2000 C280 with about 50m. The problem is an infrequent no-start, with the engine cranking but not catching. At first always after driving for awhile, never a no-start in the morning. Car would drive perfectly normal when it did start. After a no-start and then simply waiting 5-10 minutes, the car would start and drive normal. First thing I tried was a new camshaft position sensor. Car was fine for a week and then a no-start. This time it was the first start of the day. The car then drove normally until I could get a new fuel pump relay. Drove for awhile, then a no-start the next day. Then a whole week with normal operation until today when the car died when accelerating from a stop. This is the first time this has ever happened. Wait 5 minutes, and the car starts and drives normally.

What next to check? Fuel filter? Fuel pump?

Thanks,

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280
1990 LS400

IF the camshaft position sensor was the problem you would have a CODE for that problem.

The most likely problem is the crankshaft position sensor..

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Hi, I am also experiencing the same problem with my 1999 C280. Howver it seems to have gotten worse in the last two weeks. So the Cam Shaft censor is definetly the problem?

Crankshaft position sensor.

Sometimes referred to as crankshaft reference sensor.

Very common failure on this engine, as well as the V8.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Fingers are crossed after changing the crankshaft position sensor.

The intermittent no-start deteriorated to the point where the car died several times while driving, typically right after coming to a stop. Car would then restart after awhile and drive normal until the next episode. After doing more reading, the crankshaft position sensor appears to be the most likely culprit followed by the camshaft position sensor and then the fuel pump relay.

The crankshaft sensor is about $80, and there are 2 versions depending on your VIN, a single top clip one and a double side clip one. This sensor is at the rear of the engine on the drivers side. Follow the line from the engine harness. Access is only from the top. You need a female torx E8 socket, 10Nm. Replacing is straightforward, but you need small hands and it is all done by feel. Take the nut off first, withdraw the sensor from the bell housing and then unclip from the harness. You'll drop your socket many times and mercifully it will usually drop thru to the ground.

Thanks all,

glenmore
2000 C280
1991 300CE
1990 LS400

You can test your old CPS by attaching it to a volt meter, and heating it up with a hair dryer.

It if shows an open circuit, then it is bad.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".