I have a '95 E300D, and had the identical symptoms that you describe. It tuned out to be the infamous wiring harness problem that afflicts our model cars.

In my particular case, I discovered that about 4" of the wiring harness behind the Battery, the one that amongst others, leads to the over-voltage relay had completely disintegrated. Most of the wires within that harness had lost all of their insulation, and were either touching each other or grounding to the chassis.

You may want to look at the wiring harness in that area yourself to determine its state. I am referring to the portion of the wiring harness that's behind the Battery and that can be accessed by removing that black cover on the firewall. You don't need to remove the battery to see it. Once you remove that cover you will be able to see the harness. I'll bet that its totally disintegrated.

I fixed mine myself by cutting the damaged 4" section, splicing and soldering new wires, and using heat shrinkable tubing and electrical tape to complete the repair.

Being a klutz, it took me about three hrs. to complete. Its now been about 4 Months, and the problem has not returned.

Phil

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'95 E300 Diesel, 264,000 Miles. [Sold it]