Originally Posted by scottmcphee

I put a manual boost controller on mine, solved the weak wastegate spring. Could only achieve 0.7 bar max without it, now I get as much boost as the turbo is capable of but have set to controller to let go at about 1 bar.

Aware of the danger, I added a boost gauge monitor in the car (at eye level) with a bright blue LED that goes off if the boost goes over 1.1 bar. I have disconnected all the over-boost protection lines and solenoid on the car to clean it up.

Remember, diesels only need as much boost as needed to burn available fuel. Overboosting adds no more power beyond that point.

I also have my ALDA off, I find the faster turbo spool up and higher release pressure offers more air to help properly burn what would otherwise be black smoke coming out the end. That results in more power... as in I can squawk the tires on this baby.

So... I suggest if you have sans-ALDA and do find yourself blowing black check your boost levels. If sagging, add a manual boost controller. $20 ebay. It's a brass T and spring and ball valve.. You'll need to toss the hose barbs that come with it and gets ones that fit Mercedes hose on the wastegate.

Originally Posted by Phil

Mine is a little different, see picture, but same idea. There is a lock nut around the adj. screw, red arrow. Loosen the nut then use an allen wrench to turn the screw then take it on a test ride. What you are adjusting is the spring tension inside the waste gate. You need a gauge connected but I just put one in line and ran the tube through the passanger side window so I could see what I had. I had to adjust it two or three times to get it where I wanted then just tightened the lock nut. Some day I want to install a permanent gauge. It shows the procedure in the manual if you have one.