Repeated ABPV Failure.

[JF]

Patient Mfg: AMG AG, Stuttgart
Model: E55 4dr sedan
Date Mfg: 21 February, 1994
Model Yr: 1994
Mileage: 99,000 Miles
Engine: 6.0L DOHC V8 gas, 4 valves per, EFI
Trans: 4spd auto w/lockup conv, electronically controlled
Erratta: New OEM engine installed @ 88,000 miles
MIL is not illuminated
No DTCs stored

Complaint: Repeated ABPV failure.


Gentlemen,
I've owned this car for just under 1 yr. Seller disclosed this problem at time of purchase. I thought it would be easy to track down.

Yeah, right.

The Air ByPass Valve (idle air control valve) fails in short order. I've never gotten more than 7 wks of service from a replacement unit. All replacement ABPVs have been of new OEM Daimler-Benz/AMG origin. An aftermarket replacement isn't available for this application. Of course, when the ABPV fails, the engine will no longer idle.

I went looking for secondary ign leakage as a cause first - none found. Replaced secondary ign components with OEM (Bosch) parts anyway - no change.

Tested all gnds via voltage-drop and corrected as req'd - no change. I have current-ramped the unit through varring conditions - operating range is 110ma to 740ma (within spec). I am currently driving the car with my DSO riding shotgun. DSO is set to glitch capture & hasn't caught anything as yet. Also, I haven't seen a failure as yet on the 'scope.

Thinking outside contamination might be a cause, I've installed a redundant air filter in line to the unit - no change. Fuel usuage is (req'd) 93 octane branded fuel. I do not use fuel additives. I've tried other fuels - no change. Engine lubricant is Mobil 1 (0W30, SJ).

I've been in contact with Daimler-Benz's tech support about this problem. They don't have any ideas I haven't already thought of.

Replacement ABPVs go for almost $300 USD per pop and Daimler-Benz isn't warrantying them, either. This is getting expensive. I thought I'd bounce this off you guys before I pucker up my vertical smile & take the car to AMG in Dallas.

Thank you for your time, Gentlemen.


JF.

[DanD]

Sorry JF but I have every limited experience with any form of Benz. When I get back to work on Monday I’ll have a look through Mitchell for any bulletins that may address this. Don’t hold your breath though, the last time that I needed some info I was surprised as to how little Mitchell have on these vehicles.
Maybe when the others chime in they’ll have something for you?
Dan.

[DanD]

Like I thought Mitchell doesn’t even have the vehicle listed.
Sorry but I guess if the manufacturer doesn’t make the information available Mitchell can’t print it.
Dan.

[way2old]

I am at a loss here also. Police don't drive Benz here.

[re-tired]

Same here guys ..I couldnt afford the white lab coats. Sorry bout that.

[JF]

That's alright, guys. You never know unless you ask. People run into weird stuff everywhere.

Hey, Re-Tired - Ocala, FL huh? I lived there for 8 yrs & my wife's family is from there. Ever hear of John Clayton Plumbing?


JF.