Now that you have all covered why NOT to use ether to start your MB's, I might as well add my .02 . It's still a free country right? NOT that I EVER would use ether on one of my diesels. ( cars or trucks that is) there is a method that reduces the chances of a catastrophy. Simply disable the glow plug system if you MUST use starting fluid ( John Deere log skidder, ancient one each) The other precaution would be to have someone else start to crank it while you shoot the "poison" into the air cleaner, still the glow plug system MUST be disabled.

I keep a can of starting fluid on hand, but it's not for starting cars. I use it to clean brake rotors and other parts that I don't want any kind of "residue" left on when the cleaner dries.