Why can't the Mercedes-Benz E300 start after a collision?

[Grace]

Mercedes-Benz E300 may not start after a collision due to impact on sensors or other reasons. Collision Sensors: If the collision sensors detect an impact, they may cut off the vehicle's power supply or fuel line, requiring computer reset to restore. Other Possible Causes: Internal components of the Mercedes-Benz E300 may be damaged after a collision. Potential reasons for the failure to start include damage to the fuel pump, fuel pump control module, crankshaft position sensor, mass airflow sensor, front power management fuse box, front/rear SAM (Signal Acquisition Module), or faults in the CAN bus network and related wiring. Owners should contact a repair shop as soon as possible for inspection and repair after a collision.

[VonClayton]

I think it's quite normal for the Mercedes-Benz E300 not to start after a collision, because this car has a very intelligent safety system design built into it. Once a collision occurs, the sensors immediately detect the impact and automatically disconnect the fuel pump or electrical circuits to prevent fuel leakage from causing a fire or further damage. This is likely the inertia switch at work, sometimes cutting off the power supply to temporarily 'rest' the car and protect people. I've driven a similar car myself; after a collision, don't rush to start it. First, check for any dangerous signs like smoke or oil leaks. As a luxury model, the Mercedes-Benz E300 has dense electronic systems, including anti-theft and airbag-related control units, which may lock the start function upon impact. Remember, safety first. In such a situation, it's best to pull over and directly call a tow truck to take it to a professional repair shop to check for internal damage.

[LaGabrielle]

In this situation, I would start by checking the simplest possibilities first. Failure to start after a collision is most commonly caused by electrical issues: the battery may have shifted and short-circuited, a fuse may have blown, or the main wiring harness may have come loose. The fuse box in a Mercedes-Benz E300 is usually located in the engine compartment—open it up and check if the fuse responsible for engine starting is still intact; if it's blown, try replacing it with a new one. If that doesn't work, it's possible that a sensor was damaged in the collision or the safety system has entered 'safe mode,' preventing startup to avoid further damage. While I enjoy tinkering with car repairs myself, honestly, when it comes to electronic modules, it's best left to the experts—messing with them could potentially mess up the airbag system or other delicate components. Remember to turn off the engine immediately after a collision and inspect the vehicle body, and don't overlook potential hazards, such as internal engine mount deformation, which can also affect startup.

[DiJaxson]

On the Mercedes-Benz E300, post-collision startup failures often stem from a chain reaction in the electronic control unit. Upon impact, the system detects abnormalities and triggers safety protocols—such as disconnecting the engine start circuit or locking the anti-theft module—to prevent vehicle operation in hazardous scenarios. This sophisticated design effectively prevents secondary accidents. Similar scenarios are quite common in premium vehicles, where even minor collisions may falsely activate overly sensitive sensors. To verify this cause, waiting a few minutes before restarting sometimes allows the system to auto-reset. However, avoid repeated attempts, as this could trigger electronic fault codes or permanently damage critical components. Regular maintenance helps prevent oversensitive systems from causing false alarms and unnecessary shutdowns.