Hi,
So I got kinda tired of these so called mechanics and they're "diagosis". 1 already told me not to go to him anymore, not even even for an MOT because he doesn't know what's wrong with the car so I thought I'd start doing some research by myself.

I've had this C220 2003 (automatic) for a while now, it's an ok car but it's starting to become an embarrassment.
It's not in the best shape but it does the job and I've started to work on it and fix it up. The main problem the car has is the engine. When I do a cold start in the morning, if I don't rev the engine a bit to get it warmed up, I can't even get up a kurb in reverse, and corners are a death-trap, car barely moves.
When the engine get warm properly it starts picking up speed (as most diesels do) but not a lot no matter how much I floor it (always all the way down) I never went past 40-45 mph. Also when I go up a really small slope, people have to either wait for me or overtake as it doesn't go over 20mph.

Many people told me many things, from the engine being clogged as it is a diesel engine, to the "turbo" being dead or some random ECU issues. Now I'm asking everyone here, does anyone have an actual clue as to what is wrong with my horse carriage?

Thanks

As others have suggested, it is likely that your car is in limp mode caused by range of possible issues. Given that the behaviour changes between hot and cold, it might be a simple issue with the air flow sensor (MAF), but as others have pointed, it could be the EGR valve. A gearbox fault can also trigger the car into limp mode.

You really ought to get the car scanned with the Mercedes Star (Xentry) diagnosis system to get the proper codes. There are many forum members with Star that might be able to help, but your profile is not helpful in identifying your whereabouts in the UK.