I recently purchased a 1999 c-280 from a friend. It has 92k on it. I purchased it with the check engine light on. We had two shops check out the codes. They couldn't make sense of them as there were multiple codes. It however sounded like a possible o2 sensor. I bought it under that premise that sooner or later I would have to replace one or all of them.

Once the light was cleared out it would come on fairly quickly afterwards and with no driving issues.

It seemed as if the light actually went out by itself for extended periods of time over the winter here when the outside temp would get down.

The light came back on permanently though fairly quickly afterwards when temps got back up.

Now the light remains on and we have noticed significant problem with it. YOu can drive it and then the light will flash and then the car begins to lose power. It doesn't shut off but will eventually get to the point where you can press the pedal to floor and nothing happens. It's hard to tell if its missing or just not getting fuel.

You can then cut the car off and the car will drive fine!

This is my wifes car so I don;t get to see all the characteristics daily but have witnessed it occur a couple of times.

Any thoughts???

Thanks

David

Sounds a bunch like an air mass meter problem. OBDII codes P0170 or P0173 should be recorded. Due to the magnitude of the failure you may also have misfire codes, but in such a case they are the result not the cause.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Ouch...presumably an expensive problem!

Air mass meters are not expensive.

Click on Fastlane or PartsShop on this site and see what they go for.

I don't know think your V6 is that different from my inline-6, but the air mass meter can be replaced in about 15 minutes, and all you need is a screwdriver to unfasten the tubes/hoses on either side.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Listen to Steve's advise...he was 100% correct diagnosing my 99 C280 check engine light with codes P0170 P0173...when i replaced the Air Mass Meter, as he suggested ...it fixed the problem...when shopping for the AMM you might also check EBAY automotive.....

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louietwo