You can minimally eliminate the EGR valve using this bypass:

EGR AGR valve emulator for Mercedes Benz CDI OM611 OM612 OM646 OM647 OM648

I bought from same seller 2 years ago and have not had any EGR issues (that is a performance enhancement to me....had issues with EGR getting stuck from time to time before install) since I installed it. It will take a bit longer for engine to get to operating temp. but if you drive mostly 5 mile+ trips, it shouldn't be a problem.

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-- Chris

'95 E300, 216k miles, Silver Surfer
'05 E320 CDI, 138k miles
'07 S550 4matic, 69k miles

Gone but not forgotten:

'76 300D, 350k miles?, SOLD in 1995
'75 240D, 300k miles, SOLD in 1991