95 E320 EGR problem/fix options/price

[Chi95E320]

A month ago, my 95 E320 (143k) sedan's check engine light (CEL) came on. I sorta ignored the problem since the car ran fine and that I passed the emission test about four months ago and there's no funny noises, poor gas mileage or odor. Then I started doing some online research and found out that I can get the fault code by pressing the button black button near the battery. I got code #5 and #9.
#5 = egr inoperative
#9 = intake air temp sensor-open or short circuit

I decided to take the car in to the dealer to get the full diagnosis. They determine that it's the egr pipe is clogged and the egr valve is functioning properly. He didn't even mention the intake air temp sensor. He wanted $1200 to replace the egr pipe. So I was wondering how much this part costs and what the part # is so that I could possibly buy the part and have my local mechanic replace the pipe.

Also, is the intake air-temp sensor the one that's near the air filter?

Thanks in advance.

[dtf]

Don't pay $1200. The Search function will show you how to make a cheap tool to clean out the pipe using a drill and some wire. At most a dealer should charge no more than $600 for the job. BTW I think it the section of pipe that goes around the back of the engine the needs the cleaning - not the part in front.

[Arthur Dalton]

Just change the pipe to the new modified part and be done with it.
Call Phil here . It is about $100..

[mbdoc]

The "factory" flat rate on replacing that pipe is 3.5 hrs! The parts required should LIST for less than $175. Enen at $100@hr that is a $500 job!

[skiier3_9]

Just out of curiousity what dealership was that at where you were quoted 1200? I'd like to add it to my list of MB Stealership's never to buy a car from.

Thanks!

BTW> You can clean the pipe or replace it as suggested and neither job is terrribly difficult. To replace the pipe you will need to take off the intake to get the old pipe out and the new one in. This thread here should be of come assistance:

94 e320 EGR tube cleaning How many hours to do?

[dtf]

By the way - welcome to the Forum.

[Chi95E320]

Thanks for the additional info. I live in the northern suburb of chicago and I went to the one in lake bluff, IL. I'm sure the $1200 quote that I got is probably what most dealership will charge around here. I've only driven this car for only two years but it's been in the family for over 12 years now. And I know how most MB service ceters charge an arm and a leg for just about any type of work.

Here are my options:

1) Take it to my mechanic and have him change the egr pipe for less than $1200.

2) Drive with the CEL on and reset the button just before the emission test and hope that I pass the emission test. Matter fact, in illinois, I could get the emission tested for $20 w/o being counted as an official test. I have a feeling I could still pass the emission test (Assuming the CEL is off) since I got my car tested this summer and passed and the CEL light went on a few months afterwards. I doubt that the carbon build up occured in just a few months.

3) Take it to the dealer and try to knock down the price by getting other repairs done at the same time (such as my crumbling engine wiring harness)

Anyways, thanks guys.

[Chi95E320]

oops. I meant 11 years. The car was originally purchased in dec 94.

[skiier3_9]

I would at least attempt to clean the tube from the bottom (intake) side of the engine. Disconnect the tube at the intake (its tricky but you can do it with a 10mm open end wrench) and also unbolt it next to the oil filter and then you'll be able to use a pipe cleaner or something to clean the carbon deposits out of the intake side where they build up.

I did this in July or August and have put 5k miles on the car w/o having any reoccurence of code 5 or the CEL. I know most will recommend changing the tube with the updated part but cleaning it was free and I haven't had to do it since.