What could possibly cause the engine to stumble/miss for 30 seconds after hand washing the car? This happened in the past. Actually, no problem immediately after washing the car and parking into the garage, but the next morning it will stumble on startup. Then won't reoccur on any subsequent startups. Possible culprits? 1996 C280. Thanks.

Check for codes. When you're going through the wash, something in the electrical system (possibly ignition system) is acting up and giving you a stumble.





Or just don't go through the car wash.

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Allen Kroliczek
Oak Grove Autosport | Oak Grove Autosport
01 G500, 82 300TD, quite a few more.....

I don't see anything in the OP's description about a mechanical car wash, which is a really bad idea anyway for the finish of the car. I've never experienced this kind of problem after hand washing my car or other MBs, so I wonder whether this is coincidence, as long as you didn't also hand wash inside the engine bay. However, based on my experience, a small amount of water does infiltrate and in my 260E, it leaves a small puddle on top of the relay box cover on the driver's side firewall. If yours does the same, that might be a clue, since that's all electronic stuff around there.

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1988 California version 260E (W124)
Anthracite Grey/Palomino
Owned since new and still going strong and smooth
MBCA member

Past Mercedes-Benz:
1986 190E Baby Benz
1967 230 Inherited from mom when she downsized
1959 220S Introduced me to the joys of keepin' 'em goin'

There are only 10 kinds of people in the world--those who understand binary and those who don't