LoganS500

04' S500 4Matic. I've noticed that when you start the car in the morning, and start to drive off, it seems as if the engine isn't "warmed up" and the car is sluggish (hesitation) in the first few gears. I wouldn't go as far as to say it is misfiring, but it could be, hard to tell becuase the car is so quiet.
35K miles.
There isn't a need for a tune up @ 35K right? I know what the service records are on the vehicle, and nothing mentions this issue in the past. Or is this simply a case where you need to let the car warm up for a bit beofre hitting the open road? Didn't know if that massive engine needed a few minutes to get primed appropriately.
Finally drove the car for a 4 hour trip yesterday. What a machine. Really didn't appreciate the car until yesterday. That is what it was built to do, drive, relax, and enjoy.
Any help on this would be most appreciated. Tks

Skylaw

One thing to check would be the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF).

MBTECH2003

You should never be trying to accelerate quickly in ANY vehicle before the vehicle is properly warmed up.

newton22

While I strongly agree, it doesn't sound like he was gunning it in the morning. This hesitation doesn't sound normal to me. A sensor may be causing this. The MAF is a good candidate.

LoganS500

I'm not an aggressive driver at all. Should have given more details. I'm talking very gentle acceleration, like driving through a parking lot/pulling out of the driveway speed. Showing my lack of knowledge of the car, but the MAF sensor is something I should have the dealership look at right? It isn't something I could physically check I assume?

whoover

The hesitation isn't normal. Whether it's the MAFS or something else (there are many possible causes), you should have the dealer check it. Just tell them the symptoms, not the diagnosis . I assume the car is still under warranty?

LoganS500

Yep. Nov 2007 it expires. I will take it in for a look. It's interesting though, once the car "warms up", runs like a dream. Just the first 10 minutes or so it seems sluggish/hesitiates. I will not mention the MAF, just let them look it over and try to figure it out
Tks everyone for the info

Singularity

Here is Information on MAF and steps to replace DIY.

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...&highlight=Air

My experience tells me It could be something other than MAF that's causing this.

Some other things promote hesitation. For example spark plugs. It would be the first thing to check If I were you.

Fuel Injectors could also be a reason If you used low octane fuel. Price of these is $80+ for EACH cylinder.

Last thing comes up my mind are the catalytic convertors (one of 4 probably). These cost $1000+ to replace.