My 95 E320 has been off the road for year. ( 100 k miles)

Back to driving it again, but now experiencing intermittent starting problem.

Engine cranks just fine, but no spark to fire the motor on occasion. After several attempts, the engine may start up. If the motor doesn't fire up-right away, it never will regardless of how much time is spent cranking.

Had this problem a few years back and turned out to be the battery, or at least a brand new battery made the problem go away. The engine would turn over just fine but no spark to fire the engine. Also at that time the radio and door locking system were experiencing " issues " .

Now I had the battery checked yesterday...no problem.... and Not experiencing radio or locking problems as before.

Question... Where should I start looking for the weak link in this system.
Seems like I had the CPS changed out last time if I remember correctly, or maybe the mechanic told me he just renewed the wire connection to the sensor.

The car had a previous life in Fort Lauderdale with visable corrosion evidence on the under side of the vehicle. Makes me wonder about the integrity of the electrical system. Also when first purchased... the mechanic had to remove the top of the fuse box to get the turn signals to start operating again.

Any suggestions on where to begin with this problem ?

Thanks Ed in Va.

A bunch of folks have said 1991 thru 19951/2 Mercedes all classes have wiring that goes bad in the engine area.

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran,you are a citizen of the world, all peoples are
cousin's, love all life, your love is enternal

Ed, as mentioned the insulation in the original engine wiring harness is biodegradable and failure of the insulation can cause all sorts of weird problems. Either DIY or have an experienced MB tech check if the insulation in your wiring harness is degrading. If so, you will need to repair/replace the wiring harness.

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Fred Hoelzle

Might also want to check if your car has the original OVP (overvoltage protection relay) Common failure part known to cause all sorts of problems. do a search--lots of info including old and new part numbers for ID purposes.

J. M. van Swaay

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1994 E320 Wagon, 230,000 miles
1995 E320 Sedan, 106,000 miles
1994 E500 Sedan, 79,000 miles

Current suspect.... possible bad OVP..

I have the cover behind the battery removed, and will rap on the OVP unit when the engine fails to start next time.

The OVP contains relays, which wear out their efficiency and performance capabilities over time... if I understand correctly.

Ed in Va.

Hope the OVP is your problem because it is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix.

J. M. van Swaay

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1994 E320 Wagon, 230,000 miles
1995 E320 Sedan, 106,000 miles
1994 E500 Sedan, 79,000 miles

Problems increasing...

Now instead of intermittant starting, also experiencing multiple electrical complications, the ultimate being complete shutdown of engine while on the road.

Towed the car back home, as it would only run for a couple of minutes.

Removed the OVP, and awaiting the replacement from the dealer at $94.
Lowest posted price found on the net was around $119.

ET

Recieved the replacement OVP relay in 3 days after order from local MB Dealer.

While awaiting part, made sure battery had a full charge.

Installed new OVP relay, engine started immediately, and has been driven for 2 days without any sign of trouble.

Many thanks to this forum and valuable information shared by the Professionals here.

Thanks Ed in Va.