Can anyone help? (I have a problem with my E320 cdi)

[Leonard]

I have just bought a 22,000 mile E320 cdi and the car feels as if it is going to stall when the revs are low and you are slowing down, as if the engine is going to cut out. It doesn't however, but I am always frightened it is going to breakdown completely. I have only had petrol Mercs before and I wonder if this is normal or if I have got a technical fault. A mechanic has checked everything out but cannot find anything wrong, but the fault persists,but only occasionally. It may only happen 3 times in an hour, but only when you are slowing down and the revs are between 900 and 1200. I would be really grateful for any help. As I am a Doctor, I cannot afford to breakdown.

 

[saorbust]

Take it to a dealer. It sounds like the mileage is low enough that its within warranty, and get them to check it over.

 

[Brian WH]

Take it to a dealer. It sounds like the mileage is low enough that its within warranty, and get them to check it over.

Moved to engine section.


If will only stall if the revs fall below 800rpm. Are you sure there is a problem, it maybe you are not used to a MB Diesel. If you are unsure then get a dealer to check it out as it could be gearbox related which is electronically controlled and may need resetting.

 

[Leonard]

I understand what you say, but it feels as if there is no fuel below 1200 rpm and when I put my foot back on the throttle everything is fine again. I have never driven a Merc diesel, I have only had petrol ones. Do you think this feeling of cutting out is normal for this diesel model?

 

[Seamster15]

Maf? / Mas?

 

[glojo]

I understand what you say, but it feels as if there is no fuel below 1200 rpm and when I put my foot back on the throttle everything is fine again. I have never driven a Merc diesel, I have only had petrol ones. Do you think this feeling of cutting out is normal for this diesel model?

It is very difficult to attempt to make a diagnosis without seeing the problem. Is there anyone near you with a 320CDI that you could try? Friendly dealer perhaps

 

[Parrot of Doom]

There shouldn't be any fuel on overrun anyway, should there?

When you say it feels like its about to stall, do you mean its spluttering, the tachometer is bobbing around, or is it just whisper smooth and quiet and feels unnatural? Because these cars can fool you like that.

 

[Rory]

I can't visualise the problem at from the description given.

My C270CDi idles at only 700RPM, it's the first diesel auto I've owned, but it never makes me think it's going to stall.

Of course there won't be any fuel on the over-run as the car is slowing down, but it should start to fuel again as the engine approaches idle (or the accellerator is pressed). Perhaps there's an idle control problem?

 

[DieselE]

A lot depends on what you mean by slowing down. For example, going downhill at low speed, the transmission may well select first. The feeling in the car is that you've run into a sand drag but the engine is still ticking over at 800-850.

Compared to a petrol engined car, engine braking on a diesel is strong and it might confuse you into thinking the engine is about to stall.

 

[mark.t]

A lot depends on what you mean by slowing down. For example, going downhill at low speed, the transmission may well select first. The feeling in the car is that you've run into a sand drag but the engine is still ticking over at 800-850.

Compared to a petrol engined car, engine braking on a diesel is strong and it might confuse you into thinking the engine is about to stall.

The engine braking strong it is with this one ........feel the force ....is it auto or .... manual .......

 

[DieselE]

The engine braking strong it is with this one ........feel the force ....is it auto or .... manual .......

Mark (or should that be Yoda ). A 320CDI only comes as an auto. Mind you in a galaxy far far away it might be different.

 

[glojo]

Mark (or should that be Yoda ). A 320CDI only comes as an auto. Mind you in a galaxy far far away it might be different.

Knowledgable our student is. He knows the way of the diesel he does.

Regards,
Jedi Master Glojo