I have a 1997 E300 that has had a reoccurring surging problem. The car has 55,000 miles and has had the intake resonance flaps replaced 3-4 times. This is what the dealer says is wrong every time I take it in. Is this normal? I have a 83 240D also that is much more reliable. Anyway, I bought the car used but it was a Starmark certified vehicle so assumed it was well taken care of, and of course it's a Mercedes. Has anyone seen this or have any advice for me? I have not been successful with getting the dealer to admit there is a problem. I also plan on contacting MB direct very soon this is not the only problem this car has had it seems like it is always in the shop.

It is my understanding after reading several sources that many 96 and 97 E300 had surging problems. These problems were apparantly resolved in the 98 and 99 model year. I have a 99 E300 with 28K miles and have not had any surging problems to date. You might try using the search function here to get more info. Good luck working with your dealer.

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99 E300 133K
98 ML320 99K
87 Saab 900 Turbo Conv 123K

I have a 95E300 which has the same engine as your car (non turbo six). At high altitudes it had severe surging that decreased the lower we drove. The dealer said there was a program for this, but they would not tell me what parts they replaced. Anyhow the next time we drove up to Santa Fe the car had the same problem, so I know they either didn't fix it, or there is a second problem that causes the surging. Since we live at 350 feet above sea level the problem does not occur here. Is this a similar problem you are having, or is it happening all the time?
Steve

I had a similar problem when my 97 'E300 D had 10k miles on it. At 2500 RPM it would surge. Todate with 92 k, not a recurrence.

My problem was the two vacumn valves above and next to the exhaust manifold. Apparently the heat from the manifold was ruining the valves. I crafted a heat shield which I attached to the manifold and have not had a problem since.

I have not had any surging problems to date either.

To date your flaps are being replaced every 12-15K. This is inexusable!! If I had your experience and had spent the $$$$ on a Star Marketed (intenional) car, I would seriously consider a Breach of Contract or Lemon Law filing. At the very least this would get their attention and encourage them to really fix your car. Sometimes you have to play hardball... It is a shame this is happening with MB more often.

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1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction