400E, 300E idle problem
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: San Diego, CA
1992 Mecedes-Benz 400E
400E, 300E idle problem
I just bought a '92 400E with 126,000 miles on it. Everything on it seems to be fine except it has one problem, starting problem. When I go to start the car and the engine begins to turns over on its own and I release the key the engine speed suddenly drops and the information lights come on (ABS, SRS, etc.) like its going to die, but then it idles propely. All this happens over seconds. This does not happen in the morning when the car has not been driven for a night. To go along with that problem the engine sometimes stalls when I stop, also if I rev the engine real high in nuetral then it also dies. I don't know what this could be. I talked the the MB dealer and they said it could be the wiring harnes. The car just had the 120,000 mile service and the mechanic, an independant, said the engine is in perfect condition. Any input would be really appreciated.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 47
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From: FL
86 300e
The wire harness may be it!
Thge wire harness was a problem with some MB's of that era. I am not sure if your car is included but, MB never admitted to it. Bad news is it will cost $$$ to replace. GO www.mercedeesshop.com for more ainfo and do a search.
Good luck!
Good luck!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,005
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From: Germany
'00 S320 W220, '98 A160 W168/ sold in 2005 '86 260 E W124 '90 260E W124
Hi Kooly2,
I had a quite similar problem once, and it showed only randomly. What it was then, is a failure in the alternator. It seemed to be different under different temperature conditions. I had it swapped and everything is fine since then.
Another possibility is the ground connection of the starter, also this could cause obscure reactions. Could be either loose or the insulation of the wires is bad and cuts through (to the hot wire 12V+) (not fully) during different moisture conditions and/or temperatures.
This is just a possibility, and I hope it's not more serious.
Good luck.
I had a quite similar problem once, and it showed only randomly. What it was then, is a failure in the alternator. It seemed to be different under different temperature conditions. I had it swapped and everything is fine since then.
Another possibility is the ground connection of the starter, also this could cause obscure reactions. Could be either loose or the insulation of the wires is bad and cuts through (to the hot wire 12V+) (not fully) during different moisture conditions and/or temperatures.
This is just a possibility, and I hope it's not more serious.
Good luck.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
2008 S63
Re: 400E, 300E idle problem
Originally posted by KOOLY2
...To go along with that problem the engine sometimes stalls when I stop, also if I rev the engine real high in nuetral then it also dies. .
...To go along with that problem the engine sometimes stalls when I stop, also if I rev the engine real high in nuetral then it also dies. .
can't help you about the other problem tho
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 58
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From: San Diego, CA
1992 Mecedes-Benz 400E
Thanks
Thanks to everyone who replied, guess i'll just let it be. I mostly drive this car back and fourth between the Bay Area and San Diego. Once the car gets running there are no problems.
