HelP!!! W163: Engine shut down in the middle of the road, wouldn't start up again..but finally did!

[DexterML]

I suppose that is down to the MOT testing station. Ring around and ask if that is possible and be prepared to pay the MOT fee for their inspection time.
Best of luck.

Thank you for all your advice mate...
It has been much appreciated.

 

[Fastcar155]

Hi , even today the MOT is down to the MOT tester.

Is the rust near an structural pat's of the car structure.

 

[DSM10000]

Hi ChipChop

The crankshaft position sensor is on its way. I have never been in this situation before, so I am asking. Can I not take it to an MOT shop and ask them to do an inspection on the rust alone and tell me how bad it is, how bad they expect it to be by next October and how much they would need to make it pass the MOT?
I mean do I need to have it tested again ? Will they refuse to inspect the car and give me their verdict ? Are they obliged to only do that if they are testing for an MOT certificate ?

thank you

An MOT will only test the roadworthiness of the car as presented.

Any comments made will be solely relating to the MOT.

They may refuse to test the vehicle if they consider it unsafe to do so, raise on a lift etc to

 

[Petrol Pete]

Never done it myself but it has been mentioned on here before...local council owned/controlled MOT stations . Got no axe to grind/vested interest as they do not do repairs.

 

[DexterML]

An MOT will only test the roadworthiness of the car as presented.

Any comments made will be solely relating to the MOT.

They may refuse to test the vehicle if they consider it unsafe to do so, raise on a lift etc to

Hi DSM

I am sure it is me, but I still don't get it. I understand what you are saying, but does that imply MOT centers will only inspect for rust (for example) during an official MOT test? Can I not ask them to do that at any time just as I can ask them to check my brakes?

 

[DSM10000]

Hi DSM

I am sure it is me, but I still don't get it. I understand what you are saying, but does that imply MOT centers will only inspect for rust (for example) during an official MOT test? Can I not ask them to do that at any time just as I can ask them to check my brakes?

You can ask any garage to inspect a vehicle. It doesn't have to be a garage that performs MOT 'a

You could ask if, in their opinion would it pass an MOT and, if not ask what work may be required.

 

[Stratman]

If an MOT tester agrees to perform a rust inspection and finds something which would ordinarily fail the test, can/should he order the car off the road for being in a dangerous condition?

 

[colinallcars]

Hi DSM

I am sure it is me, but I still don't get it. I understand what you are saying, but does that imply MOT centers will only inspect for rust (for example) during an official MOT test? Can I not ask them to do that at any time just as I can ask them to check my brakes?

You can get an MoT done at any time, the fact that it’s less than a year doesn’t matter. Why not do that once it’s mobile.

 

[m80]

If you're concerned about creating a record you could ask for a pre MOT inspection.

Many do similar to gain an emission's test, so as to be fore warned.

 

[Dickster]

Right, I asked my mechanic again about the rust/corrosion.

He said and I quote "Mostly body, but the front chassis isn't far behind, shocks, springs, all suspension components are seriously corroded"

I will try to snap a photo later -when the storm quiets down a bit- to share with you guys...

The chassis obviously is a concern depending on how bad it is. However, my wife has been running a Jeep Wrangler that has been covered in rust underneath for ten years. The axles and components look crap (apart from stuff that’s been replaced). But it’s fine. It’s had complete new brake system, steering, suspension etc..if we keep it we know we’ll need to get the rear chassis repaired at some point.

Here’s a few pics (might help for comparison).

 

[DexterML]

UPDATE: Driven it today for about 20 minutes going around the neighborhood (too afraid to take it farther). Started and drove like a charm for the whole time. I started it and turned it off another 10 times also because the key got stuck in the ignition again.. No lights on the dash..not even the BAS/ESP..

The cranksensor arrived but it was the wrong one... need to order another. ..

will keep you all posted (not that you would want to, you probably got bored with this) but just to keep you amused.

 

[Dickster]

As I said previously, it sounds as though you may have a key issue - with no dash lights, it certainly sound like it now.

 

[E55BOF]

If your breakdown cover will recover you home if needed, why not take it to PCS for a Star diagnosis and an inspection underneath; if it stops unexpectedly on the way there (or back) get it home on the recovery wagon.

 

[DexterML]

As I said previously, it sounds as though you may have a key issue - with no dash lights, it certainly sound like it now.

Hello Dickster

Both keys start the car, although only one's remote is working (the one I've used) Should I try the other one or would that be a cylinder issue ?

 

[DexterML]

If your breakdown cover will recover you home if needed, why not take it to PCS for a Star diagnosis and an inspection underneath; if it stops unexpectedly on the way there (or back) get it home on the recovery wagon.

I don't have breakdown cover with this one. I was planning to take it to PCS. We will see.

 

[ChipChop]

The cranksensor arrived but it was the wrong one... need to order another. ..

While you are waiting for the correct CPS to arrive may be a good idea to soak the area in a good penetrating fluid. They can be challenging to remove sometimes.

 

[m80]

Check your part numbers here

Mercedes > Mercedes EPC Online > nemigaparts.com

Parts catalogs. Spare parts catalog Mercedes EPC Online. Mercedes.

nemigaparts.com

 

[Dickster]

 

[Dickster]

Hello Dickster

Both keys start the car, although only one's remote is working (the one I've used) Should I try the other one or would that be a cylinder issue ?

Try the other one. The fact that the key you tried didn’t even turn the dash lights on, ruled out the CPS?

The key on my 2003 is electronic and has to be recognised by the switch. Is yours? Mine was faulty and caused running issues before failing altogether.

If I were you I would rule it out first because you know you’re having issues with it.

 

[DexterML]

View attachment 124221

It seems you've found my car !!!