This is a big mystery. The power on my '98 SLK (170) was practically non-existent after about a 20 minute drive. It stalled a couple of times after re-starting, then I managed to limp home at about 20 mph to my nearest Mercedes specialist (Star Motor Services in Caversham, Reading) After a diagnostic test, it was found the air mass was at fault, and on its removal, it was wet inside. Also, the air filter appeared to have oil on it. So, breather block was replaced, as was the air mass meter. This seemed to cure it...until it broke down again the next day. The RAC took the car back to the garage where it transpired that it was coolant, not oil, but not the blue coolant in the radiator but a brown colour. So the whole system was dried out over the weekend and blasted with compressed air to get rid of every trace of moisture. The next day it broke down again. After another ride home courtesy of the RAC, the mechanic and the RAC guy were at a total loss. They have been on to most of the Mercedes dealers in the area and a guy at MB in Milton Keynes. The only other option is a leak in the manifold. Now, I bought this car about 5 weeks ago and it was fine for the first 3. It could be that a steady leak is filling up somewhere and when at capacity it is spilling in the air mass.
Any ideas? As I said this really is a mystery, and no MB guy seems to know what may be causing it.
Many thanks for ideas.
Any ideas? As I said this really is a mystery, and no MB guy seems to know what may be causing it.
Many thanks for ideas.
