Hey all,
Normally I would submit a thread like this to Benzworld or Mercedes Forums, but this forum is much more alive and full of smart people! My aunt has been going through a nightmare with her '99 SLK 230. In the past 6 months the car has had almost $4000 thrown at it and has only been able to be driven 114 miles in that time. Here is the problem:

Following the typical scenario for faulty crankshaft sensors, the car will randomly stall. After coasting to the side of the road and waiting anywhere from 15 min. to an hour, the car will start. After this first happened in November of 2008, MB of Annapolis replaced the CPS (based on diagnostic), ran it through secondary diagnostic check and roadtest, and sent it on its way. Dash lit up like christmas tree.

December 2008, (9 days and 10 miles later) car does the same thing. stall while going 70 MPH on Highway. This time, a cooldown period does nothing and car is towed to MB Annapolis where fuel pump is inspected and found to be okay. Diagnostic shows no problem. Dash lit up like Christmas tree.

January 28, 2009, Car again stalls and is pushed to side of road. Dash lit up like Christmas tree. Cool down period (30min.) does nothing. Car towed to MB annapolis. Engine control module replaced and sent on its way.

...Car sits in garage. I cant blame her, I'd be hesitant to drive it, too...

March 9, 2009. Car is driven for total of 16 miles before stalling and having to be towed yet again to MB Annapolis.

And there it has stayed ever since. Service manager has stated hes is at "a loss" as to the problem and would like to know if my aunt is interested in a trade-off for the 2008 C300 loaner she has been driving for the SLK. Aunt says no dice. Cant blame her. I think when a Service manager is asking customers about trades because they are so stumped, it is NOT a good sign that a mechanical solution is coming anytime soon. Plus after all of this, who would want another Benz?

Any ideas from anyone about what is going on with this car?? Sorry for the long post, just wanted to lay out the whole story. As always, thanks to anyone who responds; It is VERY appreciated.

 

 

Yeah, I was thinking along those lines. However, she is so hesitant and just "Done" with Mercedes, I dont know if she would be willing to go with another SLK of any year. I personally would consider your idea strongly, however I can also see where she is coming from.

 

That's OK; they can buy whatever they want, and they do owe her for a $4K fumble. I've gotten much better results from my dealer's svc dept, and they only made about 3K SRT-6's. The prob could be a simple as a missing bit of insulation or a faulty ground, but I wouldn't invest another dime in this problematic vehicle.

Personally, I'd try to update for $1K over dealer cost at auction. They make a couple of bucks and have a happy customer, she save $2-3K. If they are jerks, I'd ask them to consider how many sales they gain from $2-3K in adds vs how much they stand to loose from bad PR.

The next step is for her to decide what car she wants. Perhaps a Boxter, TT or A4/S4.
Maybe she'd conside an SRT6 roadster. I don't know about you, but I've never seen a car forum with thid much life, info and community.

 

I could swear there are some people here that had the same problem with the crossfire. It would just stall while driving. I am sure someone here knows what to do.

 

s40, I'm pulling this right out of thin air but....

Have the techs. done anything with the electronics?
With all the electronic goodies these cars have under the hood I'm thinking maybe an ECU issue or battery, especially with your comments on "dash lit up like Christmas tree".
I know this sounds like something any tech. would do but it might be worthwhile to reseat everything in the computer box, every connector. Try tossing a new battery in it; see what happens!

 

Sounds like that dreaded relay control module issue..

 

Here is a thread to read about the relay module!
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...=mystery+start

 

Teach her how to pull the codes and carry a data logger in the car, my mom can do it. Woody

 

Definition of insanity - trying the same thing over and over again expecting a different result.

Time to change the dealer to get the problem diagnosed. Send the bill to the other dealer who needs a clue.

 

Just off-hand, this sounds like the problem.

 

Check your e-mail - I sent you the Mystery no start info from this forum that should be applicable to the benz.

 

I'd be curious to know what kind of codes the benz dealer pulled off the car.

 

I feel for you - once had a '85 BMW 635 with a similar problem - but only occured on wet or rainy days. I did not 2+2 together with the rain/puddles till several episodes occured. Turns out the previous owner had gerry-rigged a Mustang O2 sensor improperly waterproofed it and that caused the trouble. That stumped quite a few Dealers and BMW "specialists" and almost drove me crazy.

 

Sounds exactly like the Fuel Pump Relay Control Module.
Have them replace that, and your Aunt should be good to go after that.

BC.

 

Thanks to everyone who has replied. All of your responses have helped this problem have a new direction to go in. I've printed this thread to take into MB.

 

Don't know if you found your problem, but you might try the Spark Plugs if over 100k. Have a 2005 crossfire with 147, 000 miles and the same thing happen to me. Change the sensor and the plugs no more problems. The plugs are a pain to change all 12 of them.

 

Have her trade it for a V6 AWD Mercury Milan. Very reliable car and the sale will help Ford/Detroit.