Engine Control Module for 103.983 engine-300TE 1991

[Rusty Boltz]

I am being told that I need a new engine control module by MB Dealership in 91 300TE wagon. I have not found a part by this name on my W124 CD. Is anyone familliar with this term? could it be a reference to an EHA or engine systems control unit (N16)? I am at a loss as to what they are calling an $1,115 part with dealer cost of $675 and want to try to evaluate their diagnosis.

Thanks,

Bob

[fahrgewehr2]

Probably referring to the ECM (engine control module). Might be called ECU in the manual.

Just buy one used - mine went out a few years ago and I bought one for $50.00 from www.car-part.com.

I think there are several different part numbers that will work in your car.

Forget the dealer, no reason in the world to buy this part new. Did they even swap yours out with a known-to-be-good unit to verify that they have actually identified the defective part, or are they shotgunning parts at the car?

Takes 5 minuted to put a new one in, max. Just unhook the battery, then swap out the unit. It is located near the battery by the firewall on 124 cars, I think.

What is wrong with the car?

[Rusty Boltz]

The dealer seems to be refering to the Engine systems control unit (N16 in my service manual). I went to see my car and the N16 (located by the battery as you described) was dangling from a cable connected to a moniter and another similar unit was plugged into its place, although it was obviously part to the diagnostic monitor and permanetely connected by a cable.

HISTORY: The problem is severe fuel delivery issues. My prime candidates were O2 sensor, OVP, Idle control valve, EHA, or fuel distributor (possibly plunger sticking). History of car prior to my purchase in July:

Owner brought to dealership for engine stall and die when acclerating from a stop, next complaint smoking on acceleration, again stalling, smoking and poor gas milage. These same complaints were repeated several times when car was taken to dealer for service. I know this because I insisted on having the complete service records when I bought the car from the dealership. The last service entry was in May when the dealership sent the car through the shop for used car evaluation and prep.

I purchased it and immediately experienced the above problems. There is no indication that the original problem was fixed and I see all the same symptoms including black smoke and milage ranging from 9.5 to 12.1 mpg.

It is hard for me to believe that our MB dealer had the car in so many times over the course of a few months without solving this if it is fairly simple. They should have even solved it if it has more than one cause.

ANYWAY THEY ARE INSISTING THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PART. I have looked into a DTPA suit (Deceptive Trade Practices Act) since discussions with the previous owner and the repeated visits for the same problem indicate that the problem was never fixed and it was deliberately passed on to the first sucker to bite (me). FYI the DTPA is a good law protecting consumers, but the dealer has 60 days after being served with notice of the charges. They generally make you wait the entire 60 days without a functioning car before responding one way or the other.

Anyway I love the car and may not pursue legal action if this part fixes the car and especially if they decide to pick up the cost. Otherwise I will report here and let other people in Corpus Christi know the kind of people we have representing MB in our town.

The $50 you suggested would be great if it is possible to find one to fit the 91 300TE.. I wouldn't mind paying that, just not the $675 or more the dealer is suggesting.

Bob

[derickson]

I'm facing the same problem on my 89 300TE - rich running, terrible mileage, no power. Checked all the usual fuel culprits- every time I replace something (like the fuel pressure distributor - $400 ) it gets better for a day, then the problem returns. It's fine when cold, but awful when engine warms up. This seems to be a problem others have seen- what was the solution? ECM?

[michael cole]

excuse me for asking the obvious.but has the basic tuneup been performed?by that i mean plugs,rotor and cap

[derickson]

yes, plugs/cap/rotor two years ago. Nearly all FI components (injectors, o2, coolant temp sense, fuel pressure reg) within last two months are new, as well as swapping out ECM with known good. No difference.