C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

Engine won't start (sometimes)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 03:35 AM
  #1  
Egonvdv's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 326
From: A Dutchy Living in Marseille, France
EQE SUV AMG-line 350+
Engine won't start (sometimes)

happened twice now (since i got it the 9th of august)
i turn the key, all lights go on but engine won't start.
I turn the key all the way back, then try again and it works...
anyone else had this?

have to go to the garage tomorrow to change a piece which controls
the tightening of seatbelts in case of an impact
(was broken since day 2 & piece now finally arrived),
so would be great to have some info on this new problem before i go in....

thanks.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 03:40 PM
  #2  
delirium's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 636
Likes: 3
From: Orange County, Ca
C350
same thing happens to me!!!
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 07:09 PM
  #3  
Bokx_350's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 430
Likes: 2
From: Boston, MA
C350
I have this problem also. About six times so far, and I've had the car for 13 months now. It always starts once I turn it all the way and try it again, and because it is so rearly, it doesnt really bothers me.

I read a post a while ago about someone who had to call for a tow truck because of this, so if it gets worst I would defenetly have the dealer check it. It's been like three months since it last happened to me.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 07:12 PM
  #4  
bigigg's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,700
Likes: 0
From: Bergen Co,NJ
14' CLS550
yea same thing here.. this happens to me almost once a week.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 07:18 PM
  #5  
ohlord's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
The car

is on warranty,have the dealer plug in the diagnostics and run the ignition program.It will generate the whole sequence and duplicate what is going on.Either the das is not accepting the code or the ignition is failing to accept the code on the first try.

get it fixed,why wait till it fails or is off warranty just because it really does not bother you now?
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 07:38 PM
  #6  
nyca's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 7
Have you switched to your 2nd key, have all these failed attempts been on the same key?
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 07:40 PM
  #7  
hmc's Avatar
hmc
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: California
2009 C300 Sport 6MT
I found that, when you turn the key, you need to hold there a little until it starts before you release the key (like what you do on old cars).
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 06:37 AM
  #8  
Egonvdv's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 326
From: A Dutchy Living in Marseille, France
EQE SUV AMG-line 350+
it's at the garage now.. will see this afternoon.
even if it doesn't happen often (and it does start on the 2nd atempt)
it's not acceptable for a mercedes...or any other new car for that matter!
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 11:29 AM
  #9  
tpick23's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington,NC
E63
Originally Posted by hmc
I found that, when you turn the key, you need to hold there a little until it starts before you release the key (like what you do on old cars).
Same thing happens with mine and I too found that holding it to start a second longer eliminates it.
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 01:59 PM
  #10  
Egonvdv's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 326
From: A Dutchy Living in Marseille, France
EQE SUV AMG-line 350+
ok i got her back.

they say it's repaired, although the guy i spoke to, did not know
what exactly has been done.

but it had to do with the "anti-theft blockage system"
(sorry have no idea what mercedes calls it in english)
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 02:15 PM
  #11  
hmc's Avatar
hmc
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: California
2009 C300 Sport 6MT
Originally Posted by Egonvdv
ok i got her back.

they say it's repaired, although the guy i spoke to, did not know
what exactly has been done.

but it had to do with the "anti-theft blockage system"
(sorry have no idea what mercedes calls it in english)
Can you look at your invoice sheet and see what parts (parts #) were replaced?

Interesting to know what was done.
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 11:13 PM
  #12  
phranksmbz's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
09 c300 4matic
you know what works for me?

DONT TURN THE KEY SO FASSSST lol ....

had to say it.
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 11:34 PM
  #13  
akbro93704's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 0
From: California
2014 C250 sport
I dont think its a problem. Ive noticed that compared to other MB's that Ive driven, you have to hold the key for a little longer for it to "start" starting. Sometimes I dont hold it long enough and then you have to turn it off and turn it back on again for it to start. I hold it for about 1-1.5 seconds then let the touch start take over. In our ML and E, it starts immediately, theres no delay like the C.
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2008 | 08:08 AM
  #14  
Egonvdv's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 326
From: A Dutchy Living in Marseille, France
EQE SUV AMG-line 350+
Originally Posted by hmc
Can you look at your invoice sheet and see what parts (parts #) were replaced?

Interesting to know what was done.
they didn't give me an invoice as it's under guarantee
and also "officially" i'm not the owner (the lease co is)

but they did not replace any part as far as i understood
(though my french is not 100pct perfect, so sometimes i miss things...)
I should have asked him for some more details. sorry about that.
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2008 | 07:22 AM
  #15  
Egonvdv's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 326
From: A Dutchy Living in Marseille, France
EQE SUV AMG-line 350+
well, it happened again last night:

as usual i turned the key to 2nd position,
waited till the pre-heating light went off (i have a diesel),
turned the key all the way & kept it there,
nothing happened.

had to turn they key all the way back again & di it again

so i wonder what the garage DID repair...?
with this & the windnoise (which they said they'd taken care off.. not) i am not very happy!

Didn't expect to find these 'little' problems with an MB
I really don't have time to make all these trips to the garage.... (insert smiley face not smiling here)
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2008 | 12:34 AM
  #16  
Carsy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
Originally Posted by Egonvdv
well, it happened again last night:

as usual i turned the key to 2nd position,
waited till the pre-heating light went off (i have a diesel),
turned the key all the way & kept it there,
nothing happened.

had to turn they key all the way back again & di it again

so i wonder what the garage DID repair...?
with this & the windnoise (which they said they'd taken care off.. not) i am not very happy!

Didn't expect to find these 'little' problems with an MB
I really don't have time to make all these trips to the garage.... (insert smiley face not smiling here)
I just wondered whether you have an auto ? . Your problem could be an interlock issue? I know an auto has to be in P or N to start & the brake applied to shift into drive.Just a thought.
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2008 | 02:46 AM
  #17  
FJMMBTECH's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
mercedes c300
You need to let the key register with eis. When you turn to fast car will not start up...
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2008 | 08:50 AM
  #18  
Egonvdv's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 326
From: A Dutchy Living in Marseille, France
EQE SUV AMG-line 350+
i already expalained in my previous post, that i do NOT turn the key too fast...

Carsy: yes it's an Auto. what do you mean exactly by interlock problem?
plsd to hear
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2008 | 03:09 PM
  #19  
Jamby728's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton, FL
2009 C300 Sport w/ Navi
Okay, so after reading this post all the way through, I wanted to say that I had a similar problem with my '09 C300. I tried both keys and nothing! Called the emergency 800 # and they told me it needed to be towed. So, after getting the car back it seems that they had to replace the "Crank Shaft Sensor". Apparently it was bent or misaligned. So, if this helps anyone let me know. I can get a part number that they replaced too if needed.
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2008 | 03:15 PM
  #20  
Carsy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
Originally Posted by Egonvdv
i already expalained in my previous post, that i do NOT turn the key too fast...

Carsy: yes it's an Auto. what do you mean exactly by interlock problem?
plsd to hear
Interlocks are mechanical or electrical methods of controlling the sequence of an operation. ie a condition or conditions have to be satisfied before the operation can move on to the next step in the sequence eg gearbox in neutral or park before starter motor will turn., brake pedal pushed before shifting into drive.
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2012 | 09:32 PM
  #21  
tglaze's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2009 c300
Originally Posted by Jamby728
Okay, so after reading this post all the way through, I wanted to say that I had a similar problem with my '09 C300. I tried both keys and nothing! Called the emergency 800 # and they told me it needed to be towed. So, after getting the car back it seems that they had to replace the "Crank Shaft Sensor". Apparently it was bent or misaligned. So, if this helps anyone let me know. I can get a part number that they replaced too if needed.
I'm having this same problem with none of my keys working, lights & dash still come on but the radio, windows or nothing else works. The car is not doing anything, it's not making any sound when I try to start it or it won't even go into any gears so when I had to get it towed, it was a ugly site watching them shake it off the flatbed because it wouldn't go into neutral. I don't know what's wrong but I'm taking it to the dealer first thing in the morning. Your post was the only one that gave me some insight on what COULD be wrong. Thank you
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2012 | 12:31 AM
  #22  
RLE's Avatar
RLE
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Originally Posted by tglaze
I'm having this same problem with none of my keys working, lights & dash still come on but the radio, windows or nothing else works. The car is not doing anything, it's not making any sound when I try to start it or it won't even go into any gears so when I had to get it towed, it was a ugly site watching them shake it off the flatbed because it wouldn't go into neutral. I don't know what's wrong but I'm taking it to the dealer first thing in the morning. Your post was the only one that gave me some insight on what COULD be wrong. Thank you
The manual release for the shifter is under the shifter boot. It pries out for access. The tow truck schlub should have known this if the dealer sent him.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2012 | 08:27 AM
  #23  
Moto_Guzzi's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 604
Likes: 29
From: SA
2008 C350-Sport-AMG-Active Agility Pack(Not reliable) +Izuzu KB6 3L(It seems Reliable)+Mazda
Cranksensor & EIS

I had the following two starting issues:

1-The engine cranks, but do not start untill key is pulled out and put back in, then it starts, happened a couple of times during 1st 20 000Km.

It was the crank sensor-Replaced =One day.(Ther was a notification to replace crank sensors)

2-Sudden death after parking. No indication of a problem coming.
The one moment it works, 10 minutes later not.
Symtoms=No whirr sound when key is inserted(Both keys)
Switch on, lights etc, doors lock, but no cranking/starting, just dead.

It was the EIS-Replaced=Two weeks(There was a notification to replace EIS)
>The new EIS whirr sound is fast and fresh, the old EIS sounded slower when it still worked.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2012 | 09:15 AM
  #24  
tglaze's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2009 c300
Originally Posted by RLE
The manual release for the shifter is under the shifter boot. It pries out for access. The tow truck schlub should have known this if the dealer sent him.
The dealer didn't send him. They said they don't have courtesy towing which I am very upset & disappointed with them about. The tow truck guy said something about most cars having that but not Mercedes or BMW cars. Something about not wanting easy access for thieves. I'm waiting on a tow to the dealer now.
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2016 | 02:55 PM
  #25  
C3502012's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C350 amg
Newbie

Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 3
Drives: C350 amg
Hello
I m new to this
I have 2012 c350
From past 2-3 days wheb i cold start my car with the push to start the engine would crank for a split second and stops. I have to wait few seconds and push the button second time to start the car.
Do ineed a new battery ? Or is it the starter ? Or something to do with the engine and crankshaft ?
Thanks
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:23 PM.

story-0
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-2
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-3
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-04 10:24:38


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records

Slideshow: From problematic air suspensions to early dual-clutch transmission issues, these specific models and years stand out as the least dependable modern Mercedes vehicles.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-26 18:08:10


VIEW MORE