Hi all,
I have a 1996 C280 sport, 138k miles and the car is behaving very weird. Engine is running pretty OK at idle, but while driving every 3-4 times when I hit the gas pedal very hard or quickly, the engine backfire's and once awhile start running also very rough, loose power (limp mode) and the CEL comes on. This happens especially when I slow down for example arriving to a toll plaza, turning in a intersection, stop at traffic light and then hit the gas pedal, or passing a car, hard acceleration, etc, etc - as soon as I hit the gas pedal....there we are - backfire and limp mode again. So this won't happen every time but every 3-4 times when I hit the gas pedal.

MB dealer replaced the MAF and O2 sensor but did not help. When I turn the car off, start it again, it's fine again.....then start driving, hit the gas pedal, and every 3-4 times some backfire and once awhile it goes to limp mode again. BTW - If i drive like 90 years old Grandma it's OK. Car has currently 130K miles. Any ideas? Don't want to go to the MB dealer to be ripped off again before I have some ideas what it might be .

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jonne from sunny Florida

 

Hi Jonne
I also have a 96 C280.
If you have replaced the MAF and O2 sensors, my nest guess would be the plugs, and/or the ignition coil(s). When a similar symptom happened to me,
my mechanic ended up changing the coil pack (i believe), or I think coil ends
I also got the injectors cleaned.
So far, everything goes very well.

Other than that, try taking it to Autozone and see if they can help you with their OBD reader.

 

Have you changed the fuel filter lately ?

 

Fuel filter was changed maybe 20-30k miles ago. I think it's time to make a trip to Autozone, pull out the codes and maybe change the spark plugs, coils and fuel filter. BTW - when the car is warm it's difficult to start (engine cranks but does not kick in easily), when it's cold, no problem? Maybe MAF or O2 sensor problem again...or?.

 

I had the same problem with my 96 C280, replaced MAF, the o2 sensor,then wires & plugs, and finally replaced one of my coils (there are three) about $100. My engine has been running great ever since.

 

An update for someone who might have similar problem in the future. I changed all coils(3), spark plugs and wires and car is running as new again. I just wanted to change all components since I can get a good deal for parts.....coils were $27 each comparing $100+ from MB $stealership.

-Jonne

 

engine harness

 

my 1995 c280 is misfiring, i have replaced the plug wires plugs and engine warring harness and still hasnt fixed it does anyone know what it might be or is there any recalls on them i have orderd the coil packs as well but havent arrived in the mail if anyone know what the problem might be plez let me know thankz

 

Hope this helps.....

 

I know this sounds really unusual. But, have you put good quality of gas in your car??? (ie. chevron or 76 vs conoco, mirastar, sinclair and etc)

My car (97 C280 sport) was running rough before when I put conoco 91 octane in it. It would backfire if I accelerate hard, or after turning. basically it would run like crap.

I changed to chevron 91 (too bad we don't have 93 in Utah), and everything has been great ever since.

Good luck,

 

anyone say air flow meteR?

 

i'm working on one with the same problem. it was a burned valve. do a compression check. mine had zero compression on the number six cylinder.

 

I have a burned valve, compression check failed at 2nd cylinder. compression check failed.

How to fix it?

What did you do p1ttman?

 

Hey I have somewhat the same problem with my C280. While accelerating or making a turn to cross an intersection the steering wheel stumbles a bit and engine loses power. Ive replaced the wires and spark plugs which removed the check engine light and seemed to help a bit. But now, the problem is still there. Going to change the coils next. Where did you find the coils for 27$ and what brand did you choose. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME

 

I'm having similar symptoms with my 2000 c230kompressor; Car started,idled, and ran fine until I try to accelerate (anything above very slow and moderate) car loses power and engine shakes and coughs. Once you turn it off and restart, it's fine until fast acceleration. I first changed plugs (No Change), ordered and changed Wires (Now severe loss of power), ordered and changed Coils (No Change)...well that's not exactly correct. Now it starts, sounds good for 5 seconds, then bucks and shuts off. I've removed and cleaned the M.A.F. (with M.A.F. cleaner), how can you tell when the M.A.F. is bad?