Problems starting my W124

[Nick124]

Hi,

I have a W124 320E, bought a year and a half ago and a real beauty. I had to get the wiring loom replaced but I had done my research and expected that.

The car runs great, in fact this summer I drove it down to the south of France and it ate up the autoroutes.

Problem though that started on that trip...when the engine was warmed up it didn't want to start. Mainly this happened when stopping for petrol. I assumed this was vapour lock and sure enough after a couple of minutes the car would start and run great.

The problem has been getting worse though and the car was even playing up starting from cold. The started motor goes but it never catches...rev counter going crazy. I had the OVP rely replaced and this seems to have sorted this problem.

The car still won't start for about 10 (sometimes 20) minutes having been warmed up. I am no expert but it seems to me like the engine is flooded...rich petrol smell in the garage.

Has anyone got experience of this? Very grateful if you have any suggestions.

Thank!

[74merc]

If it isn't the OVP relay (which you have replaced), the next most likely culprit is the Crank Position Sensor. On my E320 coupe, the CPS failed onthe previous owner and the OVP failed on me. Not an expensive part if I remember correctly.