Being that my '77 300D is the first diesel I've ever owned (for the past four months) I'm still trying to gain a little more knowledge on these cars. My question today is the purpose of the throttle knob on the dash. Whenever I start the car I keep the throttle as low as it goes then turn it up until the car starts. Do I have to do this - it seems that the car doesn't start as easy when the throttle is full bore upon start-up.

Once I'm driving I keep the throttle up all the way. I guess my question is - "Is there a optimum position to keep the throttle, and what effect does different positions have on the car (ie. oil consumption, gas mileage, etc)"

Thanks in advance everybody


'77 300D (259K)

'99 ML430