nsolot

This started to happen a couple months ago, and only happens 1 in every 3 or 4 times I start the motor.

Crank sounds fine, sounds like the motor is firing up, then she just quits. Usually 2nd time she starts up fine. Rarely I give her a 3rd start and apply a little gas and she fires up.

I really hate to bring her into the shop for an intermittent problem, OTOH my concern is she won't start at all (and that only happens at the very worst of times)

Once she starts up, she runs fine, as best I can tell.

Any ideas? DIY before I bring her to the shop?

TIA

ohlord

by replacing your fuel filter which also contains your fuel pressure regulator.
Get the part,run the fuel tank down to near empty(carry a gas can in the trunk if you want to go real empty) and follow the diy on www,benzworld.org w210 diy forum. Easy diy if you follow directions.
part at www.autohausaz.com

nsolot

Thanks! Part ordered, will update thread after it is installed.

zdzich

I would suggest replacing the crankshaft sensor. I had a similar symptom on my 99 E320. good luck<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

nsolot

My guy suggests that also, but he says he needs to read the engine number for me to order the correct part.

The issue doesn't seem to be getting worse at the moment.

Musikmann

Did a new fuel filter fix the problem?

nsolot

I rec'd the part, but hasn't been replaced yet.

I have a mobile mechanic who used to work at local MB & BMW dealers. I get the parts, and he'll come to my home and install them next week. Going to have him replace the fuel filter on our 2005 BMW X5 also (60k miles). Seems that BMW calls this a "lifetime part" these days.

nsolot

Replaced the fuel filter about three weeks ago.

Replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor about a week ago.

Some improvement, but the issue still persists.

Any other ideas? My guy says I have a small oil leak in the rear main seal that might be the problem. No oil droppings under the car, and I've never had to add oil in between changes (unlike my BMW X5). Reading up on the main seal, that appears to be a pretty big job in terms of labor. Says the transmission needs to be dropped, so it's not something to tackle in my driveway.

renault12ts

I don't think a small oil leak would cause this.

nsolot

I'm no expert. Looking at the Autohaus ignition category I see:

Camshaft Position/Reference Mark Sensor



Could this be the issue?

renault12ts

Don't think so...its like the fuel is running back to the tank. The first crank uses the little in the pipes (and starts the pumping to the front), and then it starts because the fuel supply is constant...if you know what I mean?

nsolot

Not exactly, but I get the idea. There's an odd little hose that connects to the fuel filter that my guy wants me to get:

MB Part A210 476 54 26. It's a hose about 9.5" long that has different size connectors at each end.

Autohaus doesn't carry it. Was going to get it at the dealer, unless someone here knows where I can source it?

renault12ts

Could be air in the system...plastic fuel pipes harden with time. Try it.

nsolot

Swung by MB Santa Monica parts dept.... $37.50 plus tax. Special order so I should have it in a couple days. Will report back later.

It happened again this afternoon when I stopped at the market, so the auto had only been sitting 20 minutes or so. Took 3 tries to fire up.

Hirnbeiss

Check around the vacuum hoses for any leaks. They get brittle after a decade or so. Also, how old are the plugs? Any check engine lites or OBD codes?

nsolot

I'm pretty sure we changed the plus 1-2 years ago.

No CEL. I'll have my guy check for OBD when he comes to replace the hose.

Thanks!