Members: I have a 1994 E320a Convertible that has 50K miles on it. Ive replaced or repaired just about everything on this car. 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.

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.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Cold start or hot starts?

If hot, it could be a faulty CPS.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

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...............

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A Dalton

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. 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. Just needing to vent.

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.

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'O=00=O'
bmw 2002.
long live the legend

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.

Majority of that list was due to failure. Cost was because I would always bring it to Mercedes Benz of Manhattan to repair it. Biggest cost was new hydraulics for the top. Started using a local MB mechanic but he cannot figure it out. Therefore tomorrow I am driving her back to MB of Manhattan and let them fix it once and for all. Kind of PO at the local mechanic as Mercedes is all he repairs in addition he has been in business for 25+ years. You would think that he would know from experience alone.

$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

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1994 C280
2009 VW Tiguan
1993 Toyota X-tra Cab SE-5


1973 220D ... Gone, but not forgotten
1991 Alfa Romeo 164L Gone, wife MADE me forget it

2006 Hyundai Tucson... just straight out FORGOTTEN!

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.

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A Dalton

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?