'93 300E "ASR" and limp mode problems
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1993 Mercedes 300E
'93 300E "ASR" and limp mode problems
Been a long time since I've been here and it's been a long time since I have had a Mercedes. I wasn't intending on buying one for awhile but a sweet deal fell in my lap for a '93 Mercedes 300E so here I am. Last time I was here I had a '97 S320 LWB.
Of course, the deal was sweet because the car has problems but is otherwise a very clean car with 94k miles. Major problem is the "ASR" light is on and the car drives real bad (mechanic said it is in limp mode when the ASR is on). Transmission won't shift unless you let off the gas and get back on it. Can the ASR simply be disabled? Momentarily the ASR light went off and the car drove fine but for the most part is stays on constantly and is running in limp mode. Any suggestions? Thanks and good to be back!
Of course, the deal was sweet because the car has problems but is otherwise a very clean car with 94k miles. Major problem is the "ASR" light is on and the car drives real bad (mechanic said it is in limp mode when the ASR is on). Transmission won't shift unless you let off the gas and get back on it. Can the ASR simply be disabled? Momentarily the ASR light went off and the car drove fine but for the most part is stays on constantly and is running in limp mode. Any suggestions? Thanks and good to be back!
Last edited by 93MB300E; Jun 16, 2011 at 08:57 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,311
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From: Manchester, CT
You can dis-able the ASR by un-plugging one of the speed sensors by the front shock towers...but...I doubt its the ASR that is making the car go into LH-mode. Un-plugging one will lite up the ASR dash lite, store a code relating to it and it will also take the cruise control off-line as well.
First thing to check would be the wiring harnesses for cracks/degradation and check the CAN for any codes (there should be some pointing to the possible problem) Sometimes the codes are 'ghosts' tho...not pointing you to the real problem(s).
It could be an easy fix like a $25 brake-light sensor or it could be $1000+ for a throttle acuator...if you have a good mechanic that knows this vintage car then he should be able to find the problem pretty quickly. LH-mode is all too common from 1990-95'.
Defiintely do a search on LH-mode for other thoughts/experiences and things for you to check yourself on it. A seemingly good deal like this might turn into an expensive regret ! But...it might not be a big deal to fix. GL
First thing to check would be the wiring harnesses for cracks/degradation and check the CAN for any codes (there should be some pointing to the possible problem) Sometimes the codes are 'ghosts' tho...not pointing you to the real problem(s).
It could be an easy fix like a $25 brake-light sensor or it could be $1000+ for a throttle acuator...if you have a good mechanic that knows this vintage car then he should be able to find the problem pretty quickly. LH-mode is all too common from 1990-95'.
Defiintely do a search on LH-mode for other thoughts/experiences and things for you to check yourself on it. A seemingly good deal like this might turn into an expensive regret ! But...it might not be a big deal to fix. GL
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6
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1993 Mercedes 300E
You can dis-able the ASR by un-plugging one of the speed sensors by the front shock towers...but...I doubt its the ASR that is making the car go into LH-mode. Un-plugging one will lite up the ASR dash lite, store a code relating to it and it will also take the cruise control off-line as well.
First thing to check would be the wiring harnesses for cracks/degradation and check the CAN for any codes (there should be some pointing to the possible problem) Sometimes the codes are 'ghosts' tho...not pointing you to the real problem(s).
It could be an easy fix like a $25 brake-light sensor or it could be $1000+ for a throttle acuator...if you have a good mechanic that knows this vintage car then he should be able to find the problem pretty quickly. LH-mode is all too common from 1990-95'.
Defiintely do a search on LH-mode for other thoughts/experiences and things for you to check yourself on it. A seemingly good deal like this might turn into an expensive regret ! But...it might not be a big deal to fix. GL
First thing to check would be the wiring harnesses for cracks/degradation and check the CAN for any codes (there should be some pointing to the possible problem) Sometimes the codes are 'ghosts' tho...not pointing you to the real problem(s).
It could be an easy fix like a $25 brake-light sensor or it could be $1000+ for a throttle acuator...if you have a good mechanic that knows this vintage car then he should be able to find the problem pretty quickly. LH-mode is all too common from 1990-95'.
Defiintely do a search on LH-mode for other thoughts/experiences and things for you to check yourself on it. A seemingly good deal like this might turn into an expensive regret ! But...it might not be a big deal to fix. GL
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12
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1999 E55
Yeah, well, you made a mistake.
As my 11th Benz, I am the proud new owner of said 300E. ( Current daily driver is a 99 E55 - stable has included 94 SL600, 93 S500...)
Car is solid clean book. 85+ point car. For a near 20 year old car, it is mesmorizing to find such a great specimen. Shiny original paint, best color combo for a classy sedan (charcoal,dove grey), 1 (and only 1) 1" rip/wear spot in passenger seat (all other seats 99%) - clean dash, center wood - underneath only the most minor of leaks at diff and tranny pan and valve cover, tight suspension, straight factory rims...
You HAD this car for $2k! Thank you, my teenage daughter thanks you - and what better way to impress upon a new driver, vehicle maturity and an example of meticulous care and maintenance. (Plus, it will outrun a 305 V8 Camaro of the same era and cost $40k new!)
As for the bad parts, it needs an ETA. Available any day for $500, $100 on a good day. (Sure, Mercedes wants $2270, and they also get $100k+ for some new cars - I'm not buying either...) An hour to drop in, and it should be fixed. Or, I make a bypass harness and run without ASR. Worst case, I pay a shop $1000 to fix it. All are acceptable outcomes.
AC fuse is running hot, and there are several other signs of electrical degradation under the hood, but AC blows ice cold and all functions cycle and operate properly.
Sunroof operates, but is binding in reverse - "pops" properly, but needs assistance to full open and close - a new cable should fix it.
Drives great, runs consistent temp.
As my 11th Benz, I am the proud new owner of said 300E. ( Current daily driver is a 99 E55 - stable has included 94 SL600, 93 S500...)
Car is solid clean book. 85+ point car. For a near 20 year old car, it is mesmorizing to find such a great specimen. Shiny original paint, best color combo for a classy sedan (charcoal,dove grey), 1 (and only 1) 1" rip/wear spot in passenger seat (all other seats 99%) - clean dash, center wood - underneath only the most minor of leaks at diff and tranny pan and valve cover, tight suspension, straight factory rims...
You HAD this car for $2k! Thank you, my teenage daughter thanks you - and what better way to impress upon a new driver, vehicle maturity and an example of meticulous care and maintenance. (Plus, it will outrun a 305 V8 Camaro of the same era and cost $40k new!)
As for the bad parts, it needs an ETA. Available any day for $500, $100 on a good day. (Sure, Mercedes wants $2270, and they also get $100k+ for some new cars - I'm not buying either...) An hour to drop in, and it should be fixed. Or, I make a bypass harness and run without ASR. Worst case, I pay a shop $1000 to fix it. All are acceptable outcomes.
AC fuse is running hot, and there are several other signs of electrical degradation under the hood, but AC blows ice cold and all functions cycle and operate properly.
Sunroof operates, but is binding in reverse - "pops" properly, but needs assistance to full open and close - a new cable should fix it.
Drives great, runs consistent temp.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6
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1993 Mercedes 300E
Car is located in Clearwater, Florida. Craigslist ad: http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/cto/2443276664.html Looks like it is still available. 
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
1993 Mercedes 300E
Yeah, well, you made a mistake.
As my 11th Benz, I am the proud new owner of said 300E. ( Current daily driver is a 99 E55 - stable has included 94 SL600, 93 S500...)
Car is solid clean book. 85+ point car. For a near 20 year old car, it is mesmorizing to find such a great specimen. Shiny original paint, best color combo for a classy sedan (charcoal,dove grey), 1 (and only 1) 1" rip/wear spot in passenger seat (all other seats 99%) - clean dash, center wood - underneath only the most minor of leaks at diff and tranny pan and valve cover, tight suspension, straight factory rims...
You HAD this car for $2k! Thank you, my teenage daughter thanks you - and what better way to impress upon a new driver, vehicle maturity and an example of meticulous care and maintenance. (Plus, it will outrun a 305 V8 Camaro of the same era and cost $40k new!)
As for the bad parts, it needs an ETA. Available any day for $500, $100 on a good day. (Sure, Mercedes wants $2270, and they also get $100k+ for some new cars - I'm not buying either...) An hour to drop in, and it should be fixed. Or, I make a bypass harness and run without ASR. Worst case, I pay a shop $1000 to fix it. All are acceptable outcomes.
AC fuse is running hot, and there are several other signs of electrical degradation under the hood, but AC blows ice cold and all functions cycle and operate properly.
Sunroof operates, but is binding in reverse - "pops" properly, but needs assistance to full open and close - a new cable should fix it.
Drives great, runs consistent temp.
As my 11th Benz, I am the proud new owner of said 300E. ( Current daily driver is a 99 E55 - stable has included 94 SL600, 93 S500...)
Car is solid clean book. 85+ point car. For a near 20 year old car, it is mesmorizing to find such a great specimen. Shiny original paint, best color combo for a classy sedan (charcoal,dove grey), 1 (and only 1) 1" rip/wear spot in passenger seat (all other seats 99%) - clean dash, center wood - underneath only the most minor of leaks at diff and tranny pan and valve cover, tight suspension, straight factory rims...
You HAD this car for $2k! Thank you, my teenage daughter thanks you - and what better way to impress upon a new driver, vehicle maturity and an example of meticulous care and maintenance. (Plus, it will outrun a 305 V8 Camaro of the same era and cost $40k new!)
As for the bad parts, it needs an ETA. Available any day for $500, $100 on a good day. (Sure, Mercedes wants $2270, and they also get $100k+ for some new cars - I'm not buying either...) An hour to drop in, and it should be fixed. Or, I make a bypass harness and run without ASR. Worst case, I pay a shop $1000 to fix it. All are acceptable outcomes.
AC fuse is running hot, and there are several other signs of electrical degradation under the hood, but AC blows ice cold and all functions cycle and operate properly.
Sunroof operates, but is binding in reverse - "pops" properly, but needs assistance to full open and close - a new cable should fix it.
Drives great, runs consistent temp.
As far as "drives great", maybe in you opinion but with said problems it didn't drive great to me at all.
Last edited by 93MB300E; Jul 4, 2011 at 12:54 AM.
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12
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1999 E55
Yeah, I'm an owner.
I got the car for the same price.
The ASR limp made it "odd" to drive - if you get over that, it steers straight, brakes solid and straight, and runs smooth. Every couple times you start it, the ASR doesn't trip and it drives perfect for 5 or 10 miles.
Drove it 100 miles yesterday - ac blow cold and coolant temp stays steady at 100C in 90F traffic.
The ASR limp made it "odd" to drive - if you get over that, it steers straight, brakes solid and straight, and runs smooth. Every couple times you start it, the ASR doesn't trip and it drives perfect for 5 or 10 miles.
Drove it 100 miles yesterday - ac blow cold and coolant temp stays steady at 100C in 90F traffic.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
1993 Mercedes 300E
I got the car for the same price.
The ASR limp made it "odd" to drive - if you get over that, it steers straight, brakes solid and straight, and runs smooth. Every couple times you start it, the ASR doesn't trip and it drives perfect for 5 or 10 miles.
Drove it 100 miles yesterday - ac blow cold and coolant temp stays steady at 100C in 90F traffic.
The ASR limp made it "odd" to drive - if you get over that, it steers straight, brakes solid and straight, and runs smooth. Every couple times you start it, the ASR doesn't trip and it drives perfect for 5 or 10 miles.
Drove it 100 miles yesterday - ac blow cold and coolant temp stays steady at 100C in 90F traffic.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 274
Likes: 5
From: San Francisco
... are always a good time.
Yeah, well, you made a mistake.
As my 11th Benz, I am the proud new owner of said 300E. ( Current daily driver is a 99 E55 - stable has included 94 SL600, 93 S500...)
Car is solid clean book. 85+ point car. For a near 20 year old car, it is mesmorizing to find such a great specimen. Shiny original paint, best color combo for a classy sedan (charcoal,dove grey), 1 (and only 1) 1" rip/wear spot in passenger seat (all other seats 99%) - clean dash, center wood - underneath only the most minor of leaks at diff and tranny pan and valve cover, tight suspension, straight factory rims...
You HAD this car for $2k! Thank you, my teenage daughter thanks you ...
As for the bad parts, it needs an ETA. Available any day for $500, $100 on a good day. (Sure, Mercedes wants $2270... Or, I make a bypass harness and run without ASR. Worst case, I pay a shop $1000 to fix it. All are acceptable outcomes.
AC fuse is running hot, and there are several other signs of electrical degradation under the hood, but AC blows ice cold...
Sunroof operates, but is binding in reverse - "pops" properly, but needs assistance to full open and close - a new cable should fix it.
As my 11th Benz, I am the proud new owner of said 300E. ( Current daily driver is a 99 E55 - stable has included 94 SL600, 93 S500...)
Car is solid clean book. 85+ point car. For a near 20 year old car, it is mesmorizing to find such a great specimen. Shiny original paint, best color combo for a classy sedan (charcoal,dove grey), 1 (and only 1) 1" rip/wear spot in passenger seat (all other seats 99%) - clean dash, center wood - underneath only the most minor of leaks at diff and tranny pan and valve cover, tight suspension, straight factory rims...
You HAD this car for $2k! Thank you, my teenage daughter thanks you ...
As for the bad parts, it needs an ETA. Available any day for $500, $100 on a good day. (Sure, Mercedes wants $2270... Or, I make a bypass harness and run without ASR. Worst case, I pay a shop $1000 to fix it. All are acceptable outcomes.
AC fuse is running hot, and there are several other signs of electrical degradation under the hood, but AC blows ice cold...
Sunroof operates, but is binding in reverse - "pops" properly, but needs assistance to full open and close - a new cable should fix it.
It's like a school child with hands on hips, "na na...na na.... I win you lose".
Haha!
Beautiful
