'check engine' light
 

Yesterday, after starting the car (99E300turboD), the 'check engine' light stayed on. Dutifully I checked the engine and everything was ok. No leaks, fluids ok, not overheating, running great, etc. Thankfully all my previous diesels have not had this feature, which I guess really means "take me to your dealer".
The question is: does this mean take it in ASAP, or at your leasure, or when the next oil service is called for?
Steve Hutson

Steve,

I just went through this with my 1998 E300D TurboDiesel. Mine said something about engine electronics, and over the phone the service person told me it was most likely the air mass flow sensor. I took it in under warranty and they changed it on the spot after doing a quick diagnostic check. It took about an hour or so. I asked if it was ok to drive with the light on, and the service guy said it probably wouldn't hurt anything if I did not notice a performance difference, depending on what the actual failed part was. An air mass flow sensor must not be vital because the car ran pretty good for several hundred miles. Jim

Thanks Jim,
I got hold of the dealer who recommended that I re-close the fuel cap, after which the computer would reset itself. That is what happened, the check engine light went out, but now the SRS light blinks when I drive over 45mph. So it is probably time to take it in .
Steve

check engine light
 

Well-- after three days in the shop, my car came back with a new
passenger seat SRS sensor, a new driver's side seat frame, and a very nice car wash. The problem is that the check engine light came on again after about 100 miles. This is the reason the car went to the shop in the first place. The report from the dealer was that nothing wrong could be found. Jim suggested the air-mass sensor, a test of which I'm assuming would reveal a flaw.
I guess the question I have is if this warning light comes on, and no difference in the operation of the car is noticed and the source can't be found at the dealership, why have it at all?
Also, if this light is an indicator of a loose fuel cap, it could just as easily display "check your fuel cap"
Steve