Something went wrong...My car wont start after an "explosion" type of sound
 

Ok... this morning I was about to check the codes that my 1996 c280 returned, and I did (P170 Fuel Trim Malfunction). Then I tried to start the car, and it hesitated (after reading about the code on this forum, i realized that it may be my MAF: see attached pic) So, I went back and tried again, and it hesitated again, so I pushed the gas pedal and all of the sudden I hear a big "PFFUUPHF" a explosion type of noice, like a big ballon got busted from the engine compartment. Now my car wont even start....:confused: What happened to her??? I happened before, but when I gave it some gas, it started, but today it did not...did it die??? What coul have happened? Any ideas? Please help me...

OK...phfew...I left it to sit for about 15 min. and opened the fuel cap, and closed it back on, and my car started...But still - what do you think happened, and can I be a 100% sure that my MAF is bad when I have the P170 Fuel Trim Malfunction Code?
Any good places to buy that part, and not cost a fortune?
Thanks guys!

Hopefully someone else will confirm your problem but a few years ago I had the exact same thing happen with a C230 we used to own. It gave a heck of a backfire and lit up the MIL lamp. Turns out it was a faulty MAF sensor but I'm not sure what code it was giving at that time because I took it to the dealer and had them fix it under warranty. Sure sounds like you have a faulty MAF sensor but I would wait for a more experienced tech to chime in and confirm my suspicions before you go replacing it.

Dale

Yep, you got an intake backfire.
DO NOT , fiddle with the gaspedal while trying to start the engine.
On some engines ( not necessarily yours ), an intake backfire can collapse lifters, and after the engine starts, it will run like crap for a few seconds, before the lifters " pump up " again.
I would suggest you take care of your MAF problem a.s.a.p.

So I will need to replace the MAF...thats fine, where should I buy it from?
Thanks guys! Long live the forum! :)

If you click on " FastLane " above, that would be a good start. ;)
Another option would be to have an expert ( M-B dealer maybe ), scan the system & diagnose the problem with 100 % accuracy.
Hate to spend the money ( they're NOT cheap ) on a MAF, when you may have another, simpler & less expensive problem ( such as a vacuum leak ).
Your call. ;)

Thanks, I will try to clean it with break cleaner today and see if the light comes back on...if it does, then I will buy the damn MAF :)

If you decide to replace the air mass meter, just the insert can be bought for a fraction of the price of the complete unit: C280 Air Mass Sensor Insert

The only caveat is that the fasteners are a security torx (like regular torx, but with a nub in the middle). I could undo mine with pliers.