Where did you get that part# from????

I got it from the link left in the above message.

Am I looking at the wrong link?

That is the link I gave you just so you knew what the part looked like.. I asked that you use the search feature and plug in "OVP" so you would then know all about the OVP , the old part#, the new part#, etc..so I did not have to type it all out for the 1000th time ..that is why we have a Search/Archieves feature. If you use it ,you will then have all those questions answered at your fingertips.
A very useful feature..I should have been more clear.

But , here ..I did it for you.
These are the numbers and you have to pull yours to see which # you have..it is on the side of the OVP..if it is the old #, change it to the one I linked you to.
And do a search to familarize yourself w/OVP , as they are a very common troublesome part on your chassis..

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/105751-e280-starting-problems-post732944.html?highlight=blues#post732944

Okay thanks. I'll take a look at it. Also, can you recommend a repair guide.

I did check the links and then looked at the OVP im my car (95 C-280). The part number on the OVP is 000 540 67 45. The unit also has a M/B logo anda large letter "S" logo on it as well (Siemens?). I do not believe this unit was ever changed since I owned the car (purchased in May 1999 with 47K on it).

Is this in fact the "new" part number or should I replace it? I notice that online if you enter the part number the unit that comes up is manufactured by K-A-E.

How can you say it had never been changed?? If it was never changed , it would have the original # on it. What you have in there is NOT the original OVP.

__________________
A Dalton

OK. I purchased the car as a Starmark Certified Pre-Owned unit. They did a bunch of work to it for the certification process and I think I have a copy of their internal RO. It is possible that they replaced the OVP during this process. I will check it out. Since this is not the original unit I should probably leave it be and try something else.

Don't know who changed the part..I am simply telling you they did not have the new modified relay changeover until after your manufacture year,....so ...Somebody change it and that also does not mean the new one is now not failing..the points wear out and the sockets get corroded..like any electrical part.
What I do say is IF you have the old relay, I ask that it be changed REGARDLESS of it's condition b/c they were an inferior part..which is why they changed it in the first place. And it was probably them b/c BENZ knows all about the original OVP problems..Everyone does ....
It was probably the FIRST thing they did before putting it out for sale. I am sure they did not want a nice StarMark Benz on their lot that would not start !!! And if your car still had the old OVP and was a Star Car, I would be right in their face about it...
Most Techs have the new# relay in their tool box so they can just pop one in there on a complaint like yours.. simply b/c that is much easier than trying to find an OVP glitch w/o a scope and testing equipment.
They are that NOTORIOUS !!!!
So, next time you have the problem, I suggest you tap the relay and retry ..
If YES, I would chance the price of a new OVP..that's all.
I would also pull it and look for burn eveidence at the pins and I would pull the fuse on top and clean the spades..that may be all that is needed.
Or have it diagnosed by someone with the equipment to do so.

__________________
A Dalton