Not to put down cold start valves, but in over twenty-five years working around mostly MB German cars, I have seen maybe three cold start valves causing problems. All of those were leaks and had nothing to do with cold starting.

But I do live in Florida. Cold start valves don't operate ever above 59 deg F. so cold is relative. A cold motor does not necessarily ever see cold start valve operation. In Florida it may never see cold start valve operation.

Its very likely that the valve plays a big part when real cold, I can't say, but usually cold start problems are due to other system weaknesses. Poor plugs, bad mixtures, weak wires. Testing always is the answer.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician