S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600
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How to replace the Crank Position Sensor (CPS) - S500

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Old Nov 21, 2009 | 10:24 PM
  #1  
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2000 s500
Post How to replace the Crank Position Sensor (CPS) - S500

Recently I had to replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) in my 2000 S500 due to some starting issues. It is an incredibly quick and easy change, but since it seems like it's a common failure with these cars, I figured I'd document the procedure.


BACKGROUND

First - I started to notice starting the car when hot took more cranking than normal. Then one day I drove the car 15 minutes and parked it for ~2 hours, only to return to a car which would crank and crank and crank, but not start. After some research on this forum, I ended up purchasing a new CPS which completely resolved my issue. The CPS issue I experienced was also related to heat--eventually (while waiting for the new CPS to arrive) the car got so bad it would die if sat idling in a parking lot for 10 minutes, then would only re-start ~four hours later after all had cooled off.


REQUIRED ITEMS

1) New Bosch Crank Position Sensor (~$40 from autohausaz)
2) E8 female Torx Socket
3) 1/4 ratchet + 8-12in extension



PROCEDURE

1) Remove plastic engine covers (including air filters)

2) Access the CPS from the driver's side - back/bottom of the cylinder head (access pictured below)








3) Remove CPS Plug





4) Remove the CPS








- New and Old CPS ... removed -


Last edited by amac; Jan 12, 2019 at 10:48 AM. Reason: changing image hosting location
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Old Nov 22, 2009 | 11:26 AM
  #2  
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2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
Thank you, amac - going into my bookmarks for sure!
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Old May 28, 2010 | 08:39 PM
  #3  
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2000 S500 Almondine Black
Originally Posted by amac
Recently I had to replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) in my 2000 S500 due to some starting issues. It is an incredibly quick and easy change, but since it seems like it's a common failure with these cars, I figured I'd document the procedure.


BACKGROUND

First - I started to notice starting the car when hot took more cranking than normal. Then one day I drove the car 15 minutes, and parked it for ~2 hours, only to return to a car which would crank and crank and crank, but not start. After some research on this forum, I ended up purchasing a new CPS which completely resolved by issue. The CPS issue I experienced was also related to heat--eventually (while waiting for the new CPS to arrive) the car got so bad it would die if sat idling in a parking lot for 10 minutes, then would only re-start ~four hours later after all had cooled off.


REQUIRED ITEMS

1) New Bosch Crank Position Sensor (~$40 from autohausaz)
2) E8 female Torx Socket
3) 1/4 ratchet + 8-12in extension



PROCEDURE

1) Remove plastic engine cover's (including air filter's)

2) Access the CPS from the drivers side - back / bottom of the cylinder head (access pictured below)




3) Remove CPS Plug




4) Remove the CPS






- New and Old CPS ... removed -

Thanks a Million!!!! You were on point with this and it definitely solved my problem!!!!
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Old May 28, 2010 | 08:41 PM
  #4  
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2000 S500 Almondine Black
Originally Posted by Skylaw
Thank you, amac - going into my bookmarks for sure!
Yeah I book marked it as well...Going into the archives for sure!!!!!
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Old May 29, 2010 | 10:45 AM
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Great post! Thanks a bunch.
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Old Jun 1, 2010 | 01:48 AM
  #6  
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thanks!!!
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Old Jun 20, 2010 | 11:17 AM
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awesome write up I was gonna take pics of mine too but I did mine at night but it was a easy fix for me the hardest part was getting into the are to get to the bolt!
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Old Jun 20, 2010 | 05:11 PM
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Westcoast 5 your whip looks smooth! Nicely done Player!!!
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Old Jun 26, 2010 | 11:52 AM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by BlackCherryS
Westcoast 5 your whip looks smooth! Nicely done Player!!!
Thanks
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Old Nov 14, 2010 | 01:38 PM
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S430 4Matic
The pictures are removed. Can you please upload them again or provide a link. I have to do the same thing to my car and could use the help. Thanks in advance.
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Old Nov 14, 2010 | 01:46 PM
  #11  
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the pictures are showing up for me... are you still not seeing them?

here's the directory of pics:
http://www.qnorth.net/august/pub/s500_cps_rr/
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Old Dec 25, 2010 | 11:20 AM
  #12  
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I am planning on replacing my CPS as a precautionary measure in my '02 CL500 and was looking at my Star Manual Library Manual for torque info. According to it, if the part is replaced, "re-initialization must be carried out with the Star Diagnosis". Since I see no mention of this here, am I correct in assuming that this step is not required?

Last edited by Jud Chapin; Dec 25, 2010 at 11:22 AM.
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Old Dec 25, 2010 | 11:48 AM
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Most people

don't adapt the cps to the ecu.
If you swap it out just start the car after you install the new cps and slowly rev it in park up to 2200rpm and hold it there for 30 seconds and then slowly back down to idle. This will index the cps to the ecu.
www.autohausaz.com has them for 42 bucks on sale
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Old Dec 25, 2010 | 11:55 AM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by ohlord
don't adapt the cps to the ecu.
If you swap it out just start the car after you install the new cps and slowly rev it in park up to 2200rpm and hold it there for 30 seconds and then slowly back down to idle. This will index the cps to the ecu.
www.autohausaz.com has them for 42 bucks on sale
Thanks for the info. Out of curiosity, what happens if you don't do this after installation of the new part. BTW, I've already got my new CPS from Autohaus. They've got some great prices and ship usually the day they receive the order.
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Old Dec 25, 2010 | 12:15 PM
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Worst case

a misfire code. Minor case ??? Nothing.
I think it just speeds up what the ecu would eventually do anyway.
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Old Dec 25, 2010 | 12:18 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by ohlord
a misfire code. Minor case ??? Nothing.
I think it just speeds up what the ecu would eventually do anyway.
Thanks!
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Old Dec 26, 2010 | 04:58 PM
  #17  
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On point with the CPS pics!!! thanks
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Old Jan 4, 2011 | 12:31 AM
  #18  
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2003 S430 mercedes
I have a 2003 S430 Where is the CPS sensor located? Is it located next to the starter or the drivers side toward the back of the engine access toward the top of the engine? very frustrated. Then do you have any suggestions on where to purchase. I can't afford to take it to the dealer! Thanks, Keith
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Old Jan 4, 2011 | 05:12 PM
  #19  
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2005 S500
Driver side top, back of the engine. Check photo above. You have to remove the plastic engine cover.
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Old Jan 4, 2011 | 05:36 PM
  #20  
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www.autohausaz.com 42$ plus 10$ ups charge
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Old Jan 15, 2011 | 01:53 AM
  #21  
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From: ANAHEIM, CA
2002 mercedes-benz s500
HI, AND THANKS A LOT ALL OF U GUYS, IM A NEW HERE AND I HAVE FOUND REALLY IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT MY W220 AND HAS SAVE ME HUGE MONEY BY DOING IT MY SELF AND GET IN TO KNOW MY CAR A LOT BETTER, I HAD A PROBLEM 2 DAYS AGO MY CAR WONT START AFTER DOING MY RESEARCH ON THIS SITE I FOUND ANSWERS, JUST PUT MY NEW CPS TODAY AND MY CAR FLYS AGAIN, THANKS AMAC AND SKYLAW FOR UR TIME AND WORK.
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Old Jan 15, 2011 | 08:31 AM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by regalchef
www.autohausaz.com 42$ plus 10$ ups charge
Just so you know, spend $50 at Autohausaz and shipping is free.
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Old Mar 23, 2011 | 06:10 PM
  #23  
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2000 S500
Should have joined here a few months ago. I just had that problem, had to towed and replacement part and labor $285.00. Towing free.
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Old Mar 24, 2011 | 03:14 AM
  #24  
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From: ON, CA
2003 S430
your the man !! i always heard about this problem but never paid attention to it because i never understood it but with pictures and your explanation now i know what to expect and knowing my luck for sure ill get it this summer lol.
thanks again.
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Old Aug 21, 2011 | 03:31 PM
  #25  
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From: West Palm Beach
2004 S500
Another happy customer...

Mine went out last night (Saturday...go figure) I bought mine on a Sunday AM at the local Auto Zone...$57.00 out the door.

Had to bend the heat/water shield away to get access and put chewing gum in the torx socket to hold the bolt but other than that ...pretty simple.

This is my wife's car and like they say "A happy wife makes for a happy life".
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