Hi, all,

I was given '97 E300D w/305K by colleague & husband (both good friends) last month when they bought a new car. Original owner was her aunt. Only thing needed was front wheel bearings repacked which I had done immediately. Mechanic said it appears to be in great shape. Very clean, I know it has been regularly serviced, never had a major issue.

Last night I got the message of "check engine /engine electronics". Drivability prior & since code msg hasn't differed. I immediately looked up in driver's manual which said if check engine light came on when driving diesel it was a fuel injection issue.

Dropped it off this morning at mechanic (not an import specialist and won't do work on diesel engines) for code reading and it coded at PO200 (fuel injector). They are resetting codes for me and told me if it codes again to take it to foreign import specialist. I've started the search for a good, reliable, honest, local import specialist that will work with me payment wise.

I've never owned a MB or diesel (love it, btw! I'm spoiled now) and do know that repairs can be costly. As a woman with little (but some) car knowledge I want to pick as many brains as possible, so I don't go in blind.

Some friends at work have asked if I made sure the fuel cap was on tight (I've only had to refuel once, a few weeks ago, since I got it. Yay, diesel!). I asked the mechanic if that could be what caused it to code, but he said no, though he'd make sure it is on tight.

Thoughts? I'm trying not to be anxious, but it's hard not to be as single mom with limited $ means.

I will search the forum for similar situations, but didn't have time at work to do so right now and want to get this out there.

Thank you in advance for any input.

Happy Friday!