I have a 96 C280 with 82,000 miles on it. Several times when I start the car nothing happens. The battery is fine as will as the starter. This is intermittent and goes away after I try several times. Other times the car starts up VERY VERY rough. It feels as if the whole car is Shaking violently. After a couple minutes it goes away and is fine. This problem is also intermittent. I took the car into the dealer twice. The first time they said that since it was intermittent it was very difficult to determine what was causing the problem. The second time, they couldn't find anything. Any suggestions?

When you aren't able to start your car does the starter work?? POSSIBLY the fuel system isn't getting power from it's source.

Does the engine spin but not crank? OR Does the engine not spin at all? What weight oil do you use and how cold is it where you live?

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

THe weather was over 50 degrees. I don't know what oil but it gets serviced at the Dealer always. WHen I meant that nothing cranked or turned I mean NOTHING. Turn the key and nothing happens at all.

Is the car equipped with the factory alarm/ keyless entry system? It sounds like the starter was disabled or the neutral switch failed...If it happens again get out and lock and unlock the doors from the trunk then try it. Let me know how it works.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Make sure that the key that you are using isnt't the problem by using the second key. Sometimes the key itself can cause this type of problem!

This car doesn't have the keyless entry fancy key. It is just a plain key.
Thanks for looking into this!