W202 C180 doesn't go higher than 4000 rpm

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Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2008
Messages
30
Location
Norway
Car
'93 C180 Esprit
Hi there! I've been lurking around the forums for a while, but I haven't built up the nerve to join until today...:p

I bought a well-used W202 this May and I love it, except for one major fault; most of the time it won't go over 4000 rpm! When I hit exactly 4000, it just starts to lurch, and I'll have to gear up or slow down if I'm in fifth (manual box). Sometimes however, seemingly at random, it performs flawlessly all the way up to 6200 (redline).

Any idea what it might be? Clogged up MAF perhaps?

Edit:
I've been reading up on the forum a bit, and figured out it could be the OVP (Over Voltage Protection) relay, since my ABS and speedo/odometer also doesn't work. But could that also affect the engine? I checked out the single 10A fuse on it, but that was okay. I also sprayed it with electronic cleaner, but no cigar...
 
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Have you got variable valve timing on the inlet cam? If you take off the black plastic cover at the front of the engine you should see a cylindrical unit with an electrical connection at the front end of the inlet cam ( on your right looking at the rear of the car) Sometimes these can malfunction which effects valve timing. Other simpler possibility is a partially blocked fuel filter- when was it changed last?
 
It is going into limp home mode.

You need to take it to a Merc specialist that is familiar with that generation of Merc and get the fault codes read. Then go from there depending on what was revealed.
 
I'm pretty sure your faulty speedo is directly related to this fault.

Your engine will not rev past 400RPM in neutral/stationary, this is a standard MB feature on your car. If the speedo isn't reading, perhaps the car is unaware that it isn't stationary.

Will
 
I'm pretty sure your faulty speedo is directly related to this fault.

Your engine will not rev past 400RPM in neutral/stationary, this is a standard MB feature on your car. If the speedo isn't reading, perhaps the car is unaware that it isn't stationary.

Will

Did,nt think this feature was available on pre-facelift vehicles only on the later facelift versions.
I have come across a car with similar symptons though there's were constant rather than intermittent like yours and the solution was to repair the main ECU.
But as Will says get the speedo working in the first instance as this maybe the cause.
 
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I used to have a pre-facelift C200 (no MAF sensor etc). This had the same feature. Is your C230K a pre-facelift model by any chance - wondering if this has it as well? (used to have a pre-facelift W202 C230K also, and that was the same :) )

Will
 
Hey guys, haven't checked up on this post because I've found the fault! All of the faults (including the engine crap) turned out to be a faulty OVP relay. If I slap it around a little (the relay that is), everything works, but in the worst cases just for about 5 minutes. I've also found out that one of the previous owners swapped the original relay for one from a 190E (probably second-hand). So a new relay is going to be ordered on Monday and all my sorrows should be gone! :bannana:

Oh, and the difference in price at the stealerships vs. an internet dealer turned out to be huge! Motor-Trade AS here in Trondheim wanted £116 for it, while Stjerneservice was just £56 for the same part...:crazy:
 
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