Drove the new E350 CDI Coupe

[mbenz76]

sounds more like the regeneration cycle... Mercedes are stupid enough not to put any...

I didn't put the two together when I saw it previously as I have never gone into limp home mode.

Would it do the regeneration immediately after startup from cold though? Which it sometimes does.

 

[mbenz76]

Firstly apologies to docman for doubting him about the software update, but can confirm the following:

I made some enquires about the software update by phoning MK and was informed that they could not release information about specific updates unless it was a recall issue. They told me that my dealer would be able to give news of any relevant updates as they are linked to head office and can check on my car directly

I asked my dealer to check on Friday and have just received a phone call from him saying that there is a new software programme update which cures the noisy engines by:
1. Recalibrating the injector quantity quality values
2. Updated software then automatically resets to zero the QQV's for the injectors which in turn gives optimum fuel combustion. will restore lost fuel economy, power and give the car a smoother idle

As I said in previous messages my problem was solved by the injector reset I had done in June, the above takes care of having to be carried again and hopefully is the solution to the noise.

Have the car booked in for Friday and was told it takes approximately 2 hrs for the work to be completed

Thanks for the info.

Do you know if this is an update it will get just because they plug it in and it realises it needs it, or will they have to specifically know what they are looking for?

Which dealer are you using so I can mention it to mine. At least that way they can call and confirm if they don't know what I am talking about.

 

[alexR1]

I have now been able to have a test drive in an E350 CGi Sport Coupe and it is a completely different car. Like going from a tractor a limo!

The engine is very smooth and refined and with the sport button gives very good performance.

I know that some people have to have diesel (company cars etc) but if not there is no comparison and petrol is definitely the way to go.

Agree - if only I'd been sensible like you!

 

[alexR1]

Going to book mine in at MB Sheffield and see what they can find this time. It is a little annoying now to be honest, but doesn't detract from my enjoyment of the car.

Mine is not so much tractor noise (though that is definitely there) but high tickover revs and growling noise.

Usual tickover is 600 (ish), but every now and then, sometimes from start, other times it starts mid-journey, the tickover revs climb to 900 (ish) and the car sounds VERY throaty and growly (not a bad thing as it sounds very sporty indeed). As a result of the high revs though, going from D to P or R creates a clunk.

Turning the engine off makes it go away for a few minutes but it comes straight back. Leaving it parked for a while usually cures it or just keep driving and it goes away on it's own!

Very odd, and I suspect part of the injector/ECU glitches so hoping they can sort it.

As for diesel/petrol. This is my first diesel, and as a private buyer I could have had either. I originally intended to get petrol but the increased cost of tax and petrol just put me off a bit - that combined with the higher power of the diesel did it for me.

Have to admit though, without this injector issue (which is software after all so can be fixed), the engine is very refined indeed. When I drove it out of the showroom in March you couldn't even hear the engine was running.

No it's just diesel particulate filter regeneration - I thought it was a fault on mine as not a word in the manual (very sensible Mercedes!!).

Diesels are so unrefined AND hassle - wish I'd known before ordering the bl**dy thing!

 

[alexR1]

Just to give you my recent experience.

Took my E350 CDi saloon to the dealers this week with a few issues. Had the car from new and it has just covered 5k.

Issues were

1. Wanted full postcode satnav update
2. I felt the car was noisy inside when driving as lowish speeds esp in the mornings.
3. I felt there was too much inertia/delay on moving off from stationary
4. My armrest storage release lever was not working fully.

They kept the car for 2 days and it was returned nice and clean. I was told the following

1. Satnav update performed as requested
2/3 They kept the car overnight to test it in the morning and agreed it was a bit noisy. I was told the dash was removed to install extra felt to improve in-car sound proofing.Additionally all latest updates for engine and gearbox were applied.
4. Minor adjustment to storage box release lever made.


I have had the car for 2d now and can report that it feels like a different car. In cabin is a lot quieter. Morning startup feels smooth and a lot less tractorlike. The Inertia/delay on moving off seems to have gone.

Overall I'm very happy. I suspect they have reset the injectors and will keep an eye on this until the next service. Not had an opportunity to look at fuel consump but will report back on that issue later.

All completely understandable on a £40K new Mercedes of course!! Brilliant work from the masters of inventing solutions to problems that aren't there (and completely failing to spot the obvious ones that are - noisy old nail of an engine under the bonnet / transmission-engagement delay / crap Sat Nav / awful muffled stereo / misaligned steering wheel that dealer refused to sort (30 min job I paid for it myself despite full maintenance contract!) / useless rain-sensing wipers / squeaking folding door mirrors)

I went in a friend's brand new 4-cyl diesel Skoda Octavia and was mortified / embarrassed at just how much more refined and quiet it was starting from cold and none of the horrific pinking noise. If only the Merc would get stolen or go up in flames!

 

[mbenz76]

No it's just diesel particulate filter regeneration - I thought it was a fault on mine as not a word in the manual (very sensible Mercedes!!).

Diesels are so unrefined AND hassle - wish I'd known before ordering the bl**dy thing!

I thought the filter regeneration only happened when you gave the car a good thrashing and got the exhaust gasses raging hot?

Didn't realise it raised the revs itself to do it.

Do you know how often the regeneration is supposed to happen? Or is it based on driving style etc.?

 

[pamrit]

Thanks for the info.

Do you know if this is an update it will get just because they plug it in and it realises it needs it, or will they have to specifically know what they are looking for?

Which dealer are you using so I can mention it to mine. At least that way they can call and confirm if they don't know what I am talking about.

Definitely an update as my SM sent my details on Friday and MB said it required the software upgrade which are engine specific. I have put all the details about what is involved as informed by MB in my previous message.

Having it done on Friday at Mercedes Hertford

 

[mbenz76]

I spent £50k on mine after I went beserk on options, but I am still happy.

Yes, the diesel noise is a little annoying now, and sounds unrefined when cold, but in the whole scheme of things it's not that bad. And it will be fixed as it's clearly a software issue.

Of course I want this and the other couple of niggles I have sorted out - and quick - but there are worse things that could go wrong.

 

[mbenz76]

Definitely an update as my SM sent my details on Friday and MB said it required the software upgrade which are engine specific. I have put all the details about what is involved as informed by MB in my previous message.

Having it done on Friday at Mercedes Hertford

Thanks for that. I will get mine booked in tomorrow and see how it goes.

 

[st4]

I thought the filter regeneration only happened when you gave the car a good thrashing and got the exhaust gasses raging hot?

Didn't realise it raised the revs itself to do it.

Do you know how often the regeneration is supposed to happen? Or is it based on driving style etc.?

Only time this will happen is a higher idle speed however the car hold onto lower gears for longer when the engine is cold to aid faster warm up? Mine doesn't but I've heard this. For the sake of engine longevity it should do the converse.

Do all E350cdi's have a DPF? I hope not, they are loathesome things. I good fast run once the engine is upto speed will help with the DPF.

Read here for further info re DPFs

The other forums thread is also illuminating re potential fixes

 

[JohnDeere8530]

spoke to my MB dealer and says no engine software updates are available for my car (after putting the VIN into a computer), only the one for the command.

My car was built in nov09, so presuambly if he is right the update mentioned earlier is only for cars built before this date???

The dealer annoyed me as it is a large MB group and the service manager said he had never heard of this problem before and had sold in excess of 80 of these cars group wide When tackled about the 100s of pages on it on the net both in UK and Germany he replied by saying you dont want to believe everything you read on the net !!!!!!!!

It is booked in on tues for the postcode update and they will reset the injectors again

 

[blu_s2]

squeaking folding door mirrors)

ahhh its not just mine then !

 

[pamrit]

spoke to my MB dealer and says no engine software updates are available for my car (after putting the VIN into a computer), only the one for the command.

My car was built in nov09, so presuambly if he is right the update mentioned earlier is only for cars built before this date???

The dealer annoyed me as it is a large MB group and the service manager said he had never heard of this problem before and had sold in excess of 80 of these cars group wide When tackled about the 100s of pages on it on the net both in UK and Germany he replied by saying you dont want to believe everything you read on the net !!!!!!!!

It is booked in on tues for the postcode update and they will reset the injectors again

Hi John, I think they are doing it by build date as mine was before Nov 09. My SM said that the car details came up when he entered the VIN. This has definitely come up in last few days as I have had all the other updates done - injector reset, sat nav etc and this involves a new software upgrade.

I can give you all the details of my dealer who have been really helpful!

 

[JohnDeere8530]

Hi John, I think they are doing it by build date as mine was before Nov 09. My SM said that the car details came up when he entered the VIN. This has definitely come up in last few days as I have had all the other updates done - injector reset, sat nav etc and this involves a new software upgrade.

I can give you all the details of my dealer who have been really helpful!

yes please, pm me please

Thanks

I'm Paul by the way, JohnDeere is a tractor make !

 

[pamrit]

yes please, pm me please

Thanks

I'm Paul by the way, JohnDeere is a tractor make !

Sorry Paul, should know my tractors! Have sent you PM with all the details

 

[mbenz76]

Just called my dealer (MB Sheffield) and they ran my reg through the computer and said there are no updates I don't already have. Saved me a trip at least.

He did say they know of the issue and can do things to help (the injetor reset I guess) but nothing new yet.

 

[JohnDeere8530]

Just called my dealer (MB Sheffield) and they ran my reg through the computer and said there are no updates I don't already have. Saved me a trip at least.

He did say they know of the issue and can do things to help (the injetor reset I guess) but nothing new yet.

thats the response I got too, but not the help bit ! so it does look like the latest engine software was realeased November 09

 

[mbenz76]

I had my car in for the nav update a couple of months ago and they installed an ECU and gearbox update so there is something newer than my build date in Feb.

 

[johny5_uk]

ahhh its not just mine then !

My Drivers side mirror has an awful squeak too!

 

[mbenz76]

My Drivers side mirror has an awful squeak too!

My passenger mirrror sqeaks from time to time but not heard it for a while now.