ok got a bit of an issue...

1996 Mercedes-Benz C220
90k miles
Blue

a few weeks ago, after having sat for 6+hours i got in my car and tried to start as usual (in park, AC/radio off)

as i turn the key i heard a clunk in front of the driver side firewall, seemed to be right in front of my left foot.

the engine turned over, idled extremely low for a second then shut off. upon attempted restart the engine would not turn over. the starter sounded strong, no real hesitation...just would not start

i attempted a few more times, in both park and neutal, with varying lengths of time holding the starter.

after a few times (2 or 3 minutes of trying) the engine came to life, afterwhich i didnt have any other issues, either driving immediately afterwards or starting later in the day.

everything was fine for a few weeks, then this morning, same thing.....there was a clunk as i tried to start then couldnt get it working for quite some time afterwards.....eventually it did

ideas?

battery or starter on the way to its grave?

7/5/2006 1:45:29 PM

starters i've heard go bad didn't 'clunk' really, it was more of a whine (esp right after the car starts). i dunno about a clunk.

7/5/2006 2:02:54 PM

i stopped reading at blue

it's the color - get a new one

7/5/2006 2:14:02 PM

^thats was i was thinking.....my other one, champagne colored, never had any problems

7/5/2006 2:45:26 PM

Find out if there's a relay that engages the fuel rail (injectors). With the engine cold, an additional cold-start injector may be open briefly to provide additional fuel while you start the car. After it starts, the injector turns off leaving you with no fuel from the main rail. Rather than just the relay, also inspect the relay socket for broken wires, backed-out connectors, et cetera.

-Alan

7/5/2006 3:05:54 PM

I would look closely at both the engine wiring harness and verify if the car has K40 relay.

At my shop we work on mercedes and would be happy to check it out for you. PM me if you have any questions.

7/5/2006 7:31:11 PM