JHZR2,

No sir. I don't believe that the TPS was the problem at all.

As I understand it, the resonance flaps "adjust" the theoretical "length" of the intake manifold, according to what the operating conditions are, i.e. rpm, gear, load, throttle position, etc. Someone jump in here, if I have it wrong.

Think of the old days when the Max-Wedge Plymouths ran a manifold design called the "cross-ram". This was a high rpm item only. It performed poorly at low engine speeds. With the resonance flaps, Mercedes can make the engine perform better at all engine speeds and loads - it "shortens" the intake for low-speed events and "lengthens" the intake for higher engine speed operation (depending on a lot of other information sent to the engine's control module by a bunch of sensors). The path of the air thru the intake is "tuned" for the best cylinder fill by opening or closing one, or the other, or both of the flaps. I guess that Mercedes was trying what they could since the 1997 models weren't turbocharged. Again, if I have this wrong, someone correct me, or help me out. Even if I have it all wrong, my assumptions helped fix the car.

I think what was happening to me was that the gunked up intake was causing the flaps to stick (and sometimes break), setting a code. The odd thing is that the drivability didn't suffer that much; the check engine light was annoying. The dealership never replaced the TPS, and neither have I. I don't doubt that they can be the cause of problems like this one, I just don't think it caused mine. Also, let me clarify something from my original post. Surging in my car was almost unperceptable, if not non-existant.
I think my comments were related to others who have had surging problems.

Again....no carbon or "gunk"......no stuck flaps......no problem.

Good power (for a naturally apirated car) and great mileage.

While we are here, does anyone know how to shut down the "anti-spin" feature or traction control.... I can't remember what Mercedes actually calls it. Sometimes we don't need for this to be working.

Steven

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StevenB
2005 Mercedes Benz E320 CDI
1998 Dodge 3500 Laramie Quad-Cab Dually - 12 valve Cummins.
1996 Honda Goldwing SE.
1997 GMC Suburban SLT