Hi everyone, I just joined the forum and picked up my first Mercedes yesterday. It is a 1996 E320. I'm having a few issues and think I've narrowed it down but would appreciate some insight from you experts out there!

Issue #1 - When cold I have to start the car in neutral. It does not even crank in park. Also the transmission seems to skip around and not want to shift properly. When warm, it runs flawlessly and starts in park. I was thinking neutral safety switch, EIS, or the transmission shift plate?

Issue #2 - it seems to run a little hot. Roughly 105-110 C. It was about 97 degrees yesterday and the car has been sitting for about 6 months. I was going to change the fluids, thermostat and check the belt on the aux fan up front. Good idea?

 

ok on issue 1 im not sure if you have a 722.6 trans or a not the cut off is mid production year the easiest way to tell is look at the trans shift selector is there a switch that says w/s if there is you have a 722.6 trans and you dont have a neutral safty swith you have a reed contact switch. if you have a 722.4 trans then you have a bad neutral safety switch.

on issue number 2 could be a few problems radiator cap. viscous fan clutch pluged up radiator. also a blown fuse in your high speed or low speed fan relay. relay is located behind the fuse box. you must remove the plastic cover 6 phillips screws

 

I believe I have the 722.4 tranny as I do not have the WS button. I just ordered a new NSS. Would this be the cause of my 1st gear kind of jumping around as well? If not what should I check for to resolve that issue? After the car is warm it seems to be fine?

I replaced my thermostat, it was not opening as it should. Seem to be running right around 90-95C now around town and about 85C on the freeway. Will still do the flush and replace the cap.