My "new" 500SEL has been great so far, but I just encountered something troubling...

While driving along the freeway this evening, the engine seemed to cut out completely - I couldn't tell if it was even running at all. On the dash, the battery warning light came on.

I turned towards an exit, and six or seven seconds later (coasting at about 35mph) the battery light turned back off and the engine came back to life. No problems getting home after that.

I can figure out most problems with my diesel, but when it comes to this gasser I'm clueless. What happened? Alternator problem? (The headlights and radio never lost power, the battery works fine.) Fuel pump? (That wouldn't explain the warning light.) ...

Thanks...

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'81 300TD Wagon 355k (Miss Diesel)
'83 300SD 180k
'84 500SEL 190k (Parting it out)