2002 Mercedes C240 Problem starting engine

Lets try some general maintenance things first. Check air filter clean throttle body replace fuel filter if have not done so in a while add Lucas Fuel Injector Cleaner to gas tank.

If you run bad or low octane gas, you are lucky it even starts. Mine will not fire without 94+ octane.

Roy...I have always used hi-octane gas in my car. So that's not the problem. The simply won;t start with the initial turn of the switch, but always starts on the second turn. Doesn't matter how long the first key turn lasts either.

I checked th air filter - no problem. I haven;t looked at the gas filter yet. I am using a Fuel Injector Cleaner in the next tank fill. BTW - the radio turned out to be a separate fuse issue - fixed with no impact on starting.

When you use the injector cleaner if you have not already take vehicle on a back road and hit the passing gear a few time this will help clean out carbon,varnish and gum build up. Careful no speeding ticket.

Thanks for that suggestion. I do love to exploit the passing gear - but only in legal ways, of course. :)

Fair dinkum cobber. Don’t you know pumping the gas pedal does sfa. It is electronic fuel fed and pumping the pedal works for American crap but this is finely engineered European Auto Excellence. It is an electronic ignition and fuel pump. Pumping the gas pedal ( it’s not actually gas) is what you do if you have a mechanical fuel system. Flooding a mechanical car by pumping a pedal usually means standing around for a while scratching your head....wondering WTF is happening. If all else fails read the Manual or better still buy a service manual. Replace engine oil and filter every 6 months and at the 12 month mark take it to a Mercedes Service Centre. Best tee to spend a dime or two than sit on the road wondering why it won’t go and asking silly questions which are not properly answered like this answer....