W203 C220 CDI warm start problem

[Corrado]

Hi, I know, I only pop by when I want something

Dear Dr MBClub, can you help?

Last week I reversed up a steep hill to park, stopped for 5 minutes then found that the engine wouldn't start. It coughed a bit. I let it rest for a minute or so, tried a few more times and it was still the same. Then one more try and it started instantly, as if there'd been no problem at all.


It played the same trick on the flat a couple of days ago, and did the same tonight at the garage, though with motorists behind me waiting to use the pump it of course took a lot longer to get going. In fact, I was starting to run out of hope when it cranked as if completely dry. Again, when it did work it started completely normally, smoothly.

It has started fine from cold all the time.

I found this in the archives
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/683411-post1.html
but the OP didn't say whether the crank sensor was the fix.

I found this one too
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/257035-post1.html
but the symptoms are different in that johnjohn 98's car started and then stopped.

I'd welcome any further clues.

 

[Mick K]

Had the same problem on my C180K when I first bought it (2nd hand) Took it back to the dealer who's electrician checked out all the usual culprits, sensors, vacuum tubes etc without success. The dealer bit the bullet in the end and took it to the local MB garage. They found a blocked fuel filter ! Now all is well.

Mike

 

[BlackC55]

It is probably caused by either air in the fuel lines or the injectors leaking off too much. I would go for the injectors. A leak off test needs to be done firstly.

 

[adrianstache]

Hi, I know, I only pop by when I want something Dear Dr MBClub, can you help? Last week I reversed up a steep hill to park, stopped for 5 minutes then found that the engine wouldn't start. It coughed a bit. I let it rest for a minute or so, tried a few more times and it was still the same. Then one more try and it started instantly, as if there'd been no problem at all. It played the same trick on the flat a couple of days ago, and did the same tonight at the garage, though with motorists behind me waiting to use the pump it of course took a lot longer to get going. In fact, I was starting to run out of hope when it cranked as if completely dry. Again, when it did work it started completely normally, smoothly. It has started fine from cold all the time. I found this in the archives http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/683411-post1.html but the OP didn't say whether the crank sensor was the fix. I found this one too http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/257035-post1.html but the symptoms are different in that johnjohn 98's car started and then stopped. I'd welcome any further clues.

Hi Corrado,i know its been a long time since you last posted, but im stuck with the same problem,suspecting the crank shaft sensor after diagnosis, what happened in the end? How did you fixed it?

 

[Giantvanman]

As he last posted in 2011 (a different thread) I wouldn't hold your breath. Suggest you do a new thread in relevant section to see if anyone else has any knowledge otherwise this one may be overlooked.

 

[adrianstache]

As he last posted in 2011 (a different thread) I wouldn't hold your breath. Suggest you do a new thread in relevant section to see if anyone else has any knowledge otherwise this one may be overlooked.

Im gonna post back here just in case someone will find the same thread as i did when i searched..
Problem solved!
Warm start problem / camshaft sensor/ price from 40 to 105 euro i paid 75 for a Hella one.
Cold start problem / crankshaft sensor as my mechanic experienced on a E220. Good luck!