E350 hates cold starts

[Crazyfool]

Does anyone else find their diesel struggles to start in the morning? I’ve tried all sorts. Turning the key straight away is the worst, but I’ve even turned the key to 2 waited for a while, then turned the engine on.

On all occasions, it rumbles for a bit, then eventually starts. I’ve also noticed the Eco system is deactivated. It’s only once I’ve taken it for a short drive, turn it off then back on again that everything is normal again. [emoji848]

 

[400ixl]

Sounds like the glow plugs need checking.

 

[Petrol Pete]

How long exactly does it take to start ? 3 revolutions or a proper long 'pi$$ the neighbors off' length of time ?

 

[Deleted member 149005]

how old is car?
what mileage?
what service history?
what oil is in the engine?
When was the battery last tested (under load)

 

[Crazyfool]

The length of time depends. A few revolutions, sometimes leading to it throwing a wobbly and not wanting to start first time.

Other times, a few revolutions, a little bit of doubt, then it starts.

Its a 2014 with 77k on the clock with FMSH.

It’s going in again next month for it’s next service. I have spoken to Merc about it last winter but they couldn’t find anything.

 

[Crazyfool]

The MercedesMe app says I have between 13 and 14 volts.

 

[55AMGCLK]

Could be the Aux battery in the boot...

 

[Crazyfool]

Could be the Aux battery in the boot...

I’ve had the car since Feb 2015 and had the aux battery replaced twice. It does seem to be a problem.

 

[Headhurts]

Mine is an E350 Bluetec 2016 year of purchase, no problems at all with starting or indeed batteries.

Winter is harder on electrics and Eco start/stop.

Fairly reliable cars in my opinion so it seems to me you should not really need to replace batteries too often, mine is garaged so may have an easier life than some.

Good luck getting yours sorted.

Robin


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[TeddyRuxpin]

I would bet on the glow plug relay, rather than the glow plugs themselves. My older OM642 had exactly the same thing, and got worse and worse.

Is there a curly 'pigs tail' glow plug light flashing on the dash?

 

[Crazyfool]

Mine is an E350 Bluetec 2016 year of purchase, no problems at all with starting or indeed batteries.

Winter is harder on electrics and Eco start/stop.

Fairly reliable cars in my opinion so it seems to me you should not really need to replace batteries too often, mine is garaged so may have an easier life than some.

Good luck getting yours sorted.

Robin


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I’ve not had any major issues with the car, it’s been great. I’ve got a lot more confidence in this car than I ever had with my previous Audi.

It’s interesting though, I bought my wife a 2016 E400 cabriolet last year and I’m finding the same faults as I’ve had with mine.

Since ownership I’ve had the exhaust sensor replaced and now the floor brake is sticking. Touch wood, I’ve not had any issues with the aux battery though. As I say, minor issues, but they can be quite costly.

Luckily both cars at under warranty, although I had my foot brake replaced through it, yet Merc want £500 to sort my wife’s.


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[Crazyfool]

I would bet on the glow plug relay, rather than the glow plugs themselves. My older OM642 had exactly the same thing, and got worse and worse.

Is there a curly 'pigs tail' glow plug light flashing on the dash?

Yeah, the light goes on for a split second.

 

[Crazyfool]

Hopefully a £250 battery will resolve the issue!!!!

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

If the curly light comes on, it's most likely to be the glow plug relay! It's a relatively easy DIY if you are mechanically inclined, or probably 1/2 hour labour (or 1 hour if they're taking the piss a bit)

Another symptom of the relay is that it only does it on the first start of the day when the car is really cold. When you've gone out then returned to the car after 4 hours, even though you think the car is cold, there's enough heat in the engine to not stress the glow plugs much.

 

[OneForTheRoad]

Try 2 or 3 ignition cycles and see if things improve. New plugs and relay wont cost the earth tbh.

 

[Crazyfool]

Well I must admit. I know it’s got milder but since the new battery, the car seems to be ok.


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