Robert B

Twice today in slowing from freeway speeds, my car died. Once I came to a stop, the car started again after cycling the key through (full off to start). I just got the car last week (and thought it was a great deal). It is a CPO that is still under warranty, so I'm taking it back to the dealer. The check engine light came on yesterday and the service advisor advised that I wait a couple of days to see if it would clear itself. I have also noticed that the idle is very erratic cycling from 1100 to 1800 when in park. Is this normal? In stop and go traffic, the car also bucks and jumps, like a muscle car with a hot cam. Is this normal? Finally, there is also a rattling or grinding sound that comes from the left front that is apparent when creeping along just off idle. Normal? (The things you don't notice during a test drive.)

While I am hopeful that these issues will be addressed under the CPO warranty, I am concerned that these problems have arisen in less than a week of ownership. This is my first M-B and I've shied away from the marque in part because of the reported problems with the E-class and ML. My BMWs, including 2 M cars, one of which I still own, I have been very reliable and their motors are incredibly smooth throughout the rev range as a result of the double VANOS cams. Should I expect the same type of smoothness from the 5.3 AMG motor?

Thank you,

jmf003

All of those issues are most definitely not normal. My '03 has never stalled. Idle is very smooth and is much lower than 1100. I'd have to look to be certain but I'd guess it idles around 650 RPMs, maybe. No bucking. No jumping. No rattling/grinding sound from the front end.

So definitely time for a visit to your friendly SA.

RoydRage

Something's Very Wrong Bro...

The car is normally very smooth, and Luxurious while maintaining a sporty attitude.

Go get it straightened out ASAP... Or get your money back.

Best,

RoydRage

bltserv

I have had my 05 for 16 months. Nothing like that has ever happened.
Normal at stop RPM is about 600.

The only buck is when the Super Charger kicks in. As a new owner you will get used to that at a specific RPM based on your cars setup.

Grinding off the line. I had some worn hard Perellis when I first got my car that felt like a worn wheel bearing at under 10MPH. Get the Michelins if you
get new tires.

Otherwise your car should be as smooth as silk. Especially at a stop.

Get that dealer to make it right. Or go to another dealer if the one you bought it at is unable to resolve the problem. Its CPO so get it fixed correctly and report back. I am going to guess "Coil Pack" issue.

But more than likely is the Mass Air Flow Sensor as was mentioned in the other thread.

Robert B

My car is at the dealer MB San Diego. It stalled again on the freeway on my way to there. I'll let you know what I hear.

Robert B

My service advisor called me and reported that the CEL, idling and stalling problems are caused by problem with the intake system, but he did not say exactly what it was. The vibration and grinding noise are caused by a defective pully related to the self-leveling suspension. Parts for both must come from Germany and it will take about 5 days. While I am glad that this is covered under the warranty, it is a bummer to pay so much for a car -- used or not -- and have it in the shop for a week after owning it for just a week. It does not give one much confidence in the CPO inspection and certification process. Nevertheless, I am glad that M-B owns the problem and cost of repair.

IngenereAMG

Good deal that they figured it out. I hope after this your car is as good as mine has been......4.5 years and nothing major.....just some abuse of public and private roads!