w203 Woes and Servicing help

[Mikem4]

Evening all,

Wondering if you have any advice.

For a few months now I've been battling with the CEL, throwing up code P0171 Powertrain - System too lean.

A local mechanic friend thought it may be the MAS but I know from reading forums etc, it's most likely a split breather pipe, regularly getting a large hissing sound under the airbox after a long run on a hot day confirmed this in my mind. I've not had the time to get it checked as of yet, due to money and no real problems with the car.

I had the Timing Chain + Gears replaced in April, and the car is currently 1800 over service (as oil changed in Apr, 6k ago).

The car is a Petrol C180 Kompressor W203 M271 2005 Model with 78k on the clock with full Stealership Service History. Given the cars age, I don't think it's worth continuing that and Kwikfit up the road will do a Full Service for £169.

The car is also starting to misfire now in Cylinders 1 & 2 when the engine is hot and in idle, the Spark Plugs have not been changed since '09 (Prev. owner didn't really look after it at all it seems, NOTHING done in a service since a Full in 09, only minors since) and I'm thinking the spark plugs will be on their very last legs, causing the misfire in idle with the engine too lean.

So my question really is, am I correct in thinking;
P0171 is probably a breather pipe
Misfire is probably old and worn SPs as a result of P0171

And can you advise on;
Recommendations on Kwikfit Full Service (Including spark plugs, all filters except fuel) (Inde is still about £60 more expensive)
Would you guys recommend BG44K to give the entire engine and fuel system a clean?
And would it also be worth asking to replace the fuel filter in the service?

Money is tight unfortunately, hence the delay in all of this. I love the car but it's just feeling really deflated and lethargic currently and i'm hoping to renew it a little.

Thanks guys, really appriciate it. Sorry for not being so petrol headed, but have never really had the experience with cars!

 

[markjay]

I can't help with the faults, but bellow are the scheduled service items that you should consider for your car:

Engine oil to MB spec sheet 229.3 or 229.5, and oil filter - change at every A and B service

Cabin (pollen) filter - every B service

Fuel filter - every 4 years

Spark plugs - every 4 years

Brake Fluid - every 2 years

ATF and filter (if automatic) - once at 37,500 miles.

Coolant - 15 years (if long life coolant).

Hope this helps.

 

[Mikem4]

Hi, yeah I had a rough idea of that already. Kwikfit give me the option to replace the break fluid also.

The service history of the car is a shambles it's had nothing changed except in 09 when it had everything done. Admittedly I ran it through an A service last year when it was due as I didn't really understand it's history at the time I just went on the Service A Due message in the car.

Would you recommend the BG44K or Kwikfit servicing etc for cost efficiency?

 

[markjay]

This is tricky. An A or B service is essentially just an oil and filter change, plus some checks.

I am assuming that Kwik-Fit will change the engine oil and filter, but will not carry out the checks.

Presumably/hopefully Kwik-Fit will use oil to the correct spec and good quality filter.

More crucially an Indie will put the car on STAR and check for stored or present faults.

But even if not following the full MB service routine, I think that an indie who knows these cars will still be able to spot issue and have a quick check for known faults (split vacuum hose, 'oil in loom' - leaking cam sensors, rattling timing chain, etc).

I would prefer an indie.

 

[martyz]

^+1 for the sake of £60,take it to someone that knows MB cars.