Fed up
 

Members: I have a 1994 E320a Convertible that has 50K miles on it.:) Ive replaced or repaired just about everything on this car.:o Lately its been giving me trouble with starting. I think that its the alarm system as the car is not getting a spark when this happens. Has anyone ever had to replace the security system? And just how much was the cost to replace it? I dont understand how a car with such low milage as mine could constantly give me problems. :mad:

The security system can stop the starter from engaging on that car but if the starter is working the security system isn't involved in keeping it from running.

Cold start or hot starts?

If hot, it could be a faulty CPS.

On that chassis , you waht to check the OVP relay.
Do a search on "OVP".

If you are fed up with the car, I will buy it from you...............

The issue happens when its cold or hot. I have replaced the starter, battery, all wires and plugs, Cam sensor, the list goes on. Mechanic still thinks its the alarm system. However there arent any fault codes coming up. Last two days she has started each time but I am afraid to take her out anywhere since I have spent 200 in towing fees last week for the times it wouldnt start. In addition to the starting issue my wiper motor is burning out. Smells like it's on fire. I have dropped at least 10K in repairs this last year on her. Looks like another 1K+ is about to leave my wallet. :mad: Granted that they dont build them like my w124a but I"m starting to think that its not worth it anymore but I have so much money in it and its showroom condition. :confused: Just needing to vent. :mad:

stop throwin parts (read, money!!!!) at the problem and diagnose it.

sounds like you need a new mechanic if all those parts were for this problem.

It's a DIYer kind of car. A DIY would have a hard time putting $2k in the car in a bad year, even in a cab.

$10k a year at Mercedes Benz of Manhattan would be pretty reasonable, they must like you.

was your harness replaced?? you would certainly fall in that catagory

Both wiring harnesses were replaced. The starter harness and the main harness.

Yes they see me coming. Ive called the service advisor out a few times on issues. So he knows that I know when he's yanking my chain.

Next time it does not start, tap the OVP relay...VERY COMMON fault ....

Also, next time it doesn't start, cycle the key a few times before attempting to crank it over....if it then starts OVP is suspect.
On that chassis , nothing works with a bad OVP, except starter.
Security is only starter LOCK OUT ..nothing to do with fuel or spark.
If it cranks , forget about the Security System [ ATA]

The OVP is behind the plastic panel , behind the battery. Fuse on top.

A Dalton - Thank you for your advice. I will tell mechanic to check it out. I appreciate everyones input.

BTW I found a new wiper motor on ebay for 100 bucks. Deal or No Deal?

Depends - link?

The orig OVP was updated to a new part# b/c they infamously failed... if you have the old OEM numbered realy, tell him to change it regardless.

Overvoltage Protection relay.
MB number 000-540-52-45 OEM
Replacement number is 000-540-67-45.
Located behind the battery, remove plastic cover.
The # is stamped right on the side , so you can see for yourself.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200198245373&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&viewitem=

No deal, it's a used part, $25 shipping, Phil at "buy parts" at the top of the page has them for $119 new, free shipping - http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=&yearid=1995@@1995&makeid=63@@MERCEDES%2DBENZ@@63&modelid=6392@@E320+Convertible &catid=241959@@Body+Electrical&subcatid=242097@@Wiper+and+Washer&applicationid=W0133-1715290&mode=PA

No WW motor relationship..

CE lamp is a Warning to the Driver that the Engines Diagnostic Module [ DM] has detected a Fault that is effecting the Emmisions Mandates of the car..Nothing else. The offending code can be gotten by pressing the button under the hood and counting the Flash led blinks coming back. That is the little diagnostic box right in front of the battery. You then look up the code in the chart at the bottom of this reply.
The OVP is POWER FEED to engine management, so if it fails [ mostly intermittantly], the car does not run or studders...That chassis is FULL ELECTRONIC mangement, so it requires a fully functioning OVP.

When the car cranks, but does not start, does the tach jump??

I would expect the Benz guys you went to to have check these two things , but one never knows today............

Here is the list of the codes that put the CE lamp on...you can get them by simple using the button in that DM box I mentioned...it is owner code accessable.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/107630-e320-16-pin-dtc-charts-inc-pin-8-pin-14-a.html

deanyel - thanks for the info. I feel like an idiot. Local mechanic told me 300.

A .D . The RPM doesnt move at all.

Tap the relay and retry...

When I hear a w124 won't start, I always think neutral safety switch. I don't think the original post indicated if the car would crank or not, so I was wondering if it could be so simple as the switch.

<I think that its the alarm system as the car is not getting a spark when this happens.>

That is his first post....but he may not know the difference of "getting Spark" and " Crank."
For the poster......... always mention START or CRANK, as the diagnosis is completely different. I am assuming you checked for Spark by your statement ... in which case the car would have to be Cranking over..........,,,,,,,,,is that the case?????

The last time it wouldnt start I pulled out a plug to test the spark -- No spark. Today she must have been feeling well as it started everytime. I appreciate everyones input as I am making a list of all suggestions.

While I was at mechanics today I saw a 2002 CL500 with 59K miles. Is this car a headache? The price is so low for such a beautiful car. I guess that means its a nightmare too. Feedback on a CL500?

<The last time it wouldnt start I pulled out a plug to test the spark -- No spark. >

So , you are back to possible OVP relay...

Go with Arthur-OVP
 

I got myself a really nice 94 E220 a few years back because of a faulty OVP, the origional owner had a gut full of this car and the Big $ it was costing him. I paid him peanuts for the car I registered on this site looked up the problem, replaced the OVP as sugested by Arthur and the problem was solved. Its still such a beautiful and reliable car . Merry Christmas everyone. from Barry down here in Australia cheers..

Merry Christmas everyone. I replaced the OVP - cost 110.00 usd. Havent had any issues as of yet. New Wiper Motor - final cost 424.00 installed. Peace and Joy this New Year.

Robert

I can commiserate with owning a 95 E320 cabriolet and dealing with the problems. My car has something major go wrong that needs repair every 2000 miles - usually an electrical problem. Like deanyel said, owning this car at this stage of the game is only for the wealthy who can afford the repairs or the DIYers. Without this forum, I'd have sold the car out of disgust long time ago.

A poster once artfully described Mercedes ownership as having a relationship with gorgeous but psychotic woman. You know you should get out of the relationship, but the sex is just too good.