Please help me with this problem.

I have a 1993 320CE (W124 coupe) with a hot starting / running problem.

The car has done 88,000 miles. It runs perfectly cold, after the first 5 - 10 minutes it can cut dead without warning. This can happen at any time - at idle or in full acceleration.

On cutting out I have to wait around 5 - 10 minutes. The engine will crank but not fire. After the 5 - 10 minutes it will restart and run perfectly again. Until the next time which could be 2 minutes or 2 days away.

The problem can also occur if the car is not running but the ignition is left on.

My record I believe is 9 cut outs in a day. I have gone for around 2 days without the problem occuring.

To date I have done the following:

Had the fuel system pressure tested - in workshop and on the road - OK

Checked control unit fault memory - nothing specific found

Had the ignition circuit checked completely

I have replaced

Fuel cap

Ignition wiring (low tension)

Engine ECU (albeit with a second hand unit)

Fuel pump relay

Ignition coils - the car has the ignition system with 3 coils and no distributor

Alarm & immobiliser



I believe this problem has taken years from my life. Can anyone help?