Hello Group,
Vehicle in question is a 2002 ML 400CDI.

My question is in regard to a certain "marbles-in-a-can" sound which is heard only on startups, after that it is no longer heard.
Because the duration is very short (2~3 seconds) and because this is my very first diesel, it took me a while to distinguish it from the usual diesel engine clatter.
The sound reminds me somewhat of the sound of collapsed hydraulic lifters in gasoline engines!! Could that be it, even though the vehicle has only 70,000 KMs (approx. 44 K miles)!!
Or could it be the timing chain tensioner leaking oil when the engine is not running and then upon a startup, chain slop would cause this sound until the tensioner fills with oil?!

Generally speaking, should this concern me too much or should I wait for more symptoms to develop?

I had wanted to include in this message a recording of the sound but it seems that only graphical files can be uploaded to this site! Maybe I can upload it in a zip file?! And if someone is interested in hearing this sound, please tell me what is the most common/best sound file format I should use?!

Thank you all.