Can I get a confirmation that the only way to delete the EGR system on a 1997 E300D without having cel codes being thrown is to

Cut the EGR pipe in half (dremel with diamond cutting wheel), and on the cutexhaust side, flattened it in a bench vise and folded the flattened end over several times, like a toothpaste tube.

On the intake side, first washed that half to get all the metal dust out from cutting it. I then attached a small filter from Autozone. It was only about $14 and looks to be surprisingly well constructed. I connected it to the intake half of the EGR pipe using a short section of 1 1/4" clear vinyl tubing from the hardware store, and two hose clamps.

The vinyl tubing has a VERY thick wall and is quite stiff. It fit snugly over the steel egr pipe and also over the filter without the clamps, but due to engine vibration, the clamps are necessary. I don't know how well the vinyl will hold up to the heat,

With that said there is no way to do it like with a 1995 model to tie the flap open and to install BB's in the vac hoses to block the exhaust gases?

I liked this easy way better. Thanks

if you do this you are a federal crimminal.....

Hey panzzer don't you really have anything better to do ? Your posts scream out " I have no friends so I'll reply with goofy retorts hoping someone will play me. Better to troll the singles or gay forums then here where people are only looking for advice on repairing their older Mercedes.

The 1996 and 1997 OM606NA engines can tell if the EGR valve is electrically disconnected or if the vacuum to the valve is blocked and so will throw a code. However, they cannot tell if the path through the valve is blocked. Therefore, simply replace the sheet-metal gasket that lives between the EGR valve and the crossover pipe with a solid (no center hole) gasket. Leave the accordion pipe in place and the system will look stock while actually doing nothing.

__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970