W210: Engine stall when engine cold
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: long island ny
2000 S430
I've got almost the exact same symptons. Once I get it rolling in gear, no problems all day. I've found if I park facing down hill to let it roll a little and goose it a little bit while engaging drive, it will stumble but not stall. Once engaged, I can stop immediately and she idles in drive like a champ. Is it possible the transmission is at fault? Any particular vacuum lines or sensors I should check?
Local independent service tech tried a new MAS, didn't help. No error codes. He thought it might be the throttle actuator, but that is a very expensive part - $1K or so for a rebuilt. And it's not something you can "try" and take off if it doesn't fix. He recommended I take it to the dealer and have them run diagnostics with their system, which apparently can gather more info than he can. I suppose this means they can tell if it's the TA or not. He thought a diagnostic charge at the dealer would run around $100.
Any counsel?
Local independent service tech tried a new MAS, didn't help. No error codes. He thought it might be the throttle actuator, but that is a very expensive part - $1K or so for a rebuilt. And it's not something you can "try" and take off if it doesn't fix. He recommended I take it to the dealer and have them run diagnostics with their system, which apparently can gather more info than he can. I suppose this means they can tell if it's the TA or not. He thought a diagnostic charge at the dealer would run around $100.
Any counsel?
I heard something about this throttle control valve and these symptoms in a w130 S320, you can try a used one from a wrecking yard http://www.car-part.com or ebay or a rebuilt is about 680 if you look around. Just make sure this is the true issue.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
1999 MB c280 sport
I have the same problem with my c280
I have the same problem with my c280. It stalls when shifting to drive or reverse. It will take off sometimes when I hit the gas as I shift.
I have the Trans. rebuilt do to other problems before the stalliung started and I have recently replace the trans. and torque converter because it was under warranty and Transmission shop said it was transmission related. Seems not to be now.
I have also replaced:
IAC
MAP
Coolant Sensor.
Crank sensor
Plugs and wires
fuel filter.
vacuum lines
And the EGR was replaced before the stalling started. > not sure if it is related to this.
Battery
I am not getting any Engine light or fault codes.
Any Ideas? I need some help!
I have the Trans. rebuilt do to other problems before the stalliung started and I have recently replace the trans. and torque converter because it was under warranty and Transmission shop said it was transmission related. Seems not to be now.
I have also replaced:
IAC
MAP
Coolant Sensor.
Crank sensor
Plugs and wires
fuel filter.
vacuum lines
And the EGR was replaced before the stalling started. > not sure if it is related to this.
Battery
I am not getting any Engine light or fault codes.
Any Ideas? I need some help!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon, 1989 420 S
E320 4matic wagon stalls when cold
Same problem as above. Have tried everything short of the the throttle actuator although it has been thoroughly "cleaned". No dice. Problem is intermittent but seems worse when car has been sitting longer. We live near ocean and air temp is almost always below 55F.
Driving us nuts. Local MB dealer and independent shop can't figure it out. HELP before I put a match to it!
Driving us nuts. Local MB dealer and independent shop can't figure it out. HELP before I put a match to it!
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
C55amg
C55 stall
Broke down and took it to the dealer they kept my vehicle for three days and said that they were unable to duplicate the problem. No engine codes, fuel pressure operating at optimum pressure performed hot soak and cold soak still could not duplicate issue. Thoughts are that it might be related to fuel with a high methanol content. My bill came to $0.00. Car has not stalled since. Service manager did suggest having a decarb performed he also stated that what could be happening could be related to a solenoid in the transmission sticking and therefore when the car should be down shifting into 1st it remains in 2nd when approaching stop and therefore iniciating stall.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon, 1989 420 S
2000 E320 Wagon 4matic stall problem
Flushed tranny, but only partial flush. Problem disappeared - for a few weeks. Now back to stalling after cold start as soon as we put it in gear. Seems to be a little better if we use "S" setting and rather than "W". Sensors done, plugs, vacuum lines checked, etc.... No luck. Anyone found a decent solution?
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
C55amg
Stalling
Finally it appears to be resolved. 760 dollars later and 3 weeks in the shop the MB dealer identified the problem as carbon buildup on the throttle plates and debri in fuel rail. The throttle body was removed from vehicle and thoroughly cleaned and fuel rail and injectors were flushed . I have driven the car for two weeks now and so far no stalling issues.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Belgium
C32 AMG estate
Hi guys. I drive a C32 AMG and I am having the same cold start issues. It is freezing here at the moment and when I start the car in the morning it runs fine in P,then shift to R or D and it stalls... Dealership says it is a faulty air pump but I do not see the link... It did seem to get worse after they changed the trans fluid...
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon, 1989 420 S
Hey Elpowell, are you still good on the stalling issue? My E320 4matic wagon is still stalling. Serviced tranny again and it's worse. In "S" setting it is also getting a little slippery\sloppy in shifting. Wondering if cleaning the throttle body and fuel rail really helped your problem?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Medford, NJ
1999 E430
E430 Stalling
Hi everyone it seems like I'm having the same problem. 1999 E430 with 79000 miles reason why we bought it. 
It is my wifes car and I don't want her to get stranded. I replaced the CPS and Maf sensors. I hate replacing good parts. Neither one helped. It only happens on a cold start up. I turn the key she starts right up then shuts right off not even putting it in gear. It happened two times in a row one day. I here a steady humming noise and I am suspecting its the fuel pump. I just bought this car from a used car dealer and am very sorry I did. My wife totaled her E320 1999 that we bought from a private owner and we never had a lick of trouble except for normal maintenence items. We've had this car a total of three weeks and had to replace:
1.Front and Rear axle flex Joints
2.Transmission mount
3.Fuel filter
4.Front wheel bearings
5.One tie rod (bent)
6.4 new tires
$2000.00
Do it yourself Items
1.NEW Bosch MAF sensor 175.00 Part (CODES) P0170 & P0173 Cleared codes OK
2.New VEMO CPS sensor (Didn't solve stalling problem)
3.Mobil 1 0-40 Oil change with filter (Old filter looked like original filter) Should have taken pictures
4.Cabin filters(Looked like originals)
Any help would be appreciated.
It is my wifes car and I don't want her to get stranded. I replaced the CPS and Maf sensors. I hate replacing good parts. Neither one helped. It only happens on a cold start up. I turn the key she starts right up then shuts right off not even putting it in gear. It happened two times in a row one day. I here a steady humming noise and I am suspecting its the fuel pump. I just bought this car from a used car dealer and am very sorry I did. My wife totaled her E320 1999 that we bought from a private owner and we never had a lick of trouble except for normal maintenence items. We've had this car a total of three weeks and had to replace:1.Front and Rear axle flex Joints
2.Transmission mount
3.Fuel filter
4.Front wheel bearings
5.One tie rod (bent)
6.4 new tires
$2000.00
Do it yourself Items
1.NEW Bosch MAF sensor 175.00 Part (CODES) P0170 & P0173 Cleared codes OK
2.New VEMO CPS sensor (Didn't solve stalling problem)
3.Mobil 1 0-40 Oil change with filter (Old filter looked like original filter) Should have taken pictures
4.Cabin filters(Looked like originals)
Any help would be appreciated.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Belgium
C32 AMG estate
I had mine looked at by my local MB dealer. They kept it over night and tried it in the morning. They couldn't locate the problem eather. They did say that after some calling around they thought the torque converter is probably to blame and will need replacing. 
€2000,00...
In the mean time my supercharger pulley has gone bust so another €1500,00 gone...
Sigh...
€2000,00...
In the mean time my supercharger pulley has gone bust so another €1500,00 gone...
Sigh...
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon, 1989 420 S
I got the torque converter suggestion recently, as well. But no guarantee that it will fix the issue nor a solid explanation as to why the tc is the culprit. Not sure if the 210 is a lock up or non lock up style converter but wondering if there is an easy to replace torque converter clutch solenoid inside the pan that could be causing the problem. I'm confident this cold stalling problem is a tranny issue; the car starts instantly, dies, then starts instantly again over and over. And when warm, no issues. Secondly, the shifting has gotten pretty sloppy which leads me to tranny again.
Anyone know about 210 torque converters? Are they lock up TC's? Are tey expensive and a nightmare to replace? Any experience with solenoids?
Anyone know about 210 torque converters? Are they lock up TC's? Are tey expensive and a nightmare to replace? Any experience with solenoids?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
Has anyone who has been to a dealer over this issue asked about having the transmission adaptation values and error codes read? This requires an SDS and sometimes there is a charge. Also, after analysis the adaptation values can be reset to factory defaults. Just a thought.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon, 1989 420 S
Hi, I've been to the dealer several times and my current mechanic was the shop foreman and head troubleshooter. Probably not safe to assume but I would assume this had been done. Will inquire tomorrow though.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Southampton, UK
Mercedes CLS55 AMG
Hi, I had exactly the same issue with my 202 C43, stalling from cold, let it idle for aprrox2-3 mins and it would be ok.
Diagnosed by MB Dealer as a faulty MAF, replaced no change, I lived with it for a few months no real plans to fix it as it wasn't to much of a inconvenience to be honest. I am a regular on the UK forums, and one of the things they recommended was to have the Gearbox oil and filter changed, and with the high rate of failures of the standard C43 GB I thought I would get it done they drained and emptied my TC of fluid replaced the filter. Well within a week the car didn't stall from cold though the revs still dropped quite a bit when put into drive. This improved over the next few weeks, and was ok for about 15k miles, then it returned to stalling.
I eventually replaced the TC and it instantly solved the stalling, it was explained to me that the TC is a pump, and if worn cant produce enough pressure to disconnect the drive of the gearbox, this is made worse when the fluid is cold as it is thicker.
Not sure why the GB Oil and filter change stopped it for a while, possibly purely down to dirty fluid, but either way TC replacement sorted it for me.
Diagnosed by MB Dealer as a faulty MAF, replaced no change, I lived with it for a few months no real plans to fix it as it wasn't to much of a inconvenience to be honest. I am a regular on the UK forums, and one of the things they recommended was to have the Gearbox oil and filter changed, and with the high rate of failures of the standard C43 GB I thought I would get it done they drained and emptied my TC of fluid replaced the filter. Well within a week the car didn't stall from cold though the revs still dropped quite a bit when put into drive. This improved over the next few weeks, and was ok for about 15k miles, then it returned to stalling.
I eventually replaced the TC and it instantly solved the stalling, it was explained to me that the TC is a pump, and if worn cant produce enough pressure to disconnect the drive of the gearbox, this is made worse when the fluid is cold as it is thicker.
Not sure why the GB Oil and filter change stopped it for a while, possibly purely down to dirty fluid, but either way TC replacement sorted it for me.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2010 w204 220 CDI AMG
Hi, I had exactly the same issue with my 202 C43, stalling from cold, let it idle for aprrox2-3 mins and it would be ok.
Diagnosed by MB Dealer as a faulty MAF, replaced no change, I lived with it for a few months no real plans to fix it as it wasn't to much of a inconvenience to be honest. I am a regular on the UK forums, and one of the things they recommended was to have the Gearbox oil and filter changed, and with the high rate of failures of the standard C43 GB I thought I would get it done they drained and emptied my TC of fluid replaced the filter. Well within a week the car didn't stall from cold though the revs still dropped quite a bit when put into drive. This improved over the next few weeks, and was ok for about 15k miles, then it returned to stalling.
I eventually replaced the TC and it instantly solved the stalling, it was explained to me that the TC is a pump, and if worn cant produce enough pressure to disconnect the drive of the gearbox, this is made worse when the fluid is cold as it is thicker.
Not sure why the GB Oil and filter change stopped it for a while, possibly purely down to dirty fluid, but either way TC replacement sorted it for me.
Diagnosed by MB Dealer as a faulty MAF, replaced no change, I lived with it for a few months no real plans to fix it as it wasn't to much of a inconvenience to be honest. I am a regular on the UK forums, and one of the things they recommended was to have the Gearbox oil and filter changed, and with the high rate of failures of the standard C43 GB I thought I would get it done they drained and emptied my TC of fluid replaced the filter. Well within a week the car didn't stall from cold though the revs still dropped quite a bit when put into drive. This improved over the next few weeks, and was ok for about 15k miles, then it returned to stalling.
I eventually replaced the TC and it instantly solved the stalling, it was explained to me that the TC is a pump, and if worn cant produce enough pressure to disconnect the drive of the gearbox, this is made worse when the fluid is cold as it is thicker.
Not sure why the GB Oil and filter change stopped it for a while, possibly purely down to dirty fluid, but either way TC replacement sorted it for me.
I have flushed the tranny, and changed the electrical connector.
Any other suggestions?
I get no codes BTW
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
ML63 (2016), ML55 (2001), E280 (2000), E55 (2004)
I have the same problem on a E280. Has anybody else ever tried to put the car into gear via N first? If I shift from P to N first and wait a second or two and then move to D or R, the car drives normal and does not stall. I encounter the problem of stalling only when moving into D or R from P directly. Has anybody else made the same observation?
GL! 😎
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Wellington
C55 AMG - Subaru WRX STI
Hello Everyone,
Sorry to bring back an old thread.
I am experiencing the same cold stall issues with a C55 AMG (722.6 transmission)
I was wondering if anyone here has found any solutions??
Thanks!
Sorry to bring back an old thread.
I am experiencing the same cold stall issues with a C55 AMG (722.6 transmission)
I was wondering if anyone here has found any solutions??
Thanks!
Last edited by Wellington2010; Feb 2, 2020 at 09:44 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 140
From: Westcoast/Interior
02w163ML500 / 97w210E50AMG / 99w202C230k / 95w124500e-wip
Have you searched and read thru the many other threads on this similar topic?
One Example.
edit: another
Last edited by khomer2; Apr 17, 2019 at 09:23 PM. Reason: reading binge....
