E-Class (W124) 1984-1995: E 260, E 300, E 320, E 420, E 500 (Includes CE, T, TD models)

need advice on engine performance

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Mar 27, 2005 | 01:48 AM
  #1  
shams13's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
E240 2004
need advice on engine performance

hi all,

have some problems with 230E M102 and if somebody has a solution is welcomed.

1) cold start problem. have to do cranking for almost 5 seconds. Checked the water temp sensor and seems fine.(it seems to be little over reading; 4.5K at 20C). Is this a problem of OVP relay. How to check it??

2) once started, tend to be very sluggish on acceleration (actually doen't accelerate on heavy throttle). once reached optimal temp it runs fine.

3) idle is fluctuating between 600-750.

4) overall i don't feel much power in acceleration but the top speed is good. i can make 195Km/h.

please advice.
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2005 | 06:50 PM
  #2  
Brian Felts's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Portsmouth Ohio
E 320
Try something simple first......when was the last time the fuel filter was replaced. However that would not explain it running fine at running temp. I would then guess to go back to a sensor reading wrong, a MAS if your car has one (not too down on the 102) could be a reason or is your cats clogging and not operating until they get good and hot at running temp?


Some ideas.
Brian Felts
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2005 | 06:03 PM
  #3  
dan0jun's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: California
1988 300E
Familiar

The O2 sensor information comes from my dad (a certified MB tech for over 30 years). The O2 sensors tend to go bad on MB's after 120,000 miles or so. Check the O2 sensors (will need either an ohm meter or a MB tech can do this) and I'm not sure if the MB uses a typical Mass Air Flow Sensor but if it does, find the throttle body - should be located at the end of the airbox - and within the throttle body you should see a pillar that houses two tiny wires. DO NOT TOUCH THE WIRES. Take a can of brake cleaner or carb cleaner and spray down the wires, making sure that any dust or grime that comes off the sensors is also cleaned off the entire throttle body. It is recommended that you remove the throttle body assembly from the engine during this process so you don't send any contaminants into your intake manifold. These are two small steps you should take before going to take your car in to get diagnosed.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2005 | 07:44 PM
  #4  
Brian Felts's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Portsmouth Ohio
E 320
That is one more idea on the O2 that changes reaction when the car reaches a certain temp.


Brian
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2005 | 12:49 AM
  #5  
dan0jun's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: California
1988 300E
If all else fails

If your car does not respond to any of these suggestions, and if you are in the Southern California area, I would recommend taking your car to my dad's shop. He has worked for MB North America as both a technician and manager for over 30 years. He now owns his own shop and has dealt with this problem before (mainly on our own 1988 300E). I do not know the full repairs done on our W124 to fix these problems or else I could list some other points to check. Let me know if you would like his shop phone number, he is located in Riverside off the 91 freeway.

A slight disclaimer, if your problems result from numerous sensor or part failures, the repair estimate may be a little steep.
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2005 | 10:49 AM
  #6  
dan0jun's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: California
1988 300E
ok, new info

Ok, so last night I learned that W124's did not use a MAS. Instead it is called a CIS [Constant Injection System]. It reads the air flow mechanically by forcing intake air to push against a circular flap. The air pushes the flap open as it flows by, where the flap is attached through a series of links to the fuel pressure sensor. The farther the flap opens, the farther the flap leverages the fuel pressure regulator open, thus allowing more fuel. Just clarifying my mistake, don't want you searching for a part not there .
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


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


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:41 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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