2008 c300, 24k miles....

Recently had a CEL, dealer said the air filter housing seal was "crimped." No idea how this happened, but they wanted me to pay for it. I declined, they ate it.

The car had been running intermittently rough prior to that, which could be the seal, or not.

The last 2 days, when I start the car cold, it chugs, shakes and dies. I have to crank it again. Warm crank is no issue.

Cam magnets? Cam pos sensor? Fuel delivery? What could it be?

Car is out of warranty in 4 months, so whatever it is, it needs to be SOLVED and I need to point the dealer in the right direction quickly.

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL