when did MB go computer controlled?
 

I hear all kinds of horror stories about $1000 wiring harness in later models, and computer problems in them also. When did all these problems begin to arise? I am looking to get a second MB, but I dont want anything with those problems.

The first MB diesel in the USA with computer controlled "anything" was the 1984 300DT california version.

The first completely computer controlled MB diesel in the USA was 2005 CDI.

The wiring problems were on 1992-96 cars.

Like most things in life you've got to pick your poison.

I like the computers in my 99. Provides me all kinds of data when truobleshooting.

The 1996 thru 1999 were somewhat computer controlled as they had to meet ODB2 specs.

But they still used a mechanical injection pump. The computer was for emissions like EGR & for boost.

The 1998-99's were the BEST of the later non-CDI diesels!

The OM606 diesel used in the 96-99 MBs is 100% computer controlled. There is still a mechanical injection pump, but the fuel rack for that pump is controlled by an electronic actuator. There is no mechanical governor.

All of the OM60x diesels have idle speed regulation of some kind.

The 90-93 300D 2.5T has an electronically controlled wastegate (vacuum actuator, where the vacuum is electronically regulated).

There's more... but thats all I know off the top of my head.

well i love the information you can get from the computers, just trying to avoid computer breakdowns I hear are fairly common, and expensive in the mid to late 90's. I love the cars, just lookin for the best ones.

I don't believe this is the case with the '96 and older diesels. I know mine has a vacuum-controlled transmission and the accelerator pedal is mechanical, i.e. there's no pedal position sensor, just a good old cable.

I love the OBDII cars, plug in and they tell you whats broke. It takes all the fun out of trouble shooting!:D

My buddies 98 E300D is cake to fix. CE light comes on, scan codes, replace FUBAR part, reset, keep going. On my SDL you actualy need so skill to figure out what is broke.:D

I'd actualy prefer a more modern car that you can plug a laptop into, and really see whats going on. Can you do that with the W211's?

Hmm, hook up the laptop, pop in the FSM CD and it'll even show you how to fix it.:D
Now that'd be an idea.
Personally, I'd just prefer a car that doesn't need a computer to fix it.

Its fine for cars to have a CAN system where independent systems can diagnose faults based on a string of inter-networks. But once that stuff gets old, they're a throwaway unit. And some of the black-boxes that fail have to be programmed SPECIFICALLY for the car! No more swap and drop, guys!

You make it sound so easy. I wish it were like that! Most of the issues that I've had showed no codes at all.

You dont HAVE to use the info the computers provide. It's acceptable to ignore its clues and stand around scratching your head wondering what in the heck the problem is like the old days......:rolleyes::D

Get a Mercedes diesel old enough to avoid computers and you'll be paying for transmissions, HVAC systems, etc., instead. And, you ought to replace all the suspension rubber, too.

you have to give up some things for the other...


OBDII or good trouble shooting


give me OBDII any day

Look again. Your '96 has a TPS sitting at the left rear of the hood. The cable that goes through into the engine compartment is for the transmission.

Your injection pump has no mechanical linkage of any kind.