I have a 2009 E320 Blutec that needs a new steering pump.

I am a pretty good mechanic with all the normal tools, and i am wondering if this is a job I can do, or should I just swallow the $1375 plus tax that the shop will charge?

None of the videos online cover this exact model, the difference being that the Bluetec engine has the oil filter squeezed in above the steering pump. Will this make access much more difficult? (The videos for the other Mercedes engines look pretty straightforward.)

Have any other members done this job on this model? I would really appreciate some advice, Thanks

A "pretty good mechanic" should be fine for this job. Take your time and label things as needed.

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Jim

Thank you for the encouragement Jim.

In my 50 years plus working on engines, almost exclusively European, I have replaced several power steering pumps, (and whole steering assemblies for that matter) but this pump, mounted on the Bluetec diesel, just seems to be particularly inaccessible. Are you familiar with this particular motor?

You are probably going to have to remove the oil filter tower to get it out. See thread here for how to do it, and the gasket you should probably replace anyway, since it's probably rock hard and inevitably going to start leaking on you...http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/403102-om642-oil-filter-gasket.html

And have a look at this thread this will give some good hints on how to take apart the front end of the engine which you'll need to do to get the belt off.
You won't have to take off the mixing chamber but you will have to take off the discharge muffler on the left side to be able to reach things.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/3966391-post21.html

I would go ahead and pull the radiator fan, it is not hard at all to do and will give you much easier access to things in front. Take off the 9 bolts holding the cross bar, flip over, unclip the hood release cable, unclip line from fan shroud below the fan, unplug power connector, pull fan assembly up. But then slip a piece of cardboard behind the radiator so you don't accidentally hit it and bend the fins.

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

Jay-Bob, Thank you so much for the informed advice. It confirms my initial inspection that the filter tower would be in the way.

Not too long ago, I replaced the serpentine belt, so I already know about removing the electric cooling fan. I think that perhaps removing the radiator reservoir might also improve access. I will go ahead and start disassembly tomorrow.

I will take pictures too. It might help with re-assembly and with the next member who decides to do it.

Thanks again - I'll keep you informed with my progress.

Jack

Jay-bob,
Your instructions for "W211 CAN Bus problems" overlap so much of what I will have to do, that i am going to print them out so they will be to hand.
I started today, but got rained off. Got as far as removing the electric radiator fan and the belt cover.
Intercooler hoses and serpentine belt tomorrow morning.

Jack