Not sure what happened here: Stalled in traffic, wouldn't restart.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
e350 Bluetec
Not sure what happened here: Stalled in traffic, wouldn't restart.
It's been quite a day..car towed, stalled in the middle of the street...witness to another accident.
I have no idea what's happened, but here's the facts:
1) Went to an appointment. Parked the car on the street on an incline. Notice some "rainbow" like fluid on the street. Didn't think it was my car.
2) After an hour, went back to the car. Started the car, but it was really rough and took a while to catch and start. Didn't think too much of it...just it was a little strange...
3) Drove 4-5 blocks...then...stalled. In the middle of street. Couldn't restart. Shuddered violently to a stop...luckily there was batter power still, but no power steering, brakes, etc.
While i was stuck awaiting the tow...trying to figure out what went wrong...
Noticed more rainbow type fluid on the road...
But before the stall, no warning lights, no warnings at all, actually...
I don't believe i hit anything on the underside...or hit any potholes, etc.
Any ideas?
It's at the dealer now...hoping it's a warranty issue...because i do not want to think about the other way...
I have no idea what's happened, but here's the facts:
1) Went to an appointment. Parked the car on the street on an incline. Notice some "rainbow" like fluid on the street. Didn't think it was my car.
2) After an hour, went back to the car. Started the car, but it was really rough and took a while to catch and start. Didn't think too much of it...just it was a little strange...
3) Drove 4-5 blocks...then...stalled. In the middle of street. Couldn't restart. Shuddered violently to a stop...luckily there was batter power still, but no power steering, brakes, etc.
While i was stuck awaiting the tow...trying to figure out what went wrong...
Noticed more rainbow type fluid on the road...
But before the stall, no warning lights, no warnings at all, actually...
I don't believe i hit anything on the underside...or hit any potholes, etc.
Any ideas?
It's at the dealer now...hoping it's a warranty issue...because i do not want to think about the other way...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,107
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
rainbow fluid would seem to be petroleum based which doesn't narrow it down much. Did you see fluid pooling from under your car? Did you smell any burning fluid? If the fluid is not from your car, first thought was bad crank sensor shutting you down. Hopefully it will be a warranty issue.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 394
From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
It could have been any fluid, lubricant or fuel except the washer fluid. Without the car to look at for signs of a leak, you'll just have to wait for their diagnosis.
Was the accident you witnessed a result of your car stalled in the road? Just curious.
Was the accident you witnessed a result of your car stalled in the road? Just curious.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
e350 Bluetec
So the witness to the accident occurred when someone was distracted by my stall. So good news it was not me.
1) It does not crank. The battery is ok and runs windows, radio etc... but when the ignition is pushed - nothing. IT was completely dead apart from the battery run devices.
2) Fuel was 3/4 in the tank.
1) It does not crank. The battery is ok and runs windows, radio etc... but when the ignition is pushed - nothing. IT was completely dead apart from the battery run devices.
2) Fuel was 3/4 in the tank.
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 51
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w212
I know it stalled but as good measure did you try to remove the push-to-start button and attempt to use the key to turn it over? If not, this is a good idea as it is possible for the EIS to lose track of the key. Rare but it does happen.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 22
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e350 Bluetec
Update.
Seized engine.
Urgh.
Leak from the seal on the filter. Not covered by warranty.
BIG pit of stomach feeling.
So...ideas on how to fix other that paying MB the $31k for a new engine?
Seized engine.
Urgh.
Leak from the seal on the filter. Not covered by warranty.
BIG pit of stomach feeling.
So...ideas on how to fix other that paying MB the $31k for a new engine?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 394
From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
holy cow. who did the last oil change? If it was MB they supposedly cover parts and labor for 12 months. If dealer does not take responsibility for faulty part, then get MBUSA customer service involved. If they claim it was the result of road damage then you may want to check with your insurance.
I would start documenting everything in case you need an attorney.
I would start documenting everything in case you need an attorney.
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e550
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There are several Blutec engine seize stories around the MB sites. Oil change intervals are important for those engines. When an engine is spewing fluid it is not too long before they will lock up. Unfortunately, I don't see any easy resolution to this and more than likely it will all be on your dime, unless the dealer had been servicing your car. If that is the case,they should be liable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
There are several Blutec engine seize stories around the MB sites. Oil change intervals are important for those engines. When an engine is spewing fluid it is not too long before they will lock up. Unfortunately, I don't see any easy resolution to this and more than likely it will all be on your dime, unless the dealer had been servicing your car. If that is the case,they should be liable.
It is very discomforting to realize there is no oil level and obviously not even oil pressure warning on these cars... How can this be?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 413
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17' C43 Sedan
Im sorry to hear about this and wish you the best on this issue.
Let me ask, was the filter seal the rubber one? Was it kinked or did it break? How long ago before was the oil change that caused this?
Let me ask, was the filter seal the rubber one? Was it kinked or did it break? How long ago before was the oil change that caused this?
