Check the battery Voltage now that it is starting reliably. The battery should show 12.5 or more Volts when the car is not running and there are no extra loads on it (no lights on, buzzers buzzing, etc.). If the Voltage is up to 12.5 or higher, something you did helped. 12 Volts is low with the car just sitting there, not running. Also check it running It should be over !3.6 Volts. Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)