Occasionally, I have to turn the key several times before the engine starts in my 98 E320. I hear the starter turn for a second or so but then it stops. There is no starter sound even when I hold the key in the last position although for some strange reason my RPM gage keeps jumping back and forth. The only way I can start the car is by turning the key back to the first ignition position and retrying. Sometimes, I have to do this several times before the engine starts.

Any idea what is causing this problem?

Try using your spare key to start the car. If the spare key works, then I'm guessing that the battery in your primary key is getting weak.

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

Ray
The battery in the key has no bearing whatsoever on starting the engine, the battery is only for the remote locking/unlocking features. You can take the batteries out of the key and it will still start the car.
I would have the vehicle battery and starter tested.

Gilly

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Thanks for the info Gilly.

I made the assumption that the battery in the key powered the IR circuit to allow the security code to pass from the key to the car's computer.

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

Nope, couple of transponders, just like your IPass
Gilly

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[QUOTE=ssks] I hear the starter turn for a second or so but then it stops. [QUOTE]

Based on the aforementioned criteria you may want to explore having the starter ring gear coated with some lubricant, anti-seize works well. The fact that you hear, or have heard, the starter motor engage momentarily leads me to suspect a dry ring gear, a known issue. The citeria is slightly different (ie: motor engages and disengages a number of times before engine finally runs.)

If you do not hear the starter motor engage then I might suspect the ignition switch, perhaps there is a fault with the 50 circuit output ???

Just my thoughts.

Is lubricanting the starter ring gear a simple procedure that I can do myself or is it going to require a trip to the dealer - hence $200?

Also - I installed a new Mercedes battery a few months ago.

Oooo! I forgot about that one! I remember hearing about that too. I think there is a special grease to use though (Willie the Janitor voice: "My precious retirement grease!!!)
Gilly

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Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

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Did you happen to notice if the starter motor problem emerged shortly after you replaced the battery? If so, double check your battery cables for tightness. I have experienced a number of head scratching electrical problems with later model MB's all because of a loose connection. Some time back I worked on a 400E that cranked just fine but it would not start, cause: loose negative cable at the battery. One would think, and I did, that high current demand by the starter motor could not be attributed to a loose cable otherwise motor speed is affected, boy was I surprised.

Prior to exploring an electrical complaint I have discovered that time can be saved by checking the battery connections for tightness. This goes without saying for the late model vehicles because they use numerous computers.