sounds like a prime candidate for the infamous crankshaft position sensor (CPS) ailmnet to me

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-- raymond~
47º 34'N 122º 18'W

I didn't get a check engine light and the problem is intermittent. Is there any way to check for sure without going to the dealer?

CPS does not trip the CEL, unfortunately. It sounds exactly like the M112 CPS problem, and self diagnosis is hard. Usually, installing a new one is how you find out DIY...

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Yes, sounds like crankshaft position sensor. If the problem is the same as with my 2000 C280, your next symptom will be SSS, sudden stall syndrome where your car will just randomly turn off. Check with the dealer for the cost of the repair, then go to Fastlane and buy the part. You'll need a tool not in your average garage, IIRC an E8 torx socket, DIY and figure all the money you saved!

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280
1990 LS400

I dropped by my local MD dealer and picked up a CPS ($176 CAD). Install was a bit more difficult then expected...there wasn't much room to swing the wrench back there. So far, I'm happy to report that it seems to have fixed the problem. Went out on two short drives tonight...had no problems starting the car. Thanks for all of your feedback!

-j