Rough Idle on CDI 220 E Class

[MP1]

Morning All.
I am re posting this as it is still unresolved.

I have a 2001(51) E220 CDI w210. Love the car, but have had a problem for some time. It Went into the garage last week and £500.00 later I was left with the same problem.
The problem is a rough idle and smoking in all gears with my foot on the brake to the extent that you must put the car in neutral to avoid being shaken around or the car stalling, put the car in neutral or park and you don't have a problem. As soon as you pull away the lumpiness has gone and she drives beautifully.
I put a Mercedes MAF Sensor on, but still the same. Took it to what I thought was a good garage (less faith in them now, I must say) and they did the following:

• Wiring loom to engine ECU
• Check Continuity
• Remove Several codes in ECU
• Replace broken air filter mounts.
• Cleaned out Throttle actuators and blocked EGR valve.
• Renew clutch drive to alternator and auxiliary drive belt.
• Add fuel system cleaner.

They also generally checked for air getting into the system.

I was told that it was probably the torque converter in the gearbox and that it would cost about £2000.00 to cure, which I wouldn't pay on a car this old.

I can't believe this could be the end of my baby, someone save her! I'm desperate here!

We await your life saving comments.

 

[Harlowcabbie]

Have you checked the egr valve isn't clogged up. I have the same car as yourself and although never as bad as you describe mine ran poorly until I have it a good clean .

 

[MP1]

Yeah, that's been done. Today the car won't start, the first time ever. Got AA coming soon, so hopefully will get it running again.

Thanks for advice

 

[striker1970]

Just had the very same problem with my E220CDI 1999.
I had people telling me it was air leaks, injectors....you name it.
I cured mine yesterday! Get some injector cleaner and empty it into your fuel tank when you have approximately 1/4 of a tank left. If you are really keen take off the lid to the fuel filter and put half of the cleaner in there. The injector fluid bottle will say "add to 40 litres of fuel". DON'T, by the time it gets the the injectors it is too watered down to have an effect.
When you have done the above, get on the motorway and vary your speed from 60mph to 100phm, really drive it like you stole it!! Do this for approx 10-ish miles. Leave over night, do the same the next day.....cured mine. I now have silky smooth idle.
Hope this works!

 

[striker1970]

Sorry, one further point. If your car revs over 3500 it's not the egr valve.
I did clean mine out however, it was thick black tar!!! If you are going to do it get yourself some gloves and a big can of carb cleaner!! Messy job.

 

[BlackC55]

I would be looking at an injector fault.

I would check the injector quantities on a Star firstly.

 

[striker1970]

Black 55 is right.
My fix of using fuel cleaner was not a lasting fix. The fault returned.
Number three injector was completely screwed. Changed it for a Merc recon one (£90.00) and all is good!
Now the sad part
I have to sell my E220...My job role at work has changed. I have to go to site now and quite often take materials with me, so i need either an estate or something with folding rear seats. So if anyone knows of someone who wants a Merc please email me.
The car details:-
1999 (V reg) 220 cdi green. service history. Tax and MOT till end of DEC 2013
Looking for £1,750.00 for it, it is a very reluctant sale
The car is located in the Waterlooville area (near Portsmouth). it has 100,000 on it now but is in daily use, so that will obviously increase as time goes on.

Thanks,

Dave email:- [email protected]