Has anyone had problems with the ML not starting? A few weeks ago I came out from work and my 98 ML320 did not want to start. After about 4 tries it started. The next morning on my way to work it died at a red light and took about ten minutes before starting. It happened again in two days. The last time it happened, i opened the gas cap and then it started right away. Took to the dealer and they could never get it to duplicate the problem. Hasn't happened since but I am afraid of being stranded somewhere. Dealer thinks it may be the fuel pump but are unsure. Anyone else have this problem? It happened right after it clicked over 80,000 miles.

 

Injectors are dirty?

Did you get the updated large capacity fuel filter?

 

It is well documented MB had a rash of bad fuel pumps. The talk was they were made with tolerances that were too tight. Have the fuel pump changed, it's a good gamble.

My 2000 ML430 did the same things you are describing and it was the fuel pump. If it puts you down before you can get it changed, try giving a few whacks on the round area at the bottom of the fuel tank, sometimes this will jar the pump to work at least one more time.

 

"try giving a few whacks on the round area at the bottom of the fuel tank, sometimes this will jar the pump to work at least one more time"

I love the magic of knocking the parts in place to work again!
"if all fails .. use the B F H" :p

poor me my warranty is out too ..... i'll drive my ML with my fingers crossed

 

Yeah, and if you were sitting stranded somewhere you'll be the first to get out and try it. It works, I know because it worked for me. Tech was 80 miles away and I had to get home, he suggested it, I thought it was crazy, but it worked. Makes sense if you think about it, the pump is probably stalled, jarring it knocked it loose.

 

Thanks for all of the advice. I'll have to remember the beating of the gas tank if it happens again.