W202 Common Problems and Their Solutions

[kylek]

Look at the right hand side of the engine bay, close to the front. You should see a tube that runs to the throtle position sensor on the intake. It also runs down next to the radiator. You will see two clams like the ones on your air cleaner box as well as a regular hose clamp to remove it.

[99c43]

Description:

You drive to the store, and go in, come out and the car cranks, but will not start. You let the car sit for a while and the car starts up. Normally you will not get a CEL.....

Problem:

Could very well be the Crankshaft Position Sensor

If you go to the dealership to correct this, be prepared to fork out 3 hours of labor to include a one hour diagnostic fee. Plus about 120.00 for the part.

You can get the part from autohausaz for around 80.00 and do it yourself.

P/N 0261210170 (autohausaz.com) single notch
P/N 0261210141 (autohausaz.com) double notch

You'll have to pull your out to verify which one your car has...my 99 C43 had the single notch.

You can search this forum for the location and instructions to DIY...

[salasji]

I did a code check on my '99 c230k and received 1.) P0170 -- Fuel Trim Malfunction Bank 1 and (2.) P0302 - Cylinder 2 misfire.
Does anyone have an idea of what this indicates and possible solution to these two fault codes? Thanks in advance.

[Sergio]

On my ML430 I got codes P0170 and P0172 (I believe) and it was an air mass sensor.

Sergio

[nikker]

i have kinda the same problem only i think mine is electrical.
i stick the key in and turn it and everything is fine for a second(it like does a half crank?....) and then it ceases to do anything until i take the key out and try again. sometimes it does this like 3-4 times in a row! it doesnt do it all the time but when it does its annoying and embarassing. ive tried alot of different things like sticking the key in and waiting for like 3 seconds to make sure everythings alright(and listen to the little "click"). i've also heard that puching the brake helps too? tried it and it kinda worked....maybe....? taking it out out of park for like a nano-second and then quickly returning the knob to park seems to work. it rele is a good car and i love it to DEATH! i grew up with it and my dad's lease went up adn i wouldn't let him trade it in; i bought it outright. please help?!

[ABenzGuy]

Wife just turned over 75,000 miles on her '97 C280 and we just had it serviced at the dealer. Purchased new this car has been exceptional. Two problems that were out of the ordinary:

Problem Description - Faulty fuel level sensor in gas tank when new
Problem Cause - defective part
Solution (or link to thread with one) - replaced under warranty

Problem Description - MAF sensor went around 50,000 miles
Problem Cause - unknown
Solution (or link to thread with one) - replaced with new one - $$$

[BBZLC]

Originally Posted by Curacao

According to my MB Dealer. Another common problems among the W202 is the Damper Pulley which located near the crankshaft. These would the first thing that might break. I had mine changed two years ago after it broke a made a hole in the crankcase and my oil pan. The rubber which keeps the crankshaft in place came of and there was a screaming sound coming from the engine. Since the rubber seal was not there, the damper was leaning downwards. The fanbelt was scratching the engine blok.



Eddie

+1

Mine exploded, causing of 2k damage to the car.

[guls]

Other commom issuewhich I've with my 99 C280 is intermittently Power seats don't work.

[BBZLC]

+1 on the power seats. My drives seat back will move forward 1 out of 20 times the lever is pressed. Does anyone know if replacing the switch solves the problem?

[guls]

I read here that it is the relay in the trunk under the plastic cover, I tried to take it out and it is very hard. Does anyone know how to pull it out. And how much for the new one.