1999 E320 with 35k miles; wife driving and car stalled. Could not be restarted and she had trouble moving the gear shift lever. Dash was fine; all lights no errors. Mechanic showed no computer errors.Mechanic drove for 2 days and was able to repeat the problem. He thinks error may be the key fab--security error; hence no ability to restart. I did read; however, that the security issue may not be active when driving....I have read several other suggestions on different models. Any ideas generic to E Model?

Mechanic has been excellent and there is no reason to second guess him. I am just hesitant to have anyone drive the car unless we are sure same will not happen again....

Suggestions?

Thanks. sb

 

I would make sure that the battery is not at fault. My low mileage (40,000) 1999 E320 had similar malfunctions and I learned the hard way that theoriginal 7year old battery needed replacement. If the battery is low, a message is sent to the computer to shut down the engine. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the Battery suggestion. Same will be checked. I emailed my mechanic about many of the woes I have read about on this forum.... expecting the mechanics wrath-- from being informed by the internet and not formally schooled in auto mechanics.....I have to admit his response was positive, informed me of the various steps he is taking (most of which have been mentioned on this forum) and then informed me that he is often on mercedes forums checking out problems. I do not have a final response as of yet but will report back. Thank you for your input.

 

Did it finally restart after waiting a little while?Did you say he could or could not get it to repeat?
Check the battery,if good,change the CPS: cause for most intermittent stalls and non cel issues.Is he a mercedes mechanic?If not and you are not the diy type of person,go to an indie shop with techs that know the make,don't let this guy throw parts at it if he doesn't know his way around a mercedes.
ohlord
"GOT CODES?"
cps crank shaft position sensor,77 bucks at autohausaz.com easy diy item.

 

Ohlord, yes, he is a mercedes mechanic and I am confident in his abilities--Ipost questionson this forum so that I am informed when talking to the mechanic. Problem repeated after driving for a bit on errands (I allowed the mechanic to use it). I believe he has replaced the CPS; battery okay. I do not know if 'time to restart' was an issue nor do I know if the gear shift or the key were able to be manipulated (shifter front to back and key able to be removed). My wife was in the car when the problem happened and I have not received a full report from the tech as of yet. My last email from him is that he believes the problem is solved but I do not have the final reason......thanks.sb

 

Keep us posted,the other common stall issue while running is the cam sensor,glad he has it fixed.
ohlord

 

your tec knows wat his talkin about,from the symptons of your car,LT 5 IS A CORRECT CURE...............

 

NAZ,

LT 5 correct cure? Please expand.

Stuart

 

My final result was Camshaft position sensor and sending unit as well as crankshaft sensor and sending unit. I have been driving the car for several days and all is working well; car driving great! Members who wrote, thank you for all of your input. sb