I recently bought a used 99 E 320 with 100k on it. The engine is 6 cylinder(112). The car would stall when taking off from a stop once in a while. Now the car will not start every few times when I go to crank it hot. I let it sit for about 10 minutes and it starts right up and runs fine.

I took it to a local shop and they pulled the codes and nothing showed up. They said it could be the fiber optic cables but were not sure.

The plugs, fuel filter, & air filter, have about 15k mile on them.

Any ideas?

Sounds similar to a problem that I had with my E320.

E320 (W210) Intermittent Starting Problem

Try some searches on "knock sensor" and see what you think.

__________________
1998 E320 120K mi
1991 Miata 80K mi
2001 Ranger 109K mi

fiber optic cables? i suggest you find a new local shop, fiber optic cables were only used for the audio system in the 1999 E320, a crank position sensor sounds more likely to be your problem.

Been there done that on my 1998 E320. I replaced the "crank position sensor" and problem was solved. You can definitely rule out "fiber optic cables" as they have nothing to do with the engine controls. Get a new mechanic!

__________________
Donwo
1999 SL 500 Sport (30K miles)
1998 E320 (SOLD)
1989 560SL (SOLD)
1987 300E (TOTALED)
1986 300E (SOLD)
1984 300SD (SOLD)

Better yet tell the first mechanic that you took it to another shop and they replaced the muffler bearing and everything is fine now.

__________________
Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

<>

Just curious where this thingy is located on a 1999 E320, and what kinds of problems do you encounter to say that this part is malfunctioning. Thanks.

My 1998 did exactly the same thing, when it got hot it would shut off and not restart until it cooled down. My crankshaft sensor was bad, replaced it, and no further problems. It is located on top og the flywheel housing behind the engine right on top. It is pretty difficult to see and even harder to access, but if you hold your tounge just right, you can extract it and install the new sensor. I think I paid about 195.00 for the sensor.

Please tell me what you think, as my mechanic - not MB dealer is not picking up a code, but my car keeps cutting off midstream - in the middle of traffic, at a light, going slow, going fast - whenever it feels like it!!

typically it cuts off, I give it a couple of minutes and try again and it starts back up.

however today it took me 2 hours to get to my 15 minute away job as it cut off 4 times and was taking 25-30 minute breaks before it would turn over.

it sounds like it will turn over just doesn't - kinda like a car outta gas sound?????/
it has 61,000 miles, 1998 E320, your thoughts? thanks

__________________
Girl drivin' a Benz - watch out!
1994 C280
1998 E320

and lovin' it

Welcome to the forum You are describing a typical crank position sensor failure. This is also known as a reference sensor. See below. Easy to replace.

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1QF0V26SB1UL10X198&year=1998&make=MB&model=E-320-005&category=All&part=Reference+Sensor

__________________
2012 E350 Bluetech

girliebenz - Sounds similar to the problem I had with the knock sensor. I think the crank position sensor failure is more common. If replacing that doesn't work, try the knock sensor (or pay for a proper diagnosis).

__________________
1998 E320 120K mi
1991 Miata 80K mi
2001 Ranger 109K mi