Let down badly by E55 AMG

[bqf]

Was travelling on the A102 towards the Blackwall Tunnel today, in the outside lane, slowed down for some traffic, and the car completely cut out and couldn't be re-started. Almost rear-ended by two buffoons who weren't looking where they were going - very scary, waiting for the impact.

Anyhow, 4 hours later, I'm recovered back to MB near where I live.

Now being investigated. Very scary for the engine just to cut out like that - no warning, no stuttering, no warning lights, nothing.

I shudder to think if my missus and nipper had been in the car. It was like Frogger, legging it over to the other side of the road (4 lanes!).

Has that sudden, unwarned failure happened to any other E-Class owners on here? I can't be sure, and of course the garage will tell me but I'm sure it was electrical, rather than a mechanical problem...

[rassi]

Had a similar event on my C43, which cut out suddenly - was eventually traced to a faulty cam position sensor. May not at all be your problem but at least one possibility.

[whoami]

I experienced this years ago on an SL55 AMG (same engine?)

From recollection, it needed a new ECU module.

[bqf]

whoami said:

I experienced this years ago on an SL55 AMG (same engine?)

From recollection, it needed a new ECU module.

From the way it cut out, thats what I thought. Thanks, good to know.

[vilus]

Two days after driving my E55 off the forecourt it started cutting out when the engine was warm. Sometimes it would restart, other times not until engine was cold. Diagnosed as crankshaft position sensor which apparently is a common fault. Gave me fright though. I hope your troubles are as easily fixed. I can't think of a worse place to break down though!

[r129sl]

I too would suggest the crank shaft position sensor be the first port of call. The car should restart when cold.

[slk 32]

would echo what previous posters said- sounds like the crankshaft sensor. Mine went after 11 years and 78k miles. It will restart when it cools down. The part itself seems to be common across several mercedes models as when I called Mobilo service out he had one on the van- cost £100 inc vat.

Interestingly he said it was showing several error codes for the sensor even though it had never happened before. The part is the size of a pencil and it appears that over time after constant heating / cooling it just becomes brittle and fails

Looking at the age of your E55 on your profile this would seem about the right time for it to go

[whoami]

bqf said:

whoami said:

I experienced this years ago on an SL55 AMG (same engine?)

From recollection, it needed a new ECU module.

From the way it cut out, thats what I thought. Thanks, good to know.

Mine was about 16 months old with about 12K miles on the clock (from memory) when it started.

[bqf]

Dealer called today and reckons it's the maxi fuse that controls the fuel pump....I have to say I'm not convinced...

[r129sl]

If he means the fuel pump relay he could be right.

[vilus]

The fuel pump relay was a weakness on the previous W210 E Class. It sits right next to the maxi-blade fuse near the fuel pump. If the fuse blew, the question is why? It could be a faulty fuel pump relay, but there are also a number of sensors which can cut power to the fuel pump as safety feature.

Hope you get it sorted. Please update once diagnosed.

[bqf]

Was simply the fuse. Hurrumph! £2 part though, so alls well, etc