1998 SL280 cutting out

[DoogieH]

Apologies if this is the wrong thread, I'm a complete newbie both with MB and with this forum. Hello all!

Just bought a beautiful 1998 SL280 with 66k on the clock, having had an inspection done and a service as well as a few items fixed by a local indie in Derby where we bought the car. Had a great trip driving it home from Derby to Edinburgh, no problems, lots of fun.

Several medium-size trips later, I am driving through rush-hour stop-go traffic in town and the car conks out completely (yesterday). It was a hot day. After half an hour of refusing to turn over, it started again, only to conk out soon after. Got it lifted to my house. Went back in the evening and it started fine, went back this morning and it started fine - both during cooler weather.

Have booked it in to Deutschmarque down the road to have it checked out on Thurs, but I'm wondering what to expect here. Does this ring any bells for anyone? An ignition system fault maybe, could that be temperature-dependent? And is the garage likely to be able to diagnose from the fault record in the car? Any gut feelings about the scale of problem this might be - quick & cheap or painful & expensive?

We bought the car to take on a driving honeymoon next month. It's a bit of a dream trip. Really hoping it won't be shattered by this.

Thanks for any thoughts anyone has!

Cheers.

Doogie

 

[stats007]

Crank position sensor if it's the V6 or ignition barrel transponder.

 

[DoogieH]

Thanks very much for that, very helpful. Any idea on whether these are expensive and complex to fit or fairly quick and easy?

 

[DoogieH]

Sorry, meant to say - it's the V6.

 

[BlackC55]

Easy to fit and abut £70.

 

[DoogieH]

Thank you that is really useful info for tomorrow. Much appreciated.

 

[Howard]

Good luck !

P.S. Welcome to the forum !

 

[DoogieH]

Conked out as I pulled into the garage forecourt... In one way I'm glad because that means the problem is reproducible, and at least I got it there. Fingers crossed now.

 

[DoogieH]

It *is* the crank position sensor, and they can do it today; with labour and VAT the total is £170. I'm happy with that. Thanks all.

 

[stats007]

Pretty sure you could do this yourself as 2 hours labour seems steep or is this a main dealer?

Part A0031532828 has gone up to £81.77.

 

[DoogieH]

Not a main dealer, but from previous visits to their sales dept they seem to be a kind of "premium indie" who probably charge dealer prices. To be honest my plan was to ask around for a decent indie in the area once we got the car up here, didn't expect a problem this early on and wasn't ready for it, but we need the car running quickly and at this point I'm happy with that price. (I'm used to paying Saab prices, very similar.)

From what I've read, John Weir at Grangemouth is a good local MB dealer, but beyond Deutschmarque I've not seen any recommendations of an independent nearby. Any info gratefully received!

 

[BTB 500]

Just be aware that some main dealers give hefty discounts for older cars. With the SL I get 40% off labour plus 10% off parts at M-B Guildford. Plus free MOTs, and other perks (free aircon service last year).

Always worth asking.

 

[DoogieH]

Right, thanks for the tip.

 

[nick.ged]

where is the cps located, we cant find it!!!!

 

[stats007]

Have you tried opening the bonnet?



It's at the back on the right hand side as you look at the engine.