I'm ready to blow up my W124066 320CE cabriolet. Had the typicle hunting idle as discussd on this forum, so removed the throttle body off my HFM injected 104. Checked the crancase beather hoes and decidec to change them while I had it apart. Well the litle nipple broke off the plastic manifold ( yes I cut it down the side as I did do my mechanics apprenticeship) si that meant off with the manifold. Repaired the nipple and refitted the manifold & cleaned/serviced the injectors as well. Reasembled everything but the bastard wont start. It wants to start, even catching a couple of cylinders, but wont. That stupid design manifold flap vacuumn pump is singing all the time, and I got a decoder from th States. Codes are as follows. Pin 8. code 25- CMP sensor not recognised/implausable. Code35- Model 124,129 & 140 air pump switchover vale &/or electromagnetic AIR pump clutch. (Australian models dont have n air pump so WTF) and code 49- voltage suply at engine implausable/low volts.
Now battery is fine, car cranks over fine, OVP fuse is fine and the car had a new engine harness in 2001. also I cannot clear the codes as per instruction manual of the decoder,which I might add is the same diagnosic system as was on my 199 740 turbo volvo, & I could work that fine.
Am I MISSING something here!

so o ideas then. Tell you what, I will scrap the mercedes engine and gearbox and their control systems and replace them with good quality, reliable, affordable and oil leak free General Motors parts, that should fix all of the above no cost extra problems that come with the car!

Ask your questions at the Aussie Benz site.

http://ozbenz.net/index.php

There are a few Aussie M.B. mechanics who post on that site.

I have that same car albeit a coupe. It has 200K (320km) and it runs like a dream. But it took some money and determination. Over here we rely on independent Mercedes mechanics to work on the older models. While it sounds like you are competent perhaps a visit to your local Benz indie is needed.
Good luck mate,
Anziani
'93 300CE 200K
'95 E420 122K

Yeh been there done that, but after spending $25000 over and above the purchase price on repairs you get to the point when you say enough is enough. After all why have $65K tied up in a car that's worth maybe $20K to the right donkey. Dont get me wrong, it is still a thing of beauty and competent drive, but my '55 Chev Belair cost less an pulls more admireres and is still worth what it ows me. Benz sevice centers here (non factory) are few and far between and charge around $150 per hour plus. So you see my quandary!

Yes, ouch!!! Your car in SO CAL sells for around 10K(USD) And private Benz mechanics charge about $90/ hour and there are plenty of them. I feel your pain.
Anziani
'93 300CE 200K
'95 E420 122K