Random Stalling in 2012 ML
Newbie
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: S. FL
2012 E350 Coupe
1 month old, 2012 E350 coupe with same Blue engine as ML. . have 200 miles. On way to work making Left turn at intersection, had to come to stop and STALLEd. Switched from drive to park and tried pushing start button (keyless) five times over a minute before it restarted. . Very Dangerous. . . Took to dealer who found nothing wrong, no error codes! Very very concerning.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
2012 ML 350 BlueTec
1 month old, 2012 E350 coupe with same Blue engine as ML. . have 200 miles. On way to work making Left turn at intersection, had to come to stop and STALLEd. Switched from drive to park and tried pushing start button (keyless) five times over a minute before it restarted. . Very Dangerous. . . Took to dealer who found nothing wrong, no error codes! Very very concerning.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,778
Likes: 1,269
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Not every single part of the car is monitored to that degree. Could be anything from a almost broken wire to bad fuel pump, etc.
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Newbie
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: S. FL
2012 E350 Coupe
Stalling
Hi, will let you know the outcome . . so far dealer has found "no error code", but told me they are bringing in a mechanic from MB to examine the vehicle. Perhaps we can find an answer. My guess is the fuel abruptly stopped flowing, either a pump or mechanical issues. . .we will see.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 619
Likes: 34
From: East part of Texas
2017 CLS550
Hi, will let you know the outcome . . so far dealer has found "no error code", but told me they are bringing in a mechanic from MB to examine the vehicle. Perhaps we can find an answer. My guess is the fuel abruptly stopped flowing, either a pump or mechanical issues. . .we will see.
I just picked up my new ML350 Tuesday and I'm praying I don't have this problem everyone is talking about. I don't know much about these things but when a stall occurs only now and then and the event is not shown in the on-board computer as a readable error code, the first thing to check is a classic case of periodic vapor lock - at least that is what it usually was in the "old" days.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 625
Likes: 4
From: Australia
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
Vapour lock is virtually unheard of today, as the pump is in the tank and it pushes the fuel under pressure. In pre-history (with carbs) the pump was on the engine and sucked the fuel.
The mathematics was: Low pressure + heat = vapour = NO GO
The mathematics was: Low pressure + heat = vapour = NO GO
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 619
Likes: 34
From: East part of Texas
2017 CLS550
Another thing, notice this problem is seen only in the gas engines where condensation can occur. The detection of even a little water in a modern gas engine that is not set up just so can cause a stall, or knocking at least. Diesel motors on the other hand never had this kind of "lock" out problem. It is the nature of gas, not diesel, which can have other similar but unrelated stall problems.
If it is not "vapor lock" per se, or at least as we knew of it back in "pre-history", it is the modern day equivalent, whatever that might be called these days. Anyway, my guess is as good as any I suppose. I'll be anxious to see what the Mercedes technicians find.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
Alpina B7; Techart Grand GT; G63
New Fix
I don't think anyone has reported it here yet, so I figure I'll throw in my dealer's $0.02. My dealer here in SoCal says it is an EIS problem (electronic ignition switch). They said they thought it was the fuel pump and sensors in the past as well, but the problem persisted. One of their most problematic ML customers had the new EIS installed and has not had a problem in 3 months. So here's hoping this is the right fix. I got mine done today...so we'll see if it solves the problem.
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
2012 ML350
I'm wondering if it's cold weather specific. I think all of our stalls happened during cold or cooler weather, none since it warmed up. It's possible that for me this is purely coincidence though. Two requirements for stalling seem to be driving fairly fast for at least 5 or 10 minutes and then coming to a full and complete stop (not a California stop). I'm not sure I've done this much recently either so our lack of stalls could be not meeting these requirements. Or could be warmer weather. Or could be just that it's a temperamental Benz. Others?
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 16
2010 E350 Luxury 4Matic
Folks,
Anyone know if the random stalling has a fix? I'm about to buy a ML350 and this does concern me. Also, the other day, drove by a new disabled ML350 and was wondering if it was because of that too.
Thanks.
Anyone know if the random stalling has a fix? I'm about to buy a ML350 and this does concern me. Also, the other day, drove by a new disabled ML350 and was wondering if it was because of that too.
Thanks.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
ML350
My ML350 was stalled again yesterday evening. Now I can tell the details about this stalling issue: after drive off the freeway, you stop at a stop sign, wait at least 5 seconds, the engine will stall. To restart the engine, you have to pull the key out, put the car in the parking position. reinsert the key, restart the car as usual.
One more thing I need to point out here is, the engine does not stall every time. However, if you drive off freeway, stop at the stop sign for 5 seconds, you sometimes will feel suddenly a lot of extra shock. then the shock will stop, during this time, you can monitor the engine RPM meter, usually for a full stop, the speed should be at 800-900 RPM. After the engine shock, you will see the RPM drop down to half of that speed.
This is just my observation. Thanks for everyone sharing the info.
One more thing I need to point out here is, the engine does not stall every time. However, if you drive off freeway, stop at the stop sign for 5 seconds, you sometimes will feel suddenly a lot of extra shock. then the shock will stop, during this time, you can monitor the engine RPM meter, usually for a full stop, the speed should be at 800-900 RPM. After the engine shock, you will see the RPM drop down to half of that speed.
This is just my observation. Thanks for everyone sharing the info.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 619
Likes: 34
From: East part of Texas
2017 CLS550
My ML350 was stalled again yesterday evening. Now I can tell the details about this stalling issue: after drive off the freeway, you stop at a stop sign, wait at least 5 seconds, the engine will stall. To restart the engine, you have to pull the key out, put the car in the parking position. reinsert the key, restart the car as usual.
One more thing I need to point out here is, the engine does not stall every time. However, if you drive off freeway, stop at the stop sign for 5 seconds, you sometimes will feel suddenly a lot of extra shock. then the shock will stop, during this time, you can monitor the engine RPM meter, usually for a full stop, the speed should be at 800-900 RPM. After the engine shock, you will see the RPM drop down to half of that speed.
This is just my observation. Thanks for everyone sharing the info.
One more thing I need to point out here is, the engine does not stall every time. However, if you drive off freeway, stop at the stop sign for 5 seconds, you sometimes will feel suddenly a lot of extra shock. then the shock will stop, during this time, you can monitor the engine RPM meter, usually for a full stop, the speed should be at 800-900 RPM. After the engine shock, you will see the RPM drop down to half of that speed.
This is just my observation. Thanks for everyone sharing the info.
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: Gresham, OR
2020 GLE 450
First of all I must admit that because of all the posts on this subject I merely skimmed most of them so i hope I am not being redundant. This is a guess but doesn't some of the ML's made for other countries have that "Eco" (?) feature that shuts down the engine when you stop for a light or a stop sign? If so the wiring (software) is probably in there somewhere just not connected. As the engine control is basically one big computer maybe that "Eco" feature is somehow causing the problem.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
ML350
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
2012 ML 350 BlueTec
So my concern is that if the computer is the problem, like in the early rough running of the diesels, then they won't even try to fix anything. To much emphisis put on the computer that was programed by MB.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2012 ML350
I too have a 2012 ML350 and it is currently at Fletcher Jones in Newport beach (and has been for a week) for this exact same problem, and this is the 2nd time I have to take it in. They cannot figure out what the problem is and now Germany is involved. They were able to capture some of the codes but it's still stalling. The car is brand new and has spent as much time at the dealership than it has in my garage. I paid for a fully loaded ML and I'm driving a bottom line C class loaner. I love my ML but I am ready to hand them the keys.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
2012 ML 350 BlueTec
I too have a 2012 ML350 and it is currently at Fletcher Jones in Newport beach (and has been for a week) for this exact same problem, and this is the 2nd time I have to take it in. They cannot figure out what the problem is and now Germany is involved. They were able to capture some of the codes but it's still stalling. The car is brand new and has spent as much time at the dealership than it has in my garage. I paid for a fully loaded ML and I'm driving a bottom line C class loaner. I love my ML but I am ready to hand them the keys.
