2002 C230 coupe, 95,000 miles
Check engine light came on.
Local mechanic told my daughter she needs a new supercharger.
I don't have any other details right now.
I'll look into it to be sure that this is truly the case.

My question is can this be a DIY?
I'm pretty good around the garage and if it's just a matter of unbolting and rebolting things I could certainly do it.

Thanks, Dan

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2012 E350 Bluetech

MB supercharger failures are extremely rare. What fault codes were found?

Not quite the same, but when the turbo on the wife's Volvo blew a seal and sent oil everywhere, out independent who is a good personal friend told me that it was do-able, but a little finicky to get it just right. Suggested that he do the job rather than I, and I let him go at it. Not cheap.

But as the previous poster noted, I'd want a careful reasonable discussion that convinced ME that the blower was indeed, in fact, and really actually the problem.

Thanks for the inputs.
I don't have the codes yet. I'll post them when my daughter brings them over.
I won't procede with this repair unless I am certain the supercharger is the culprit.

Dan

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2012 E350 Bluetech

I talked to the mechanic.
He didn't have the code numbers but the descriptions were:
"Secondary air malfunction" and "Secondary air too low".
On the estimate is written, "Found supercharger has insufficient performance and is loud".

Could be a leaky gasket somewhere?
Can I tell anything by pulling the belt and turning the SC pulley by hand?

Dan

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2012 E350 Bluetech

The supercharger does double-duty on this car, in addition to being used in the standard fashion as a supercharger it is also used as an air pump for the secondary air-injection system. There are a series of diverter-flaps and switchover valves that accomplish this task, a malfunction in any of these devices can cause the codes your mechanic reported.

In addition a weak O2 sensor or a plugged line in the air injection tubing has also been know to trigger this code.

I'd like to know a whole lot more about exactly what was done to determine the supercharger is at fault, there are a whole lot of other things that are more likely to cause this code (P0410 I think?)

Do a search for 'P0410 + C230' for more info.

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98 Dodge-Cummins pickup (123k)
13 GLK250 (135k)
06 E320CDI (323K)
16 C300 (62K)
82 300GD Gelaendewagen (54K)

The previous post says it all.

FWIW, I've never seen a faulty blower cause an air injection malfunction. As far as it being noisy, that's a very subjective issue. Does your guy have experience with these engines? Does he have a similar car in the shop to use for a comparison?

The O2 sensor and/or the re-circulation motor are much more likely to cause your problem. The O2 sensor is easy to test. The re-circ motor not quite so simple. If your guy is trying to sell you a supercharger for this problem I'd recommend you get a second opinion just to be safe.

Thanks for the comments.

My daughter said the car sounds the same to her and she hasn't noticed any performance changes.
I think I'll get the car over to the dealer for a second opinion.
However, the mechanic cleared the codes.
Should we wait until the CE light is back before going to the dealer?

Dan

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2012 E350 Bluetech

There's always the option of putting black tape over the Check Engine light.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

The more information the dealer has, the easier it will be for them to fix the problem.

Good point.
The CE light is back on so we'll be taking it to the dealer soon.

Dan

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2012 E350 Bluetech

Have a read through this thread

http://ozbenz.net/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=11863

The person in question required a new supercharger for the want of a $ 5.00 spring.

Thanks for the link.
What a pain for such a small part.
This is my daughter's car and she hasn't noticed any change in power so the spring is probably ok.

Dan

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2012 E350 Bluetech

Well, $135 later, the dealer said the problem was a shut-off valve.
They gave me the part number and I bought one online for $62.
It was very easy to replace.
I cleared the code and time will tell if the fix is good.
Depending on what happens, I may have to have a little discussion with the original shop that wanted to replace the SC.

Dan

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2012 E350 Bluetech

Much cheaper than replacing the S/C for sure! They very rarely fail, I would not take the car back to the original shop as it sounds they are unfamiliar with the vehicle.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth