Intake-port shut-off (swirl) actuator failure
Attaches to OM642 at engine level · Turbo & intake · carried by 4 variants across 4 chassis
Overview
Intake-port shut-off (swirl) actuator failure is a occasional fault recorded against OM642 at engine level, typically from 120–220k km. It shows up as limp mode and power loss, usually with fault code P2015 stored. Where it's documented, the repair runs €400–€900 (actuator or manifold work at a specialist, costs dated 2026-07), and it can be checked before you buy. 4 variants across 4 chassis in this database inherit it.
What happens
Symptom. Limp mode and power loss, usually with fault code P2015 stored.
Cause. The actuator motor that drives the intake-port shut-off flaps in the manifold fails, frequently after being shorted by oil dripping from the turbo-inlet seal above it; the flaps or linkage can also seize.
How to check it
OBD scan
Scan for P2015 and related intake codes; a car that has thrown it before is likely to again unless the oil-leak cause was addressed.
Mandatory. A seller who refuses a scan has answered the question.
Every variant that carries this
| Variant | Chassis | Body | Years | Risk | Good buy | Cost as % of good buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C 320 CDI OM642 | W204 | sedan | 2007–2011 | R3 | €6,600 | 10% |
| C 320 CDI OM642 | S204 | wagon | 2008–2011 | R3 | €6,950 | 9% |
| E 350 CDI OM642 | W212 | sedan | 2009–2016 | R3 | €8,750 | 7% |
| E 350 CDI OM642 | S212 | wagon | 2009–2016 | R3 | €9,200 | 7% |
The last column is the point. The same repair is an inconvenience on one variant and a reason to scrap the car on another. A failure costing a quarter of the vehicle's value changes the purchase decision regardless of how rare it is.