Slow Cold Starting W210 320CDI

[ShinyF1]

Recently noticed much longer starter turning before the engine fires on these cold mornings [up to 10s on the starter]. Wondered what likely causes were. Am about 5000 miles away from a B service with 85k miles in total. Once started needs a prod or two on the throttle to liven up but after that runs like a dream.

Any thoughts or is it just the cold?

Thanks

Sean

PS my fuel consumption is pretty high [16-19 mpg in town and no more than 36-38 mpg on a 70mph relaxed motorway run] Have read other threads about fuel consumption

 

[skemball]

Definately nothing to do with the weather as mine starts on the button regardless of waiting for the glow plug light to go out - and with 3 knackered glow plugs that i have just replaced (light was coming on after starting)

If your not getting a glow plug light after starting then i would think its possibly a MAF problem or failure of some other temp' sender not detecting cold start condition?

10 seconds is a long time to get it to start.

 

[Dieselman]

Low compression, air leak or leaking injector.

 

[Nobby Clarke]

Had the same problem on my E320CDI. Gradually got worse over time. It is a known problem and is due to the hardening of the seals on the fuel injection system allowing air to leak into the system when the car is standing. Had this done by my Mercedes agent - can't remember how much it cost but it was not so expensive.

I also get about 36-38 mpg on motorways and about the same as you in town.

 

[ShinyF1]

This morning [sub-zero in Northern France], it needed three full attempts - ie ignition on, glow plug light off, turn starter and leave until auto cut out - before it would start and then only after it caught once and died.

Will need to get hold of Olly as soon as he is back from his hols...

That said, once running it is great [other current issue excepted]

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=62465

 

[BlackC55]

New fuel pipes fitted yesterday.

There was a diesel leak from the pipes athe the highpressure pump.

All sorted.