2009 ML Bluetec - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Muskie44 · #1 10-07-2018, 07:51 AM

Serious problem with my 2009 ML 320 bluetec, 170k. Had a turbo failure, drove it back up north from Florida in limp mode. Replaced the turbo, but has had serious oil burning and intermittent turbo failure since. Burning about 1 quart every 400 miles.

My mechanic says that the DPF filter is plugged by all of the oil burning and the exhaust cannot be released, we have cleaned it numerous times but the car still plugs up and the turbo fails and it goes into limp mode. He has suggested that I install an exhaust bypass, but will this solve the oil burning problem if the oil is getting past the rings? He said the compression test is good. The turbo is still under warranty but replacing it without doing something else will just be circular reasoning. Is this a common problem with these engines?

I have poured money in this thing and will need to get more miles from it to get my money out, am I crazy?

jay_bob · #2 10-08-2018, 10:26 PM

Not trying to be critical but the vehicle was trying to tell you something. Limp mode means, something is wrong enough that if you keep driving it like this, it will make it worse. Don't know how far you drove it like that but it sounds like a significant distance.

You're actually quite fortunate it didn't run away, hydrolock, or start on fire.

Saw this happen on a Cummins generator on a customer site a while back. 2.5 MW generator with a 16 cylinder quad turbo engine. One of the turbos failed and dumped lube oil into the cylinders it supported. Engine hydrolocked but not before belching massive quantities of white smoke.

They rebuilt the engine in situ but it took them 6 weeks. In Chicago. In January.

83w126 · #3 10-09-2018, 12:37 AM

I have had 3 Mercedes Diesels now, I am pretty sure the 300SDL I have now will be the last. Not necessary that owning them was a terrible experience, because it wasn't, but the older ones are old and slow and parts are rapidly disappearing, and the newer ones are complex enough that keeping them in shape for daily use will be quite an undertaking. If I did change my mind and get another, I'd probably only consider an OM 602/603 or OM606.

jay_bob · #4 10-09-2018, 08:07 PM

I have the following experiences with OM642s:

I bought a 2008 ML320 CDI in the summer of 2013 with 101 k miles. I have had to redo the oil cooler seals/swirl flap motor/crankcase breather. It has needed a new crank angle sensor and one of the temperature sensors in the exhaust failed. Other than that it has been trouble free. Originally bought for my wife to drive, now my eldest son has it up at Clemson and it is in the low 150k’s.

I bought a 2014 ML350 BT in the spring of 2017 with 53 k miles. It is now just outside of CPO warranty. No troubles so far. Up to about 65 k miles now.

And finally I bought for me a 2008 E320 BT this past spring (2018) with 179 k miles. 185 k miles now. Oil cooler done by indie mechanic by prior owner. Running great.

So with a combined 7 years and almost 70k miles between the three vehicles I have no problem saying that this engine does not deserve such a bad reputation.

The only weak spot is the oil cooler seals on pre-2011 engines. It is not as bad a job as everyone makes it out to be and can certainly be done DIY with the proper tools and attention to detail.

DDAY · #5 10-10-2018, 09:27 AM

I bought a 2008 E320 Bluetec in 2013. It had 93,000 miles and the oil cooler was leaking. The car now has 244,000 miles and the oil cooler is still leaking a small amount --- about 1/2 quart in 10,000 miles. I will not repair the leak at this rate. I had to replace the glow plug relay. A $135 part and an easy plug-in repair.

I bought a 2009 E320 Bluetec recently. The Check Engine light was on when I bought it. Required a new EGR valve for about $650 part and labor. This car has 98,000 miles and runs fine. Oil cooler not leaking. I have absolutely no history on this car.

A big plus on this vintage E-class. I live in the rust belt where there is a lot of salt used in the winter. Neither of these cars has any rust. MB has whipped the corrosion problem on the W211. Liberal use of plastic body parts in the areas where rust usually attacks is a big help.

tjts1 · #6 10-10-2018, 09:39 AM

As emissions rules get more strict, diesel engines become more complex and failure prone. At some point you have to question the value equation better fuel economy vs higher maintainance costs. Is it any wonder Mercedes along with just about every other manufacturer has abandoned the diesel passenger vehicles?

chronometers · #7 10-10-2018, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

As emissions rules get more strict, diesel engines become more complex and failure prone. At some point you have to question the value equation better fuel economy vs higher maintainance costs. Is it any wonder Mercedes along with just about every other manufacturer has abandoned the diesel passenger vehicles?

This is why many delivery companies are moving away from sprinters...the modern diesel engines cost too much to maintain per mile driven.

Father Of Giants · #8 10-10-2018, 05:46 PM

No because to find a diesel Mercedes in good condition cost 2 to 3 times as an equivalent gasser.

W210's and W124's are at rock bottom, especially W210 wagon's, people are almost giving them away.

Heck, I might get a 1996-1991 Buick Park avenue or another wagon. Honestly if the title was in my name, I would of sold my brother's 300SDL for $1000.

View Poll Results: Would you buy a Mercedes Diesel again?
No Never, a money pit	1	11.11%
Yes, but not a bluetec	3	33.33%
If you have had both diesel and gas which do you prefer	1	11.11%
Love diesel engines	6	66.67%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 9. You may not vote on this poll