E280 W210 1997 Poor idle and cuts out.

[khfcfan]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum but definately not new to Mercedes having had a few over the years, my latest one (E280 W210 1997) is giving me a bit of a headache though.
The car starts fine and ticks over smoothly and when on a run is still the same - smooth. The problem starts after being in traffic, tick over gets a little lumpy and erratic, occasionally cutting out. When this happens the words 'Battery Not Charging' appears on the display in red. The car always starts again without fail and runs normally for a while then the problem returns.
I have replaced the spark plugs, cleaned the MAF sensor and replaced the air filter, yet the problem persists.
Also when cold the car is reluctant to change up from first yet when it's warmed up it is absolutely fine.
Is there anyone out there with any suggestions?

 

[Legoman]

try the drivebelt for the alternator first , the light suggests its either that or the alternator itself.

 

[khfcfan]

Thanks Legoman, will do.
Does that affect the tick over aswell then?

 

[jberks]

Battery not charging is the key. One of the few things a merc really can't handle is low voltage. When that happens, all bets are off.
I'd start by getting an electrical check done. weak battery and dodgy alternator could cause the voltage available at idle to drop below 12v at which point all the electronics in the engine management will go 'a bit mental'.
Idle is where any low charging issues are going to show up.

If it were a 124 or a 202 I'd also be suspecting the OVP relay but I'm not sure a 210 has one. Anyway, I'd be down to 'alfords etc for a charging system check.

 

[jberks]

Also when cold the car is reluctant to change up from first yet when it's warmed up it is absolutely fine.

This could be normal. It will hold a lower gear longer to speed up warm up for the cats.

 

[BlackC55]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum but definately not new to Mercedes having had a few over the years, my latest one (E280 W210 1997) is giving me a bit of a headache though.
The car starts fine and ticks over smoothly and when on a run is still the same - smooth. The problem starts after being in traffic, tick over gets a little lumpy and erratic, occasionally cutting out. When this happens the words 'Battery Not Charging' appears on the display in red. The car always starts again without fail and runs normally for a while then the problem returns.
I have replaced the spark plugs, cleaned the MAF sensor and replaced the air filter, yet the problem persists.
Also when cold the car is reluctant to change up from first yet when it's warmed up it is absolutely fine.
Is there anyone out there with any suggestions?

It sounds like another air mass problem.

Cleaning it does not always work.

 

[khfcfan]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
I'll get the charging system checked first before going on to the expensive MAF sensor replacement.

 

[manzar]

My E280 had a similar problem. It turned out to a sensor which I think connects to your gearbox. Not a huge cost to replace. You would need to have it checked by someone who has Merc diagnostic software.
Good luck.

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum but definately not new to Mercedes having had a few over the years, my latest one (E280 W210 1997) is giving me a bit of a headache though.
The car starts fine and ticks over smoothly and when on a run is still the same - smooth. The problem starts after being in traffic, tick over gets a little lumpy and erratic, occasionally cutting out. When this happens the words 'Battery Not Charging' appears on the display in red. The car always starts again without fail and runs normally for a while then the problem returns.
I have replaced the spark plugs, cleaned the MAF sensor and replaced the air filter, yet the problem persists.
Also when cold the car is reluctant to change up from first yet when it's warmed up it is absolutely fine.
Is there anyone out there with any suggestions?