jamesp

hello all. my 97 C280 has an extremely hard time starting first thing in the morning after sitting overnight. i have changed oil (now using AMSOIL), just had the 60k service done, what else could it be? if anyone has any opinions please help me get rid of this ongoing problem. thanks.

hubert

Try the battery or your starter.

toamend

I had this problem a while ago on my 99 230, it would start, sputter, rev up, and them smooth out. Only on the first start of theday, never twice.

The fix was a controller reprogram (or swap, I don't know) but it was done under warrenty @ about 20kmiles.

The fix was definitive, and it hasn't happend again.
WTS

sunilsood

could it be a faulty cold start valve?
this device sprays extra fuel during starting in a cold engine-a bit like a choke system on carburettor cars.
do not know for sure if the c class have this device, but it is certainly present on its predecessor the 190e series merc.

BrianC220

im getting the same type thing on my '95. i start it up and it goes up and then drops all the way back down and shuts off (rpms), sometimes it will drop down close to the bottom and pop back up... any ideas?

vivawil

Hi Brian C220,

I used have the same problem with my 95 C280. I found out later that it is because of the battery. Apparently, the average life of the battery is about 5 years and thus should be replaced.

I would not recommend you going to the dealer to replace the battery as you will have to pay a hefty premium for it.

...Vivawil...

Brabus C280

PHATbenz

hey vivawil is right about what he is saying. it is the battery that affects it. and battery life for a benz is about 6 years. i just replaced mine about a month ago for $110. not bad for a bulky original mercedes battery. its worth it if u have that problem.

BrianC220

thanks for the help, ill drive up to greenway mb and see how much its gonna cost

jamesp

hummm. i would have never suspected the battery. but now that i think of it, the last battery replacement came about 5 years ago! is it any thing special to replacing the battery other than disconnecting the old and reconnecting the new?

SLCPUNK

I had this same problem with my first Benz. Pull the battery out and have "the zone" test it for free. Unless you like the dealers, or you are under warranty. Also, check the ignition coil ends on these cars. Cylinders 2,4,6. They are ten bucks each, or right around there. They go bad and caused mine to not start, stumble, etc. If your battery checks out ok, go to this next. It requires and allen wrench, phillips screwdriver, and 10mm socket to get to the ignition coils/plugs. I'm betting on the battery right now though. Good luck!

Rincewind

This is usually a battery problem.
If you have an original mercedes battery
you can check the battery acid fluid level
in the trunk. If the fluid isnt full all the way
to the top, then it prolly needs to be replaced.
No need to bring it to the dealer, just call
1888formercedes and a service guy will drive
up to your house free of charge, he will
do everything from charging your car battery
so it can start, tow, giving you more gas, etc.
the service guys usually carry new spare batteries
too and labor+battery should cost you a flat 100 bucks
with 4 year warranty by MB dealer.

KurumaGOD

Never...its damn hot here btw...lol

k-god