Love my Benzes!!! As a child, I grew up with my Dad owning at least one (and he still has his '71 280SE).

My 93 300E has over 104K miles on it. I am plagued with three problems:

1. Small problem: light bulb indicator lights up when brake is depressed...this does not occur if the headlight switch is switched on the 'parking light' or 'headlight' mode (including fog on or off settings). All bulbs are working and I even replaced the headlight switch, but to no avail. Also when headlight switch is off and I depress the brake after first starting the car, the switches below the shifter on the console flicker rapidly (I can only see this in the garage since the backlighting is dim when it occurs).

2. Sometimes the car will not start. Only happens with a warm engine. Turns over fine, but requires several tries. After reading a few similar posts, the fault seems to point to the overvoltage relay, but I am not sure.

3. Biggest problem: When cold starting, the idle pulsates in half-second cycles between 500 and 1200 rpms. This will persist until I rev the engine after a short warm up. I can also reinitiate this scenario by braking hard at low speeds or by putting the car in reverse. I disconnected the air mass flow sensor and the problem went away. I installed a new air mass flow sensor but the problem is still there. (At least I can return the $245 unit for a full refund).

Are these familiar problems or do I have a ghost in the machine?

I would like to begin fixing this car myself (other two Benzes still have warranties). I have a relatively modest tool supply, and can tear down and rebuild my aircooled VW motor with confidence, so I am a bit mechanically inclined. But the aristocratic nature of the Benzes has me a little intimidated, and I find myself reluctantly letting the dealership (at $100/hr) do the dirty work.

Am I asking too much for my first post?


I like what I've read so far!!!

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car