Lorenzo7,

This post is very similar to a post where someone took the instrument cluster out of the car and drove it, with similar results. One of the problems is that without the light lighting at the beginning of the starting sequence it is unlikely the alternator is connected to the charging circuit. This can be as simple as the bulb behind the charging light is burned out, or it can be a problem with the voltage regulator. I doubt it is the result of a short circuit in the system if any of the other lights on the dash light up when the charging light does not.

So, the question is, do the rest of the lights on the dash light up when you turn the key (typically the brake symbols light up as well as SRS if the car has that and some other items like windshield washer level fluid and oil level indicator lights)? If so, the problem is more likely that when you started the car and noticed the charge light did not light up the first time the battery was already nearly discharged and that start cycle - glow plugs and cranking the starter - further weakened the battery. If you drove it with the A/C or heat on for a while, and any other items on, it is likely the battery was further discharged so the next try the battery could not start the car (a glow plug cycle can be a strain on a weak battery). When you failed to start did the glow plug light cycle on and off at all? Also, when you say you charged the battery, how did you do this and for how long. Merely getting enough juice in there to survive a start cycle and then driving with lights, fans and other auxiliaries on for a while could put you back into the condition where the battery cannot support another start cycle.

So, when you jump start the car or charge the battery, does the charging light come on? If it never comes on I would check the voltage regulator (easy to replace, but limited access - do a search there is a load of data on the subject) and if the brushes are completely worn off, replace them or the regulator. If the regulator looks ok, I would pull the instrument cluster and check the bulb behind the charging indicator. Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)