I'm hoping to get some help diagnosing my MB motor not starting issue.
My ML320 ran perfectly until last week when i got in and it would not turn over.

About 8 years ago the alarm would go off for no reason after locking doors. Dealership couldn't fix it so they just removed the fuse. Has been fine since.

Now, the message on the display panel said "Start Error"
Instrument panel lights up like a Xmas tree when trying to start the motor.

So far this is what I have done.
We checked the battery and it is good.
We checked the Keys and they both work fine. They open doors.

Had an import dealer look at it and they seem to think it was the anti theft not allowing the motor to start. They couldn't help. Towed it home.

Talked to a Benz Mechanic in Calgary and he felt the keys had lost their programming. Have received two new keys from Benz and no difference. They will open doors but same engine error.

I had told them that the drivers door actuator was acting up and they said that would not cause the issue. The plunger in the door panel at the window doesn't seem to go down all the way like it used to.

So given that i am stuck. The SUV is in great condition with low miles (90,000) and i would really like to keep it.

Has anyone out there had a similar issue, and if so what was the remedy?
Please let me know.


Thank You in advance

AL

Have you had the codes read? Where abouts are you?

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92 e300d2.5t
01 e320
05 cdi
85 chev c10

Yes, thank you for the reply. There are no codes.
We are in Lethbridge Alberta Canada.

I would have offered to help with reading codes maybe checking sensor reference voltages, CANBUS connectors etc. But I'm in Calgary.

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92 e300d2.5t
01 e320
05 cdi
85 chev c10

My cousin had an error similar to yours back in 2016.

His issue was on a 98 S-class so I'm not sure it completely is applicable to your situation but here's a link to that thread.

1998 W140 S500 no start, "start error" displayed on odometer

In his case the 'Start error' message appeared in the instrument cluster because the DAS module wan't being powered by a mechanically faulty fuse. DAS stands for "Drive Authorization System" and it plays a key role in the whole overly complex and convoluted Mercedes anti-theft sequence-of-events that happens seamlessly every time you start the car.

You mentioned a no-codes situation? What kind of scan tool did you use? A generic OBDII type scan tool isn't going to provide the kind of information you're going to need to diagnose issues with the Mercedes drive authorization procedures. I'm pretty sure your issue is related to a drive authorization error of some kind.

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98 Dodge-Cummins pickup (137K)
13 GLK250 (157k)
06 E320CDI (341K)
16 C300 (89K)
82 300GD Gelaendewagen (54K)