Hi to anyone experiencing problems particularly with their older (mid 90's onwards to about early 2001) mercedes , but probably relevant to models before and after.

particularly w202 c250 D/TD's, c300 e300 e250 D/TD etc.

IF YOU GOT intermittent bad / non starting or cutting out

I write this is in the hope it will save others the pain , time and money i went
through. I was determined not to give in on this one!!!!

Have finally cracked many of the illusive problems many people have had
with fuel and electrical issues.

(I bet many perfectly good cars have been scrapped due to these type of silly problems)

FIRST JOB - buy new and change crankshaft position sensor - its the easiest and cheapest job and can save you a lot of pain and wasted time/ money.
(thats all my problem was in the end i think)

If that does nt work carry on and check the pre fuel filter, then the main filter. Then if still no joy replace rubber fuel and return pipes and then clear plastic lines,
Not a bad idea to clean fuel tank out as well
if still no joy do lift supply pump, fuel shut off valve/ solenoid and fuel heater - (i doubt any of these things will be faulty though)

Let me know if this helped anyone