C270 CDi - Sluggish when cold

[Travelman]

Hi there,

I've just taken delivery of a C270 cdi Estate (Sep 2004) to replace my E320 cdi.

I'm a little concerned about the acceleration when cold. Basically it doesn't want to do anything until the revs hit about 2k when it accelerates normally. This makes it difficult to pull safely out into traffic. It doesn't do this when hot. It makes no difference whether the gearbox is in "S" or "C".

Is this normal for this engine ? My E320 didn't do this.
If anyone can give me some ideas, I'd be grateful.

Thanks


Paul

 

[1998K]

I've a C270cdi sedan (year 03), I'd say that it's not correct, mine run well also if cold without any hesitation.

I'll start with a computer diagnosis to sort out something.

...you have done a downgrading from an E to a C and you have loose 1 cylinder

 

[Traveller]

It sounds like an engine temperature sensor problem maybe. The injector phasing will be controlled according to engine temperature, to give an acceptible level of combustion to maintain power levels and contain emissions, across the board until up to operating temperature. Star diag.

 

[Travelman]

Hi there,

Thanks for the advice. I especially like the "lost cylinder" option
I sorely miss the extra ooomph that the E320 had, but had to get an estate, and change the other car for the forthcoming new addition to the family.

Looks like I'll be taking the car for a diagnostic test. I'll let you know the outcome.

Thanks


Paul

 

[Rory]

I have an Oct 04 C270CDi estate, which I've had since it was 5mths old.

I back out of my drive in the morning, then put it into D (I always use S mode) and it really doesn't seem to want to go at all. I would never 'boot' mine from cold anyway, so I'm not really sure what it's capable of when cold, but I drive 300yds to the end of my road and pull onto a bigger road and it's never given me any concern.

 

[Travelman]

Hi there,

I've just taken the car into the local dealer, and seem to have been "fobbed" off with the story that it's a "known characteristic" of the 270 engine.

This story was based on Star Diagnostics not showing any "errors" and their senior technicians "experience" of the engine.

They talked about the catalyser having to get to operating temperature before sending "the correct signals" back.

I'm not a technical person, but I can't believe that mercedes had not corrected this "characteristic" on a late model of their 270 engine.

Does anyone have any other ideas ? The symptoms only last until the temperature gauge starts to rise, though as I have to negotiate a number of roads and busy roundabouts almost immediately upon leaving, this is causing me an issue.

Obviously I could just turn the engine on and let it warm up before driving !

Thanks

Paul

 

[BlackC55]

It is normal and they are right. The reason why you think it is sluggish is that you are comparing it with a 320 petrol. Its character is very different.

They take along time to warm up due to very good thermal effeincy.

 

[Travelman]

Hi there,

Is it normal when comparing it to my 320 diesel (not petrol) ? This didn't exhibit the symptoms.

Paul

 

[BlackC55]

Whoops......

I take that back then. Sorry.

 

[BarryS]

I assume this is the same engine as in my Sept 2004 W209 CLK 270 CDI - and whilst it's noisy when cold, and I also tend not to try and drive hard until warmer, I have never experienced any accelerating problems or threshold at 2k revs as you describe from cold. I'm sure something is wrong.

 

[Travelman]

Hi,

I'm also sure that something is wrong. The problem is convincing the dealership.
I don't "floor" it from cold. It's normal acceleration onto a busy road / roundabout (with lots of traffic) 200yds from starting, and it's quite disconcerting pulling out into the oncoming traffic with a distinct lack of power until the revs hit 2k.

I've almost had a couple of near misses because of this (and fast moving cars on roundabouts !), so I am a little worried.

Any other ideas I can try on the dealership or elsewhere ? It's still within its 3 year warranty period.

Paul