Mercedes Vito EGR delete

The Mercedes Vito shares its engine with the Sprinter, and shares its EGR problems too. Both the W639 (pre-2014) and the W447 (post-2014) use the OM651 2.1 CDI, a unit well known for EGR cooler cracking and EGR valve sticking faults. If you own a Vito with an EGR warning light or white smoke on startup, the engine is telling you something familiar.

We carry out a software-based ECU remap through the OBD port. No physical removal of any component. Mobile service, we come to you.

This service is for off-road and track use only. It is not for road use.

Mobile We come to you
Software only No physical parts removed or replaced
Flat £220 No surprises
Same or next day In most cases

W639 Vito (pre-2014)

The W639 generation covers roughly 2003 to 2014. Later examples fitted with the OM651 2.1 CDI are the ones we deal with most. EGR cooler cracking is the primary fault, the same thermal stress mechanism that affects the Sprinter applies here. The cooler develops hairline cracks over time, coolant leaks into the intake, and the symptoms (white smoke, coolant loss, warning light) follow.

EGR valve sticking is also common on higher-mileage W639s. Carbon builds up on the valve seat and prevents it from operating cleanly. The ECU stores a fault and the vehicle may drop into limp mode.

The ECU remap addresses both faults by removing EGR operation from the engine management system.

Diesel dashboard warning lights lit at night
Emissions pipework and valve in a diesel engine bay

W447 Vito (post-2014)

The W447 is the current-generation Vito. It is a more refined vehicle than the W639 but uses the same OM651 engine with the same underlying EGR design. EGR cooler failures on W447s are appearing at lower mileage than on older W639s, in some cases under 80,000 miles.

If you have a 111 CDI, 114 CDI or 119 CDI W447 showing EGR faults, the remap is the same process and the same price.

How the remap compares to replacing the EGR

Replacing the EGR cooler on an OM651 Vito involves removing a significant amount of ancillary equipment to access the unit. Labour costs are high and parts are not cheap. More importantly, a replacement cooler is made to the same design as the original, there is no reason to expect it will last significantly longer before developing the same fault.

The ECU delete takes around 45 minutes, costs £220 and is permanent. There is no replacement part to fail.

Technician connecting to the ECU under the bonnet
Technician at work beside a customer's van on a driveway

Booking

Call 0161 694 7331 and we will arrange a time to come to you. We can work at any fixed location, home, business, depot or yard. No need to drive the van to us.

Price

£220 flat. Covers both W639 and W447, all engine variants within the OM651 family.

Diesel pump nozzles on a forecourt

Frequently asked questions

Is EGR delete road-legal on a Vito?
No. EGR delete is for off-road and track use only. It is not road-legal.
My Vito W447 is under 80,000 miles and already has an EGR fault, is that normal?
It is becoming more common. The OM651 cooler is not as durable as Mercedes' earlier diesel EGR designs. Faults below 100,000 miles are not unusual on vehicles with a lot of cold-start, urban or site work in their history.
Will the delete affect any other Mercedes systems, AdBlue, DPF?
The EGR remap is targeted at EGR function only. AdBlue and DPF operation are separate systems and are not touched by this service unless you request a combined remap.
Do you cover the Vito Tourer and crew van body styles?
Yes. All W639 and W447 body variants use the same engine and OBD port. Body style does not affect the remap.
My Vito has a fault code but is not yet in limp mode. Should I still get it done?
Yes. Acting before the cooler cracks further or the valve seizes completely is always better than waiting for a breakdown. The remap will clear the code and prevent the fault from worsening.