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.... 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...

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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

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86 Nissan 720 P/U - 285K miles and counting!!
91 Volvo 240 - 218K miles and still going strong.
00 Mercedes E320 - 111K miles and lovin it!!!

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.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

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.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

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.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 153K