Wow, what did I do?
 

2000 ML 320; it has been a relatively trouble free ownership. It went into 'limp' mode, got it home. I took off the positive battery cable and let it sit for about 15 minutes, thinking it would reset and I could get to the local Autozone for a code reading. I tried to start it and it first went to erratic idle, surging and died, then it goes to idle and dies immediately. Advice? is there a code reading tool I can buy for future use? David

You probably need to have the adaptation values reset.

A shop with the right scanner/software and knowledge will need to do this. Autozoo has no clue, all they can do is plug in a generic code reader.

What happened was that you disconnected the battery, and lost the adaptation values. If they were out far enough, you will have the problems you have. The car will relearn by itself, but it takes a long time.

You can buy a generic code reading tool for around $100.00, but it's use will be limited, for example, you can't reset the adaptation values.

If the trans went into limp home mode, do a search on valve body problems.

Other here know far more than I do, they will probably chime in with lots of usefull info.

Thank you. I will wait to see if it resets itself, fortunately I have a nice 89 190 with 83k miles my wife can drive and I will just put snow tires on the 318is and drive it a while. I really appreciate the help this forum supplies. I have been able to service my own German cars for many years, the technology is running ahead of my diagnostic abilities though. I would not mind dropping some money on decent code readers. I had one for a 5 series that kept me from having to spend money at the dealer. Any advice on one that works on newer autos would be great. I will do some searches on the net, there are some pretty creative guys and gals out there. David

I think a Snap On MT2500 will work, with the right software. Look on eBay, they show up all the time.

I bought a used Matco 3960 OBD II scanner on eBay that plugs into a Palm Pilot. It shows engine diagnostic codes, and it shows live data. It's a bit outdated, but it works pretty well on my '97 Eldorado. I bought it mostly for the live data stream, because thankfully, the Eldo has self diagnostics for everything.

Read this, written by a moderator here:

http://www.continentalimports.com/ser_ic60442.html

Good article. I actually understood it in a general way, it gave me a context in which to think about modern engine management. It would be helpful to take a class at a local school too. I did get it to start and run by using the throttle and it must have adapted itself to some degree because I got all the way down the street before it limped again. I did notice this time there seem to be transmission shift trouble too. I will have to have it towed by AAA to the MB dealer as there are not shops that have the diagnostic equipment that I am aware of at least. If anyone know of one in the greater Buffalo, NY area please let me know. Any advice on dealing with the dealership with having the codes read and diagnosis done without planning on them doing the repairs? David

Looked on ebay and found some code readers; I will look into them for application to these vehicles and relay what I find. I'm also going to research some shops tomorrow and if one can read codes, specific codes I will find out what they use.

The low priced readers will get the generic OBD2 codes, but not the proprietary MB codes. Presently, if you want to get the specific MB codes, you'll have to spend $2k-3k and up.

There is a new one still below the horizon and not yet on the market which will do all the MB codes, and be priced in the $500-600 range.

Waiting for the new one makes sense, do you know the manufacturer and or who will offer them for sale?

Don't hold your breath. I've been in contact with them for over 6 months with only the promise that it's in the works.

When it is available, I'll post the info here. In the mean time, buy one of the $35-40 units. They are a good investment.

Austent. What happened ?
 

Did you find your problem ? -- Cure ?