I just got a 1996 C280 last month and have been loving it a lot, until last Sunday when it sputtered and died on me. It's been with the mechanic since Monday and still can't find what's wrong with it.
It started when I suddenly got stalled at the lights. I was able to restart and drive for a few miles, and then the engine sputtered and slowly lost power. I was able to restart, and drive in "limp" mode for a few miles, just so I can exit the freeway. I had it towed back to the mechanic after that.
The problem is, the engine will start, then idle roughly from 500 to 1000 rpm, then die down.
Any worthwhile advice is greatly appreciated.

 

it may be your Mass Air Flow Sensor. W202s are notorious for having faulty MAS's.

 

could be your Wire harness also.

 

Sounds about right. It only takes a few minutes to pull the codes. Mine
did the same thing. I had the shop (where I bought the car) get the part and I installed in 5 minutes.Yeah, the car would have been towed there for something anyone can install.

 

mas... and if it is the mas... and the mechanic is taking more than four days to diagnose... run.

 

Thank you guys for your speedy replies. I will mention this MAS problem to the mechanic.
I failed to mention that my problems happened without my CEL lighting up. Has anyone been in the same situation?
Incidentally, does anyone know a very good MB mechanic in the Torrance,CA area, just in case I follow Ahopeter's advice!
Is this MAS easy to install? Where's is it located anyway?

 

its a diy job... very easy. is your ce light operative?... does it light up on start up sequence?

 

Hello ahopeter,

Yes, I think the CEL is operative when I start the car up.

 

I just received good news from the mechanic, and you guys are right...my car needs a new MAS and the OVP.
Can anyone give me an idea how much these parts will cost?
Ahopeter, look like I don't have to run away the mechanic after all.
But I am still open to other very good MB mechanics in the Torrance,CA area.
Thanks again for your help.

 

Soon to be back on the road. It's a good feeling. I found the part at
$315 from the site below.

MAS Replacement

Hope it helps. I think if this is too high, check what other replies you get. I
recall some shops selling used ones for near $100 (but you don't know how long
they will last). Mine went out with 36k on the clock. Good luck.

 

It is strange that you need both OVP and MAS at the same time. As I suggested on your post in a different forum, it might be just the OVP.
Both OVP and MAS are an easy swap, however, OVP is much cheaper than MAS. I would start by replacing the OVP, see how it goes, before I buy a new MAS. Also, OVP failures usually don't trigger the CEL, MAS failures do.

PS: OVP is about $70.

 

Thanks for the reminder cil254.

I will double check with my mechanic if it really needs the MAS. He was just trying to be non-technical when he called me, and said the sensor needs to be replaced. Maybe I got excited about getting my car back that I assumed it needs both MAS and OVP replacement.

I will let you know later when I pick the car up on what really was replaced.

Enjoy your day.

Turbo 2nr, thanks for the reply too. I am relieved that my Benz is gonna be back, just in time for this long weekend.

 

Glad all of us could help.

 

Hi guys.
Just wanna let you know that I have my car back. Yes, it did need the MAS and OVP replaced.
I also noticed that it has lost a bit of power. Is this normal after having the MAS & OVP replaced?
What else should I look for?

 

filters.

 

c280rookie, how much was all that work?

 

all the work done came up about $700.