Replace the fuel filter.

__________________
Fred Hoelzle

I just found this:
http://www.k6jrf.com/MB_asr.html

Looks like the NSS can cause a varying idle speed (see down at the bottom of that page). Interesting.

Back to diesel for me

Joking but serious, the diesel engine just works, it's not dependent on sensors or switches to tell it how to run. I like that. If I'm going to drive an older vehicle, I am starting to think that it can't be gasoline powered without some headaches.

How is the upkeep on these older gas MBs? What I'd be afraid of is having to drive with a code reader in the console ready for things to fail and go into limp mode. That sounds pessimistic and I shouldn't jump to conclusions just yet (just got a gas and haven't fixed it yet). But I'm starting to wonder the more I read. But of course this is a fix it forum. The only thing I'll find here are the problems. Maybe I should start a new thread on this specific question. But I'm curious on other's experiences.

__________________
-E300d '99 350k
-Suburban '93 220k
-TDI Jetta '03 350k
Sold
-F250 '96 7.3
-Dodge Ram 12V
-E320 '95 200k
-E320 Wagon 1994 155k
-300d Turbo '87 187k miles
-E320 1994 200k
-300d Turbo '84 245k (sold to Dan62)
-300d Turbo '84 180k
-300sd '80 300k
-7.3 Powerstroke Diesel 15P Van 500k+ miles
-190d '89 Non Turbo 2.5 5cyl 240k (my first MB)
Tom's Imports of Columbia MO Ruined the IP in changing leaky delivery valve O-Rings - Refused to stand behind his work. Mid-MO MB drivers-AVOID Tom's.

You need to establish base line if you are to keep this car.. if i were you i would buy a set of wires, plugs, and coils if necessary before starting to go into more complicated things (there are some cheap coils online)...Has the wiring harness been changed?

nice find though, looks to be a good looking car....show us more pictures!

__________________
1993 300E, 2.8 M104 .....

Yes, they used the M103 belt tensioner system, not a great design. Fortunately however, they changed / improved the design in mid MY95.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

You're on the right track, clear the codes and see what re-appears. I beleive that there are some codes that will take 3 strikes to turn on the CEL like EGR, which is problematic (just like in the diesels) once the crossover tube gets plugged (clean/ream with a speedometer cable). I believe also that there are codes that will appear with the engine running.

The car is dependent on electronics and sensors, but if everything is in good condition, quite a robust design. If you have ASR, more to go wrong, but a nice system, when it's good it's great. If no ASR, less to worry about I guess. On the other hand, if you had a '90 or newer 300D you would also be dependent on sensors for your boost, ... and after '95 the diesels need even more electronics to stay running properly so it's not just a gas thing, it's a mandated OBDII government thing and emissions thing.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

I've started the car and shut off probably 10 times and left it running for probably 3 30 minute stretches since yesterday evening and still not getting a code and it's definitely missing. Do I need to put a certain number of miles on it maybe?

__________________
-E300d '99 350k
-Suburban '93 220k
-TDI Jetta '03 350k
Sold
-F250 '96 7.3
-Dodge Ram 12V
-E320 '95 200k
-E320 Wagon 1994 155k
-300d Turbo '87 187k miles
-E320 1994 200k
-300d Turbo '84 245k (sold to Dan62)
-300d Turbo '84 180k
-300sd '80 300k
-7.3 Powerstroke Diesel 15P Van 500k+ miles
-190d '89 Non Turbo 2.5 5cyl 240k (my first MB)
Tom's Imports of Columbia MO Ruined the IP in changing leaky delivery valve O-Rings - Refused to stand behind his work. Mid-MO MB drivers-AVOID Tom's.

Update, it looks like the spark plugs are the problem (Autolite Platinums someone put in). A helper got brave and pulled the boot off the plug that was missing and it arced regularly to the valve cover metal (the arc jumped about an inch! Now that's high voltage!!!).

Anyways, it sure seems like the coil is ok.. not sure this is a traditional diagnostic but it makes sense to me. Also, I didn't notice much if any change when 3 and 4 were pulled.

So the Autolites out and the Bosch F8DC4s going in.

__________________
-E300d '99 350k
-Suburban '93 220k
-TDI Jetta '03 350k
Sold
-F250 '96 7.3
-Dodge Ram 12V
-E320 '95 200k
-E320 Wagon 1994 155k
-300d Turbo '87 187k miles
-E320 1994 200k
-300d Turbo '84 245k (sold to Dan62)
-300d Turbo '84 180k
-300sd '80 300k
-7.3 Powerstroke Diesel 15P Van 500k+ miles
-190d '89 Non Turbo 2.5 5cyl 240k (my first MB)
Tom's Imports of Columbia MO Ruined the IP in changing leaky delivery valve O-Rings - Refused to stand behind his work. Mid-MO MB drivers-AVOID Tom's.

Changed the plugs to F8DC4 Bosch copper non resistor and the springs under the coils. Here's what I notice now. Turn the key to on for a second, start, runs smooth for 3 or 4 seconds then resumes missing. It does this every time I repeat the procedure.

The car runs fine at high load (full throttle up a hill). It doesn't bog down but of course still misses.

No fresh codes with one test drive.

I wouldn't think it's a wires, plugs, harness problem since it will run smooth at startup then starts missing after 3 to 4 seconds everytime.

Where else do I look. I'm not a gasoline MB man so I'm clueless!
thanks!

__________________
-E300d '99 350k
-Suburban '93 220k
-TDI Jetta '03 350k
Sold
-F250 '96 7.3
-Dodge Ram 12V
-E320 '95 200k
-E320 Wagon 1994 155k
-300d Turbo '87 187k miles
-E320 1994 200k
-300d Turbo '84 245k (sold to Dan62)
-300d Turbo '84 180k
-300sd '80 300k
-7.3 Powerstroke Diesel 15P Van 500k+ miles
-190d '89 Non Turbo 2.5 5cyl 240k (my first MB)
Tom's Imports of Columbia MO Ruined the IP in changing leaky delivery valve O-Rings - Refused to stand behind his work. Mid-MO MB drivers-AVOID Tom's.