Long crank when hot and no start
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Joined: Aug 2021
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2010 ML350 Bluetec
Long crank when hot and no start
I could use some help. I have a 2010 ML350 Bluetec and when it is cold the last few weeks it has taken more cranks to start but then usually started. When it got hot it just got to the point where it wouldn't start at all. I have searched the forums and the closest I could find was this thread https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ly-solved.html but they didn't seem to solve it.
Possible useful information
It has about 240k kms on it.
Just had timing chain and new battery put in
4k kms ago was new fuel filter and engine mounts
12k kms ago was new engine air filters and cabin filter
I give it oil changes usually every 6-7k kms
No codes
Could it be a fuel pressure regulator like described here https://www.mercedes.gen.in/sprinter...poor-starting/
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Possible useful information
It has about 240k kms on it.
Just had timing chain and new battery put in
4k kms ago was new fuel filter and engine mounts
12k kms ago was new engine air filters and cabin filter
I give it oil changes usually every 6-7k kms
No codes
Could it be a fuel pressure regulator like described here https://www.mercedes.gen.in/sprinter...poor-starting/
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Last edited by WestCoasterBC; Sep 22, 2023 at 06:10 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 48
Likes: 16
2009 ML350 4matic
I would really suggest getting that starter checked out. I had the same issue with slow starting over a period of a year. Finally one day, it gave up the ghost and wouldn't crank at all. Checked all codes, fuse box shorts/fuses, ECM wiring and everything I could think of before towing it to local dealer. He told me within 5 minutes that it was the starter and it was.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 9
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2008 ML320 CDI, 2008 Jeep GC 3.0 CRD
I could use some help. I have a 2010 ML350 Bluetec and when it is cold the last few weeks it has taken more cranks to start but then usually started. When it got hot it just got to the point where it wouldn't start at all. I have searched the forums and the closest I could find was this thread https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ly-solved.html but they didn't seem to solve it.
Possible useful information
It has about 240k kms on it.
Just had timing chain and new battery put in
4k kms ago was new fuel filter and engine mounts
12k kms ago was new engine air filters and cabin filter
I give it oil changes usually every 6-7k kms
No codes
Could it be a fuel pressure regulator like described here https://www.mercedes.gen.in/sprinter...poor-starting/
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Possible useful information
It has about 240k kms on it.
Just had timing chain and new battery put in
4k kms ago was new fuel filter and engine mounts
12k kms ago was new engine air filters and cabin filter
I give it oil changes usually every 6-7k kms
No codes
Could it be a fuel pressure regulator like described here https://www.mercedes.gen.in/sprinter...poor-starting/
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Do you mean when the car gets hot or when the weather outside gets hot?
Put a scanner on and measure fuel rail pressure while cranking. It needs 145bar to start. Should go over 250 when idle.
Any leaks, smoke or smells?
I have a very similar issue on my ML320CDI and have been investigating for a few weeks now.
Good luck.
—Roland
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 11
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2010 ML350 Bluetec
Does it still crank?
Do you mean when the car gets hot or when the weather outside gets hot?
Put a scanner on and measure fuel rail pressure while cranking. It needs 145bar to start. Should go over 250 when idle.
Any leaks, smoke or smells?
I have a very similar issue on my ML320CDI and have been investigating for a few weeks now.
Good luck.
—Roland
Do you mean when the car gets hot or when the weather outside gets hot?
Put a scanner on and measure fuel rail pressure while cranking. It needs 145bar to start. Should go over 250 when idle.
Any leaks, smoke or smells?
I have a very similar issue on my ML320CDI and have been investigating for a few weeks now.
Good luck.
—Roland
Cold start fuel rail pressure starts at 300psi
Turn off the engine and rail pressure drops to 7psi immediately
Checked for fuel internal leak from injectors into tank and no excess fuel leakdown from injectors
Leakdown from high pressure pump to low pressure system tests ok
Fault in pressure regulator at left rail?
Car is going to to an independant shop on Thursday. Was just hoping to save a few bucks and fix it myself before then. I can let you know when I find out what my issue is
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 9
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2008 ML320 CDI, 2008 Jeep GC 3.0 CRD
maybe you are seeing 300 bar? That’s what my Jeep gets to on idle and sounds healthy.
—Roland
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 11
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2010 ML350 Bluetec
Just got news from the shop. The high pressure fuel pump is failing which is sending bits of metal downstream as it was found in the pressure control valve on the fuel rail. Also 5 out of the 6 injectors failed on a back leakage test. Quoted me more than the value of the car to fix it. Replacing the injectors alone is roughly $500 a piece so $3k there and then another $1200 for the high pressure fuel pump + labour and any other parts they might need. I might try the auto recyclers for the pump. Has anyone had their injectors rebuilt? Was it effective?
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 48
Likes: 16
2009 ML350 4matic
So sorry West Coast. That really sucks. I'm going thru similar issues with my 2009 ML 350 with one thing after another crapping out. My wife is after me big time to sell this sucker and get a Honda!
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 9
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2008 ML320 CDI, 2008 Jeep GC 3.0 CRD
Just got news from the shop. The high pressure fuel pump is failing which is sending bits of metal downstream as it was found in the pressure control valve on the fuel rail. Also 5 out of the 6 injectors failed on a back leakage test. Quoted me more than the value of the car to fix it. Replacing the injectors alone is roughly $500 a piece so $3k there and then another $1200 for the high pressure fuel pump + labour and any other parts they might need. I might try the auto recyclers for the pump. Has anyone had their injectors rebuilt? Was it effective?
IDparts and FCPEuro sell injectors for about $300 US a piece. They also sell the pump and rails. However I’d flush the rails and reuse them although a Benz shop will not do that for you.
If you can not do the work yourself then I’d go to a Sprinter shop and ask if one of their mechanics wants to moonlight the job. Or find a good independent auto repair that feels capable.
And finally, you can just sell the car for the engine. It should still be worth $4k at a minimum even with the damage.
Good luck.
—Roland
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 11
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2010 ML350 Bluetec
So the current plan is to pull the fuel injectors.
Clean that all out and put in new seals with these parts
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/FB-0009902907
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/703159800
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/FB-001989425110
I buy all my parts in the states because usually they are about 4x more expensive buying them from the dealership here.
Then I found a wrecker who has some good used high pressure fuel pumps for $200cdn and flush out the rails.
Hopefully that fixes it and then I am done with this vehicle and am just going to sell it.
I think that should take care of it. What do you think?
Clean that all out and put in new seals with these parts
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/FB-0009902907
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/703159800
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/FB-001989425110
I buy all my parts in the states because usually they are about 4x more expensive buying them from the dealership here.
Then I found a wrecker who has some good used high pressure fuel pumps for $200cdn and flush out the rails.
Hopefully that fixes it and then I am done with this vehicle and am just going to sell it.
I think that should take care of it. What do you think?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 11
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2010 ML350 Bluetec
After replacing all the injectors, high pressure fuel pump, cleaning the fuel system after the high pressure fuel pump and recoding the injectors all my problems went away. So instead of the $10k I was quoted for the repair I did it for $1200 which is almost reasonable. 4 days later my trunk actuator died and my trunk wouldn't fully close 
Bought a new one off amazon and it works. While everything is working I think I am going to sell it.
Bought a new one off amazon and it works. While everything is working I think I am going to sell it.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 48
Likes: 16
2009 ML350 4matic
Glad you got it all fixed and don't blame you for selling. I'm doing the same thing now that my ML is working great. Bought a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited L with 22k on it and limited warranty. Hoping for a couple of years w/o doing all this work.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
2008 ML320 CDI, 2008 Jeep GC 3.0 CRD
After replacing all the injectors, high pressure fuel pump, cleaning the fuel system after the high pressure fuel pump and recoding the injectors all my problems went away. So instead of the $10k I was quoted for the repair I did it for $1200 which is almost reasonable. 4 days later my trunk actuator died and my trunk wouldn't fully close Bought a new one off amazon and it works. While everything is working I think I am going to sell it.
Bought a new one off amazon and it works. While everything is working I think I am going to sell it.Oh and would you throw in an EGR delete, a tune and a catch can? 😀😀😀
—Roland
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 11
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2010 ML350 Bluetec
Well actually I have a Malone EGR delete with a stage 1 tune and also the buzzken exhaust https://www.tunemyeuro.com/mercedes-...zzken-aar2108/
Probably will be fine for a long time but I am just done with it and I can sell it knowing that everything is fixed with a clear conscience. Only thing missing from your list is the catch can.
Probably will be fine for a long time but I am just done with it and I can sell it knowing that everything is fixed with a clear conscience. Only thing missing from your list is the catch can.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 48
Likes: 16
2009 ML350 4matic
My next door neighbor just bought a new Toyota 4Runner Limited after he got tired of his Audi SUV breaking down so much. His mechanic brother in law advised him to get it for more reliability. I thought about it too but was partial to the Jeep GC. Know anyone who wants to buy my refurbished ML 350 in SW FL now that it's all fixed? :-)
