E 320, won't crank, won't start, just a click
 

I despreately need help as my 94 E 320 is sitting in front of a resturant. As I pulled into a parking space, the car died. I tried to crank it, nothing. Lights work, fan works, radio, window, etc. tried to jump start it, nothing. When the key is turned to start the car, I can hear the fuel pump engage, put just a click, nothing.

any suggestions.:(

Try replacing the battery. I had bad batteries in the past that wouldn't jump start and had the same symptoms as yours. Now might be a good time to get an Optima battery from COSTCO.

My MB mechanic friend told me not to go past 4 years with my 2001 SLK battery. Did I listen to him? Nooooo....I was at the mall and when I went to leave, my car wouldn't start. Just a click...I called my wife to come give me a jump, but the car still wouldn't start. Fortunately, there was a Sears store at the mall. I put in a new battery and everything works fine.
It wasn't worth trying to squeeze out a few extra months of battery usage.

Its worth a try, Since we bought the car used this summer and have no idea how old the battery is. ! thanks for the quick replies. Any other ideas out there.

Nope. Clicking = dead/failed battery.

http://www.mbusa.com/care/client-care/roadside-assistance.do

Give this a try. They will come to you and install a new battery, free. You just pay for the battery. Also works for flat tires and running out of gas, all free (after paying for the gas).
Dan

just tried the battery. no luck...:confused: :( what now.:dizzy2:

"just tried the battery" what does this mean?

- did you pop the caps to see if there is sufficient solution?
- did you perform specific gravity reading of the electrolyte?
- did you trickle charge?
- 'click' doesn't necessarily mean dead battery. it can also indicate that the
connection to the battery post is less than optimum. disconnect, wire brush,
clean and reattach
- reason why accessories may work, but starter not spin, is because it only
takes a scootch of power/amps to run the lights etc....but hundreds of amps
to crank the motor
- how old is the battery? if it's reached 4-5 yrs, generally speaking, it's long
in tooth and is targeted for replacement. for warranty purposes, sometimes
the install date is 'coded' onto the label atop the battery

Tried the battery means. I went out and bought a new one, put it in. And still nothing. Same as before. Everything else works, but no crank, no start.:( Please Help !

Could be the neutral safety switch. Try starting with the gear shift in neutral. If it starts, then it istime to replace the NSS.
regards,
Mark

Mark, I tried to get it into neutral but it wouldn't go in ? Which I thought was strange. It won't move out of park.
:mad:

You have to have the key in the "on" position and depress the brake a bit to get the transmission to shift out of Park.

I would first want to verify that the starter was working:

Run a wire from the battery (+) to the violet/white wire (the middle connector I believe) on the 3 pin X27 connector along the inner firewall near the brake fluid reservoir.
--You should hear the starter engage when you apply 12V to this wire

See this thread:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=119245&highlight=e320+weird+start

If the starter was working, I would check the K38 relay -- starter lockout -- (behind the instrument cluster) This stopped working on my E320 causing a no start. That thread has more info on its location and how to bypass it.

Thanks for the info. Have called the garage.:eek: Having them look at it. My son called the mb place, they told him it is either the starter or battery. will let you know what develops.

Out of curiosity, how do the restaurant owners feel about your car sitting there so long? :kid:

It just sat there over night... and we told them before they closed.. they didn't seem to mind.

Wish i had seen skiier 3 9's reply before calling the garage.:mad: