jamestan44

My 2000 500sl will start right up and run for about 10 to 15 minutes and then shuts completely down. Turning the key after this happens will only turn over the engine. It acts as if it is not getting fuel or there is no spark. It will stay like this for a while and then decide to start again. Almost as if something has cooled off. Then the process repeats. Any suggestions where to start looking for the cause?

chtaylor

When was the last time you changed your fuel filter?

jamestan44

Never would be the appropriate answer. The way it acts by restarting after it sits for 10 to 15 min makes me think it is more of an electrical shut off type issue

SamuelP

See my post above: mine was similar. ~same run time and started chucking and then dead.

My fuel smell was high and it was flooding so I replaced the temp sensor to the computer - mostly fixed but seems the computer is having trouble syncing to the new........

Anyway; things to consider. Sensor was ~$28USD.

lynns

How many miles on the engine?

This is a common problem with the 113 /112 engine. It's probably your $37.23 Bosch Crankshaft Position Sensor p/n 0261210170

When this happens try pouring about one gallon of cool water over the Crankshaft Position Sensor which is located at the drivers side, back of the engine where the bell housing meets the engine. After you pour the cool water on the CPS try starting the engine and see if starts after the CPS has been cooled off..

nbacguy1

My SL-600 is doing the same thing,going to change the fuel filter first,and if that does not fix it,look at other options

ChrisB

The 1999 SL 500 acted very strange today. Something I have never experienced in 120,000 miles we have on her.

Today we drove quite hard over winding roads at 100 degree F temperatures. The driving was fast at 80 mph +/- and lots of aggressive passing of slower vehicles.

When we did run into traffic today – after driving 320 Km at 80 mph ... all of a sudden we were doing 30 to 40 mph in a stop and go fashion.

All of a sudden with no warning ... 2 or 3 of the dash board warning lights came on ... the ABS / ESP / Check Engine came on and the car stalled out at low speed. The car would not start after many tries. After about 1/2 hour it did start.

The random events continued;

There were no smells under the hood, the fans were not running when the car did start, the oil level was mid-range on the dip stick and reported “OK” by dashboard digital reading. When the car ran – both water temp & oil temp were mid range.

After a 20 minute drive we stopped to make a phone call. After shutting her off ... later the car would not start again. Always turning over strongly (not a battery issue) ... but not firing. Finally after sitting for about 25 minutes the car started. Again we drove off ... no performance problems ... no gauge issues ... nothing.

Then about 15 minutes down the road, when traffic slowed to a near stand still .. she stalled out again at low speeds. Left us sitting there for about 1/2 hour. Turning over strong .. but no firing. Then she started – off were again at highway speeds.

Then about 40 minutes later she stalled out when sitting at a light downtown.

I am presuming that there is some internal diagnostic malfunction going on. She drives fine but then shuts down at low speed thinking that it is trying to protect us.

There is no MB dealer in this area ... we would have to back track a couple of hours on our road trip to get to an MB dealer.

Do you think a well qualified Independent Mechanic could diagnose what this weird problem is ... then fix it???

Or should I head to the nearest MB dealership?

Any advice?

Is it likely to not happen again tomorrow? If driving conditions are less demanding?

My fuel filter was changed recently and all maintenance is up to date.

lynns

This is a common problem with the 113 /112 engine. With the mileage on your car it's your $40.85 Bosch Crankshaft Position Sensor p/n 0261210170

When this happens try pouring about one gallon of cool water over the Crankshaft Position Sensor which is located at the drivers side, back of the engine where the bell housing meets the engine. After you pour the cool water on the CPS try starting the engine and see if starts after the CPS has been cooled off.

Try carrying a gallon of water in your trunk until your convinced that it's the CPS that needs replacing. Buy only BOSCH or OEM.

AutohausAZ-Mike

Thank you for mentioning us!

We do have the original Bosch part available right now:

AutohausAZ - Crankshaft position sensor

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Disclaimer: Make sure to verify year and model of the vehicle to ensure fitment.

lynns

1999 Mercedes SL500 Crankshaft Position Sensor - BOSCH p/n 0261210170 for $53.60 w/ Ground S&H

ChrisB

Yes indeed it was a faulty crank shaft sensor. And yes it is very common accross all MB classes.

A MB trained mechanic in Missoula Montana at Loren's Auto was able to diagnose and fix the car in 4 hours time the next day. $ 305 cost ($80 part + Labour).

Was not prepared to drive off into the mountains with a hit & miss problem.

Was happy to be back on the road agin.

No problems since.