I have an 2000 e320 with 125k miles. The symtoms are: Car dies after running for 5 to 10 minutes or so. It dies as if the ignition is just turned off. I attached a fuel pump gauge to the fuel rail and observed 52 -54 psi while running about the same after it dies. I attached a spark plug inductive tester and while trying to restart verified NO SPARK. Usually the second attempt to restart it fires right up only to repeat the stall in 5 minutes or so.

Thank you!
Denis

 

CPS possibly (Crank Position Sensor).

 

Hello Frank,
The crank postion sensor is only $50 for Bosch and Iam picking up tonight. I will try it for an educated guess. If it does not work I will keep the old one for backup. Thanks for the input! I should know this evening if it works, unless it takes too much time to replace.

 

Simple job. Pull the engine dressing off. It's at the back of the engine, on top. You'll need a torx socket, and maybe a swivel. I've heard that sometimes it is difficult to pull out of the hole. Mine came right out when I had to change it. If your engine is clean, I'm guessing it will lift right out.

 

Hello Fred,
I just installed the new crank sensor and it has been running fine for the last 30minutes. I am going to do a burn in test and try to shake out a failure, since it was an intermittent. I should know in a day or so if it is fixed.
Thanks for the description for the changout of the part. My 2000 e320 sensor is where you indicated about 10inches down, drivers side, I followed the wire from above and used a inside # 8 torx socket and a 3 inch ext. The new one was a bit tight so I twisted it back and forth to get the new one in but other than that is was quick going. I will update on the fix later. I know you dont need the extra description on the fix but someone else may find it useful.
Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!
Denis

 

7 days later no problem, fix is crankshaft postition sensor!!

I forgot to mention but when the car initially failed there where no faults logged in computer. This may help someone else out.
Thanks for the help Waybomb!