E500 - 1992 Problems

[Calcifer]

Hello,

I have tried searching in the forums but cant seem to find the exact problems that I am experiencing.

I recently acquired a 1992 model E500, the car had not been started for a year or so. The issue I am experiencing is, rough idle when cold. Sometimes, the engine will cut out.

Whilst driving, and when the engine is up to temperature. The car would suddenly cut out, after that it could take a very long time to start up again. I have broken down numerous times sadly.

So far, I have had the following done without success:

Crankshaft sensor replaced.

Relay under rear seats checked.

Only other thing I have noticed is an increased noise from the fuel pump area. Under the car? The fuel economy was definitely not as good as my other W124.

If anyone is able to help with the information above, I would be appreciative.

I am based in Manchester, United Kingdom in case anyone may know of a specialist.

Thank You,
Calcifer

 

[JC220]

Hello,

I have tried searching in the forums but cant seem to find the exact problems that I am experiencing.

I recently acquired a 1992 model E500, the car had not been started for a year or so. The issue I am experiencing is, rough idle when cold. Sometimes, the engine will cut out.

Whilst driving, and when the engine is up to temperature. The car would suddenly cut out, after that it could take a very long time to start up again. I have broken down numerous times sadly.

So far, I have had the following done without success:

Crankshaft sensor replaced.

Relay under rear seats checked.

Only other thing I have noticed is an increased noise from the fuel pump area. Under the car? The fuel economy was definitely not as good as my other W124.

If anyone is able to help with the information above, I would be appreciative.

I am based in Manchester, United Kingdom in case anyone may know of a specialist.

Thank You,
Calcifer

It appears like your 500 is suffering from the very typical ignition system moisture issues.

Have you checked or renewed any igntion system components yet? In particular the igntion caps, rotors and insulator discs behind? And also at least remove and inspect all of these areas you will likely find moisture/ oil droplets inside which is causing the issues.

Discussed quite alot on the board do search and you'll find lots of info. Such as this:.

Thoughts on moisture problem inside insulators/and distributor caps :VIDEO | M119 Engine

Here is a video i shot..when i removed the insulators ,to check for moisture. I hope you like the video.

www.500eboard.co

 

[Calcifer]

Thank you very much. I will give this a shot.

Much appreciated.

 

[gsxr]

I agree with JC220, it sounds a lot like issues related to the secondary (high voltage) side of the ignition system. If the parts are old, replace with new Bosch or Beru caps, OE or Beru rotors, and don't skip the plastic insulator bowls either. Make sure the ignition wires are in good shape too, and that you have proper non-resistor F8DC4 plugs (or equivalent from NGK/etc).

If you continue to have problems, we will need more specific details as to exactly when and how the problem occurs. It generally doesn't happen until 10-20 minutes after a cold start, continues for 30-60 minutes, and generally goes away until either the next cold start, OR after being parked 2+ weeks.

Here's another detailed thread to read:

M119 engine coughs, stutters, backfires, won't rev | M119 Engine

We have acquired my in law 1995 E420 with only 54k on the clock. Several months ago, I changed oil, brake fluid, installed new pads & rotors, replaced 12 year old Michelins, fuel filter and caps/rotors ...car ran great, 23mpg highway. After sitting for about 3 weeks, it made it about 2 miles and...

www.500eboard.co

 

[TerryA]

You have come to the right place for help. Especially if your a DIY kind of Guy. You will find no other forum with more info on the E500E and members willing to help you. Listen to what JC220 says he is deep into these cars.

If your not into DIY, there are members in your area that can also steer you to a reliable tech that can help you also. I'm sure they will be chiming in on your request. Once you have the kinks ironed out you will really start to enjoy your car.

BTW, You say your car is a 1992 model if so you have a 500E which has the full 322 HP / 354 FtLbs Torque. In 1993 due to emission requirements Mercedes reduced the HP & Torque figures by 7. In 1994 Mercedes updated the appearance of the 500E and re-named it the E500. The most notable change was the revised hood/bonnet that lowered the profile making the grill smaller and integrating it into the hood/bonnet more.

Anyway, when you get a chance please post a few pics of you new ride.

Good Luck with your new ride.

Take Care

 

[Calcifer]

What a great forum and thank you for all the input. I have not been onto a forum for many years.

I will be carrying out the above over the weekend with some help of a sibling as I am not overly technically gifted when it comes to cars.

Yes, this particular car is a 1992 Model 500E (I always mix up which way around).

Will definitely get on to posting photos of the cars. I have been fortunate to acquire them over the years. Alongside this 500E, I have a 1989 W124 AMG converted to 3.2 Litre by AMG Japan. A 1994 E500 Limited and a 1995 E60 Limited AMG.

 

[gerryvz]

Please start an OWNER thread in that sub-forum! We would love to see photos of your cars. You have somewhat of a kinsman in our member @JC220, across the water in Northern Ireland.

 

[Calcifer]

Good morning,

Took off one side today, weather has not been great. Would appreciate any thoughts on its condition?

Also, I need to research the best place to buy. I am being quoted £500 for rotors and covers.

Any help appreciated, Thank You again.

 

[gsxr]

Ouch. The rotor is pretty bad. The cap isn't good. And the insulators are completely missing, which may be partly why there is so much corrosion in there. For what to buy, see post #4 above. As to where to buy, I only know USA vendors...

 

[Calcifer]

Thanks for the head up, I will get the second one off tomorrow and then look to ordering a set as well as some new plugs. I take it the attached photo area will need to be properly cleaned up too.

 

[gsxr]

Yep, need to clean everything up. The oil at the bottom could be from the valve cover gasket (not likely), cam seal behind the rotor (doesn't look like it in the photo), or from the intake advance solenoid (pretty likely). Fun project. On the bright side, when it's done, you shouldn't have to mess with any of that stuff for another 10+ years.

 

[Calcifer]

Thanks for the input once again, parts have been ordered and plugs. Just waiting for a dry day!

 

[Calcifer]

As i've been out of the country, this was finally done on the weekend. Car is now running sweet again, thanks to all for the input

 

[r44raven]

I don't know why, but for some reason I missed this thread when it was first posted. Anyhow, good to know you're now sorted.

Just a bit of info you might like to make a note of - not far from you over in Co Durham is probably one of the most knowledgeable guys in the UK on E500Es. His name is Neville Wright, and his number is 01388 834700 or 07789 152909.

(That's not of course disputing that JC220 is also a veritable font of knowledge on these cars!).

 

[Calcifer]

Thank you for this, I'll be sure to save his details.