Bought a 1999 SLK 230 w/ 64K a couple of months ago. Ran fine for a couple of weeks and then it started stalling without warning. Speed, road conditions, driving activity (e.g., cornering, straight-away, breaking, etc.) irrelevant. While driving the car stalls -- attempt to restart and the engine will not turnover -- wait five to 10 minutes -- engine turns over and restarts -- drive another 10 or 15 minutes and car stalls -- and the cycle repeats. Took it into the MB dealer and they said they could not find anything wrong. Had a $400 tuneup completed just the same. Included R&R of fuel filter, PCV, air filter, etc. Car ran fine for about a month and today it began to stall again -- and the cycle is repeating itself. For the record, we have used nothing but premium gas in the car.

Any ideas from former or present-day 230 owners?

Stymied in Pike Road, AL!

Jim

 

Ignion switch / starter relay based on no crank?
Stuart

 

snanceki

Having it towed in to the dealership today. Will be sure to mention this! Thanks!

Jim

 

I have a 2000 SLK 230 have had the same problem. I just replaced the K-40 relay. I am sure this was the problem. After I installed the new part I took apart the old circuit board. I found several cracked solder joints on the board. Hope this helps.

 

K40 open circuit / cracked joints is a common cause of such faults.
Stuart

 

Stalling update -- dealership determined it was the crank positioning swith -- swapped out to the tune of $350 -- stalled the very next morning -- brought it back -- review of computer error codes NOW indicates to dealer it is the K40 -- they pulled the CPS and refunded me the cost for it and charged me only $37 for the additional labor -- we pick it up tomorrow -- will let you all know the score.

Thanks to all who responded!

kayakbound

 

You stated it didn't crank.
Wonder what codes they found originally? Sounds fishy to me especially since they refunded your money.
Why on earth did they think it was a CPS when it wouldn't crank!!

Stuart

 

Picked the car up Friday morning [Nov. 10] after the K40 R&R. Wife drove it all weekend and today -- no stalling [yet]. Hopefully this positive trend will continue!

Again, thanks for all the input. Will always wonder had I not mentioned the K40 relay -- as pointed out on this thread on numerous occasions -- if the dealer would have spotted via the computer code. [Odd they never spotted it the first time!].

Regards to you all!

Jim

 

KAYAKBOUND How much did you end up paying at the mercedes dealer. How much did they charge for the K-40 relay? I bought mine online for $144.00 and it took about 5 to 10 minutes to install. Thanks

 

By the time it was all over [if it is] -- about $390! Wished I had known it was an easy R&R. Damned shame, eh!

Where is the switch located on the car, scrmnss? Just in case I have to deal with this again -- and in the meantime I can tell all the world.

Jim