Hi,

my 1996 E320 (W210) is throwing the CEL. I scanned the code and got P0400 indicating EGR Malfunction. I did a search and many posts suggest to try cleaning/replacing the EGR pipe, what I find difficult according to the posts.

My question is: Can I continue driving the car for a short time without damaging the engine until I get it fixed?

Thanks!

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1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

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1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE

A malfunctioning EGR will raise your exhaust emissions ( NOx ) somewhat and may also reduce your ignition timing advance.
But nothing serious enough to jump off any tall buildings.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

If I have to get parts for replacement it will take a while, good to know that it's OK to drive a few days with the defect. Thanks manny!

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1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

---------------------------------------------------------
1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE

I would diagnose it before doing anything.
An EGR code on that chassis can be anything frrom the common crossover vac line cracked going to the EGR SOV to a blocked tube at the head, or anything in between.
A simple hand vac EGR activation test should be performed at idle.

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A Dalton

Thanks Mr. Dalton,

I'll take the car to my Indy and have it diagnosed soon.

__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

---------------------------------------------------------
1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE

You may want to try a simple test yourself..if so inclined.

There is a vac line that goes to the EGR and if you take that line off and pull a vac on the egr with a hand pump at idle , the engine should sputter , run rough ,and almost stall.. If it doesn't , then you know the tube is blocked.
[ infamous problem on 104] .. but if it does , then the suspect is that vac is not getting to the egr and on a 104 that is usually just a broken white plastic vac line that runs across the front of the engine [ under that front plastic cover]..notorious fault b/c they crack from heat fatique and then the EGR can not open b/c of no vac, thus setting the code.
The simple fix for that is to just to replace that plastic line with a generic rubber one.....a $2 DIYer fix.

Something to check before going intp the Hospital for Surgury..

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A Dalton

To my surprise the CEL is gone after I left the car unused for a day. I scanned the OBD II codes and there is none. I have done nothing except taking a look under the hood.

Now I am confused, was it a temporary issue or a quirk in the electronics or self-healing EGR?

Anyway

__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

---------------------------------------------------------
1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE

I took care of it .....

Most like suspect would be a sticking EGR ..just keep an eye on it ..the code cleared itself b/c ithas not seen any repeats.

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A Dalton