'07 C230 won't start!! Ideas where to look?
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
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2007 C-230
What's weird is one day out of the blue it died on me at a light. It fired right up after so I didn't think twice about it, but looking back now, I think it was a tip something was wrong.
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Joined: Jun 2011
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2004 C 200 Kompressor
Ok first things first, does the car eve tries to start? or just turn the key ............ nothing?
if is the second condition i can help you:
Go to the engine compartment of the car and open the relay boy on the drivers side, ask some one to turn the key and see if a relay clicking sound comes out from any of the relays, if so then the problem is your starter motor carbons more likely, go to the starter motor and with a voltmeeter put the red tip on to the power cable at the starter motor and the black one to GND, then turn the key again and if it measures 12 V DC then for sure the problem is the starter motor, take it away and remove the black cover from it, and youll se the 2 carbons and the housing of them may also be warned out, get some new ones from a bosch dealer resemble and voila!! you are all set now.
BTW im an electro mechanical engineer and i have worked for 4 years in the electronic industry (automotive) so i know what im talking about
if is the second condition i can help you:
Go to the engine compartment of the car and open the relay boy on the drivers side, ask some one to turn the key and see if a relay clicking sound comes out from any of the relays, if so then the problem is your starter motor carbons more likely, go to the starter motor and with a voltmeeter put the red tip on to the power cable at the starter motor and the black one to GND, then turn the key again and if it measures 12 V DC then for sure the problem is the starter motor, take it away and remove the black cover from it, and youll se the 2 carbons and the housing of them may also be warned out, get some new ones from a bosch dealer resemble and voila!! you are all set now.
BTW im an electro mechanical engineer and i have worked for 4 years in the electronic industry (automotive) so i know what im talking about
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
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2007 C230 Sport
Help!! I have a 2007 C230 Sport...it died yesterday at a stop light. It cranks, but won't start. I towed it to shop and after 2 hours of cooling, I tried to start it, it started slowly, but died immediately, like out of gas. Diagnosis is bad fuel pump and they want $700 to replace. BTW, the car only has 44,000 miles. WTF? I thought I bought a MBZ so it would last forever!!! After reading all the threads regarding fuel pump issue on the 07, why hasn't there been any recalls? The dealer made it sound like this is all news to them and very unusual to see fuel pump failure this early? Should I dump the car now?
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
We have seen a few fuel pumps fail on the 07's. They changed the pump for 07 and it seems to not be nearly as good as the 01-06 pumps that rarely seem to have issues. That said I would say suck it up and get the new pump and you should have many more miles of care free driving just keep the maintenance up.
You could order the part online and then have an indy put it in or DIY. Like I said though the 07 pump is different so make sure you get the right one.
You could order the part online and then have an indy put it in or DIY. Like I said though the 07 pump is different so make sure you get the right one.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5
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2007 C230 Sport
I was going to shell out $700 to replace the fuel pump at this German auto repair shop. Bit I called MB dealership first where they had changed the gas tank seal in 2009 while it was still under warranty. They told me at that time, they had also changed the fuel pump (not sure why)? Now 2 yrs later and 17k miles later, fuel pump again? WTF? Of course they told me sorry warranty only good for 1 yr on that repair. Service advisor basically told me I'm SOL. I called MB customer care, they said they'll start a post warranty claim, but no guarantee they'll take care of me. What the hell is going on? Does this sound right? Again, if they don't take care of me, I'll dump this POS!!
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Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
2007's are well known to have premature fuel pump failures. So, it is time to buck up and replace the pump. Pump can be had for ~$200 and if you are very careful and have moderate mechanical skills it is not a bad DIY. I have posted the WIS repair documents and tips on the install. Also wizkid did a great DIY on Installuniversity.com. If you are not comfortable with the task, ~$500 from an indy sounds reasonable. Shop around if need be.
Last edited by johnand; Feb 28, 2012 at 07:28 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
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2007 C230 Sport
Ok here's the latest. Dealer insisted on replacing both relays/ sending unit/ pumps,
whatever they're called. Just like John says, MB suggest
replacing both in case of
failure to one. Dealer also
spoke with MB customer
care and we'll be splitting the
cost of repair. I will be
paying $600 and so will they.
That's better than paying
the whole amount. Here is the million dollar question. What else can go wrong? Is this simply an expensive toy that I can't afford to keep up the repair cost? I've had many cars, trucks, vans, convertibles, etc. Never had to problem like this.
whatever they're called. Just like John says, MB suggest
replacing both in case of
failure to one. Dealer also
spoke with MB customer
care and we'll be splitting the
cost of repair. I will be
paying $600 and so will they.
That's better than paying
the whole amount. Here is the million dollar question. What else can go wrong? Is this simply an expensive toy that I can't afford to keep up the repair cost? I've had many cars, trucks, vans, convertibles, etc. Never had to problem like this.
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 64
From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Ok here's the latest. Dealer insisted on replacing both relays/ sending unit/ pumps,
whatever they're called. Just like John says, MB suggest
replacing both in case of
failure to one. Dealer also
spoke with MB customer
care and we'll be splitting the
cost of repair. I will be
paying $600 and so will they.
That's better than paying
the whole amount. Here is the million dollar question. What else can go wrong? Is this simply an expensive toy that I can't afford to keep up the repair cost? I've had many cars, trucks, vans, convertibles, etc. Never had to problem like this.
whatever they're called. Just like John says, MB suggest
replacing both in case of
failure to one. Dealer also
spoke with MB customer
care and we'll be splitting the
cost of repair. I will be
paying $600 and so will they.
That's better than paying
the whole amount. Here is the million dollar question. What else can go wrong? Is this simply an expensive toy that I can't afford to keep up the repair cost? I've had many cars, trucks, vans, convertibles, etc. Never had to problem like this.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2007 C230 Sport
Finally got my car back...dealer turned out taking pretty good care of me. My portion (50%) of the repair was $424. Not as bad as originally thought. It definitely pays to complain. I hope the cam magnet or the conductor plate do not go wrong too soon...I really can't afford these kinds of expensive repairs. Is there a good extended warranty to buy to cover those and other items? And John, thank you for all your advice...
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 526
Likes: 1
From: MD
2007 C230 and 1985 Monte SS
Hmm, I wonder if the fuel pump is my issue too. I'll borrow a fuel pressure gauge and see what we get.
Don't forget the balance shaft! 
Glad to see MB help with the repair. These cars are pretty reliable, but do have a few parts that are troublesome. The 2007 has 3 common things that may fail prematurely. 1 is the fuel pump, 2 is the bad cam magnets, and 3 is the conductor plate on the 7G transmission. Since you are getting the fuel pump out of the way, you are doing pretty good. The cam magnets are a very cheap and easy fix, the conductor plate on the other hand is about an ~$1200 repair.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1
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2007 mercedes C230
Ok so I'm having the same problem, car not starting. Here's a lil background on my car. I purchased my 07 c230 back in late 08 with only 13*** on the dash from a private dealer. My first problem came in the summer of 2011 right after my warranty was up and it was a $4700 balance shaft repair.....ouch. Called MB to see if they could help me out since there was talks about it being a major problem but their answer was no because I purchased it from a private dealer instead of an MB dealership. Well I forked over my savings to get it done with no problems since. Well this past Sunday I drive about a mile up the street to grab subway. Get in my car after grabbing food and it's not starting. All lights are working. I tried jumping it but it died after about 2 seconds and won't start again even with a jump. Bought a new battery, still same issue. One of my friends is saying alternator and another is saying fuel pump. I've ran outta gas before and that's the sound I'm getting from the car as if I don't have any gas so I'm assuming the pump as well.... Any suggestions???
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
In the 07s they changed the fuel pump system completely and it is a known issue. I would get a fuel pressure gauge to test. It will be a little expensive but if you DIY won't be to bad. Another bonus is that you will get a new fuel filter as it is integrated into the pump. Also since you have had the balance shaft issue already taken care of and now the fuel pump the last weak spot on the car could be the 722.9 transmission conductor plate.
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2007 C230 MB
I have a 2007 C230 and fuel pump was replaced 6 months ago. Today the car will not start and sounds like it has no fuel. Checked all fuses and relays...all good....No power going to fuel pump...used a volt meter on power going in. Replaced rear fuel pump relay and crankshaft position sensor...still wont start...only codes coming up are P0101 and P0102
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2007 C230 sport
more help on fuel system.
background: no problem with car 2007 C230 sport. wake up one morning, shift was in reverse and dome light was on. had tried to crank once before i knew it was in reverse.
Tried cranking again. will turn over but not fire up.
have towed to MB dealer.
they run diagnostic. state that fuel pump is bad. tell me it will be 1790 to replace. i read this forum and decide i will do it.
order both parts from partsgeek. install . car still wont fire up. new pump doesnt have the two lead plug it now has 4 leads going into unit into new 4 pin connector. so that male plug is not used. I reassempled old pump and sending unit and plugged the left over plug into the old top thinking maybe a needed to complete a circuit. and the old pump ran well.
so it seems to me that its not the fuel pump or sending unit. the #4 fuse is fine and i swapped out the 20A relay and its all still the same.
what could cause a bad fuel pump on diagnostic and yet not be the fuel pump? do i need to get a dead end plug for the old pump 4 pin connector thats not used now?
I to cant get OBD to clear or read codes. i have to actually tyake my car to the emissions center every month becuiase i cant get rid of check engine light.
i do have a thermostat stuck open and this is causing a crankshaft position sensor fals reading ( learned from another forum page) but dealer says to9 fix that is $3600.
not sure if i have a crank sensor code or not.
Tried cranking again. will turn over but not fire up.
have towed to MB dealer.
they run diagnostic. state that fuel pump is bad. tell me it will be 1790 to replace. i read this forum and decide i will do it.
order both parts from partsgeek. install . car still wont fire up. new pump doesnt have the two lead plug it now has 4 leads going into unit into new 4 pin connector. so that male plug is not used. I reassempled old pump and sending unit and plugged the left over plug into the old top thinking maybe a needed to complete a circuit. and the old pump ran well.
so it seems to me that its not the fuel pump or sending unit. the #4 fuse is fine and i swapped out the 20A relay and its all still the same.
what could cause a bad fuel pump on diagnostic and yet not be the fuel pump? do i need to get a dead end plug for the old pump 4 pin connector thats not used now?
I to cant get OBD to clear or read codes. i have to actually tyake my car to the emissions center every month becuiase i cant get rid of check engine light.
i do have a thermostat stuck open and this is causing a crankshaft position sensor fals reading ( learned from another forum page) but dealer says to9 fix that is $3600.
not sure if i have a crank sensor code or not.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I would change the CPS as a matter of course. They are cheap.
Check fuel pressure at the Schrader valve on the front fuel rail. s/b 3.8bar or 55psi while cranking to achieve start.
Check that you have spark.
You need air, fuel & spark at the right time to start.
Check fuel pressure at the Schrader valve on the front fuel rail. s/b 3.8bar or 55psi while cranking to achieve start.
Check that you have spark.
You need air, fuel & spark at the right time to start.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
2007 Mercedes C230
Glad to see MB help with the repair. These cars are pretty reliable, but do have a few parts that are troublesome. The 2007 has 3 common things that may fail prematurely. 1 is the fuel pump, 2 is the bad cam magnets, and 3 is the conductor plate on the 7G transmission. Since you are getting the fuel pump out of the way, you are doing pretty good. The cam magnets are a very cheap and easy fix, the conductor plate on the other hand is about an ~$1200 repair.
Already replaced the conductor plate on mine... now it won't start (sometimes)
Already replaced spark plugs,CPS, CRANKPS, fuel relay :/ and still has the same issue. It starts when it wants to.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
2007 Mercedes C230
Hey i bet nobody is looking at this thread anymore (since its like 6 years old).
But im having the same issue with my 07 C230. Cranks but no start. Before it would start after a few attempts but now its been getting worse. (No sound from the fuel pump)
1. It started with sudden shut off. Turned back on at first crank. REPLACED FUEL RELAY
2. Weeks later it had difficulty to start, but it started in the 2nd or 3rd attempt.
3. Check Engine turned on (missfire, position sensor problem on banks a and b)
4. Reseted Engine codes / Replaced Crankshaft position sensor and Camshaft position sensors (all 4)
5. Replaced Spark plugs (all 6) - Same problem / Crank, no start
6. Engine light came back on. Same problem / Crank, difficulty to start
7. Cleaned Position Sensor magnets. It started. turned off. Same problem / Crank no start
8. No check engine light anymore. Same problem / Crank no start.
9. Checked fuel pressure with the proper tool. No pressure. then pressure again. then no pressure. SAME PROBLEM CRANK NO START. Like if the fuel pump works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. No sound/noise can be heard.
Now we're at the fuel pump. We checked the pressure with the proper tools and as suspected... No pressure.
But im having the same issue with my 07 C230. Cranks but no start. Before it would start after a few attempts but now its been getting worse. (No sound from the fuel pump)
1. It started with sudden shut off. Turned back on at first crank. REPLACED FUEL RELAY
2. Weeks later it had difficulty to start, but it started in the 2nd or 3rd attempt.
3. Check Engine turned on (missfire, position sensor problem on banks a and b)
4. Reseted Engine codes / Replaced Crankshaft position sensor and Camshaft position sensors (all 4)
5. Replaced Spark plugs (all 6) - Same problem / Crank, no start
6. Engine light came back on. Same problem / Crank, difficulty to start
7. Cleaned Position Sensor magnets. It started. turned off. Same problem / Crank no start
8. No check engine light anymore. Same problem / Crank no start.
9. Checked fuel pressure with the proper tool. No pressure. then pressure again. then no pressure. SAME PROBLEM CRANK NO START. Like if the fuel pump works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. No sound/noise can be heard.
Now we're at the fuel pump. We checked the pressure with the proper tools and as suspected... No pressure.
