1989 230E Coughs and Sputters

[Pipkin]

Please help resolve a problem that started recently on my W124 230E with 280k on the clock. The car “coughs” and “sputters” badly after ten to twenty minutes driving; even worse when going uphill and the weather is hot. The car, when stationary (in Park mode) experienced an occasional sputter – rpm dips from 1k to about 0.5k for a split second. The problem is more prominent when in drive mode when at traffic lights or junctions with the A/C switched on. Under acceleration from between 10k to 20k rpm, the engine sputters very badly to the odd occasions where the car dies on the road. The car had problem restarting but after replacement of ICU, it can be restarted almost immediately.

Parts tested and replaced:
• EHA Valve initially unplugged but problem still occurs. Unit later replaced.
• ICU replaced due to starting problem.
• Fuel Pump Relay replaced and problem persisted.
• OVP contacts cleaned; 10amp fuse still intact.
• HT leads and distributor checked for connectivity; no problems detected.
• Fuel injectors replaced.

Mechanic suggested replacing the fuel pump but would appreciate advice from forum members. Have already spent a substantial amount of money on parts (and labour) and just need to confirm that replacing fuel pump will resolved this issue.

[yal]

After all these changes was your fuel/air mixture set?

[Pipkin]

Thanks Yal for the suggestion. And yes, mechanic looked at mixture but said that is not the problem. Problem occurs only after 10 to 20 mins of driving and from 10k to 20k rpm.

If its mixture problem, would be more consistent.

[joesgirl]

Hey. I'm not mechanical at all..... but I just posted the "Good God..." post. Your problem is veeeerrrrrryyyy similar to mine. I think it's going to be the ECU. I'll know by the end of the day. lea p

[Pipkin]

Hope and pray its not the ECU...cos that is gonna cost a fair bit to replace. Anyway, car is now in workshop and having the fuel pump replaced. Will let keep you informed of outcome.

[joesgirl]

I just thought I'd like you know that it IS the ECU. And, you are right about the cost. I'm one hell of a researcher, though, and I stayed on this computer night and day looking for a replacement. New ECU is anywhere from $1700 to $2 grand. I found out that mine could be "refurbished" (I don't think that's the correct terminology here...) for about $800. BUT, I kept searching and found two really great places on Ebay. One is a refurb part with a three year warranty for about $450, and the other is a salvage part with a one year warranty for $200 (car had about 70k). I thought I'd go ahead and buy the cheaper one and give it a try (not too much money to lose, I thought...comparatively). The mechanic is having someone reprogram (I also do not think this is the right word....) the ECU to my car for another $200. He's doing the labor for free (another story..), but, moral of story, I DID get a lucky strike -- so maybe it will work out for me. Yes, hopefully it is nothing so complicated and problematic for you.......... I'll wait to hear. LP PS, maybe I shouldn't have put this in writing ----- JINX MYSELF?!