Ok, my '99 E430 S, started to do something weird lately.
A month ago, I get in turn the key, all is fine, then i go to start it ---and nothing!!!!
Surprised, and in disbelief ....i try it again, and like nothing the starts right up.
Well now, the same thing happens like every other day, but now theres a new symptom with it. Now, every now and then, you will actually hear it try to turn over....I mean the starter will actually try to engage, and then its like the power is cut off!!!!!
What the hell?? Then i turn the key again, and boom it starts like normal.

Few things to keep in mind, my windows move slow, the auto up function on both driver and passenger sides when hit---sometimes it will roll window up all the way, then bring it back down half way,
and I put in a stereo system, about 6 months ago....killer....3 alpine amps, 2 12 inch subs...and competition MB quarts all the way around.
I also started to notice my lights DIM WHEN BASS HITS HARD, on the gauge cluster pannel, as well as my small lights in the front of the car.

Can it all be related, with the battery ??? Do i need a new one???
HELP!!

 

alternator in the car so that should be fine.Get the charging system checked and the battery condition.Have you installed a cap?Seems like you are not getting enough out of the battery at start up,try putting a charger on it for a few hours or overnight and then remove the charger in the morning and see how it starts up.

 

Thanx Ohlord; you are always coming to my rescue.
How do i check the charging system?? Do i go to the stealer ship for that?
And ---no i dont have a cap for the system.
I knew this might be a problem thou, so I was planning on installing a yellow top dry cell and a bass cap, last week, but i went on vacation, so never had a chance.
If is the battery, what should I do, get a MB battery, and have them install it, I know that there are some sort of reset procedures to do after batt change?

 

If it starts, drive to the store and buy the battery that Ohlord will suggest in 5...4...3...

The reset procedure is listed here somewhere. Takes about 2 mins.

Or, if you wind up stranded in a remote parking lot (like I did), call 1800MERCEDES and a guy will come out within the hour for around $150a ll in.

I would bet the farm it's the battery dying.

 

......Good thing u love your farm, because I'm really hoping it's the battery as well!!

 

Had a similar problem about 3 years ago... after installing my aftermarket system I had a few voltage related problems, though it was anticipated. However I was running only two amps, one PPI amp (when they were still true PPI) for a pair of 10w7's and a smaller PPI 5 channel to the components... MB Quart baby! good choice E43 S! Anyhow I was able to get away with not having to replace the alternator by replacing my battery with an Optima red top (34r, the reverse post one) and using a battcap rather than a regular capacitor. The battcap was equal to 300 farads and cost the same as three 1 farad fosgates, the reading shows a full 14.4v constantly to the amps. Havent had any dimming issues or jerky power controls since, but I'd still consider upgrading that alternator as well if I were you. I plan on doing it as well when I find the time.

btw, what head unit are you controlling that system with? Have any pictures of the sub enclosure (are they type R Alpine's?)? I'd love to check that out

 

I might also suggest checking all your connections. Corrosion can cause similar effects such as this. You can clean by disconnecting and brushing with a wire brush.

 

Thanx, guys for chiming in-----
I will deff clean my connections this weekend, just to eliminate the ( what if)
My head unit --is a 7 inch flip out dvd from Kenwood, with that I had installed to 9.6" headrest Tv's as well ----it looked great till about 2 months ago, when someone decided to take them from me at the local movie theater parking lot.
The box, it a duel individually ported box custom made by alpine for their subs. Drops nice bass, and we all know how hard it is to get air from those cars, with that metal plate behind the seat.
Im also going to put in 2 CD-1 Pro Compression Horns under the dash, to bring out the highs. Its going to sound awesome. The shop doing this for me is a competition shop in PA, they really know what they are doing.

 

I totally agree with ohlord. I think your system is taking up most of the power used to completely charge you battery. Or maybe its just time to get a new battery, get one with more cranking amps than your current one. As far as getting your charging system tested you can do it at an Autozone or Kragen (checker or schucks, depending where you are) for free. I would also recommend a capacitor for your system to fufill the power needs of your system, this will also prevent your lights from dimming when your bass hits hard. Hope all works out.
-Leo