Car is 1997 S500 - just over 100,000 miles - have owned it for almost 4 years and have had almost NO problems to this point. I have checked all the other posts dealing with ASR light and problems but mine seems to be different.
Upon start up SOMETIMES the car will idle funny - surging and bucking. When you put it in gear, it is like it has a mind of it's own and you practically have to stand on the brake pedal to keep it from moving.
This happens at different times and different temperatures but ALWAYS upon start up - can be first thing in the morning when the car is cold OR after it has been driven for a short distance, turned off and restarted. It has never done this while the car is moving - if it starts o.k. then no problems.
Also, several days ago the little triangular traction light in the spedo lit up after start up and pressing on the brake pedal. No difference in driving - but once I pushed the button manually to off and then turned it back on - it illuminated again. Once I restarted the car - it stayed off. Any suggestions? Could it possibly be my battery going weak and causing electrical gremlins? I am also having problems with it upshifting but no other trans problems.

Different car, I know, but my 1991 300CE-24 had an ASR light issue when it was under warranty from MB. They (apparently) bled the brake system several times and solved the problem. Been alright now for 14 years.

The ASR light would come on after a little whirring noise and then might go off after engine restart.

Don;t know whether that helps.

RayH

Thanks Ray. Actually, it does more than just come on. I am afraid that it will be a new Ma$$ Air Meter - something I don't want to even think about at this point.

OK. I can't comment on why you think it's the Ma$$ Air Meter but on your car this must be a hot-wire/hot-film MAF, assuming we're talking about the same part.

The MAF is not that costly and if you're careful you could try cleaning it. I've had success with this, albeit with a VW.

If you need a new MAF, it is often possible to replace just the element using a part from either Bosch or Pierburg.

Just a thought.

RayH

FWIW, I found out what the problem was. After YEARS of dealing with this issue - it was the temperature sensor that is located on the top front of the engine. I had replaced it with and after-market sensor that was supposed to make the car run cooler. It worked well at first but then started having issues with cold starting, ASR light coming on, bucking and surging, etc.

Well, sadly, this was not the cause. Better, but not gone.