The e350 CDI, which was first considered a reliable and long-lasting vehicle, unexpectedly transformed into a car that required extensive repairs after being driven for just 2,000 km.

[TDudette]

I purchased a charming e350 cdi blueefficiency convertible from an individual vendor. The vehicle had around 100,000 miles on the odometer and operated smoothly and flawlessly.

The owner seemed to have maintained the item, however they had personally performed all the maintenance tasks, resulting in little documentation.

The automobile was well maintained and I was little infatuated. Just before to the summer, I made the decision to purchase it. I have never purchased anything that cost more than $1,000, and I always used my automobiles until they were inoperable. However, with my most recent car, I kept using it until I became tired of repeatedly repairing the catalytic converter, which was stolen on several occasions (at least three times, although I stopped keeping track).

Initially, everything was going well for the first 2,000 kilometres. I acquired a tan on my arms and had compliments from unfamiliar individuals about my automobile, which amused me.

One day, the automobile had a malfunction where it was unable to shift gears and became stuck in 4th gear. As a result, I took it to my nearby and helpful garage for repairs.

I received a bill of $1,000 for the replacement of a turbocharger and swirl flap actuator, which marked the beginning of a challenging experience.

After extensively researching the topic, I am certain that I have a partially blocked fuel injector, resulting in the formation of black crystalline deposits. I discovered a substantial lump, similar in size to coal, in close proximity to the oil dipstick.

The performance drastically declined after the modifications to the actuator, resulting in erratic behaviour like that of a kangaroo, with a refusal to exceed around 2,000 revolutions per minute.

The vehicle has shown a wide range of error codes, including overboost, underboost, excessive EGR flow, insufficient EGR flow, different electrical shorts, and malfunctioning xenon lights. Although I cannot recall all of the specific codes, I have purchased an Autel scanner to get more detailed information. I will compile all of them and then place them here at a later time.

I brought it to MSL, but unfortunately, on the day I brought it, the error codes were not being generated. They allowed me a period of time to test drive the automobile, so I operated it for one hour, at varying speeds, experiencing occasional instability, like the movements of a kangaroo. However, at the conclusion of the hour, no error codes were detected. I was informed that the map could be faulty. Although I did not have the automobile mapped, it is possible that the prior owner did.

The turbocharger has started emitting a noise like that of an airliner, and when I release pressure from the accelerator, a whistling sound similar to that of a dump valve is heard. Prior to replacing the actuator, the noise had never occurred. Therefore, I returned the vehicle to the shop that first performed the job, and they conducted a leak test using a smoke machine. After failing to uncover any issues, they proceeded to block the EGR as a means of testing and let me to drive the vehicle. The automobile has regained its smooth operation, however it has not fully returned to its previous optimal condition and is still experiencing issues with the EGR system and sometimes displaying DPF error codes.

Currently, I am using a different car. I have made arrangements with Mercedes to address the passenger airbag recall for my cherished automobile. However, I am uncertain about the most prudent course of action, as I do not want to invest further funds without a reasonable expectation of a positive outcome.

To a certain extent, I have derived pleasure from the experience, since I have always harboured a desire to expand my knowledge of automobiles, given my background in computer science. It served as a refreshing diversion from my usual routine. I am not really inclined to dispose of it; instead, I like to attempt to rectify the situation independently. Fortunately, I have the advantageous circumstance of being able to work from home on most days and having access to another vehicle if necessary.

Do you have any ideas on the course of action to take after the vehicle is returned from Mercedes?

Is there any method by which I may create a backup of a song or similar content before it is seen by others who will undoubtedly update the Engine Control Unit (ECU), despite my express instructions to avoid the emissions upgrade?

If you have reached this far, I appreciate your time and effort in reading.

[bvlenci]

Wishing you success with your automobile.

[Motoman]

Acquiring the ECU map requires specialised equipment, an area in which I possess little knowledge. If you explicitly want to merely do the recall process, I believe they cannot compel you to complete the upgrade.

Were the turbocharger and actuator original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components or aftermarket? Has the automobile ever functioned properly after they performed maintenance on it?

[TDudette]

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