I am in my first winter with an 1983 300D. it is hard starting when it gets below 25F at night. i typically let the glow plugs cycle a few time before turning it over. however, sometimes after cycling i turn the key to start and the starter does not inguage. the next crank it will. this only happens when it goes below 25ish. otherwise the starter enguages just fine.
what is happening? is the solinoid affected by the temperature?
appreciate any help.

thanks
cliff hubbard
cwhuibbardatyahoodotcom

Have you checked your battery?

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair

And once the battery is checked and or replaced, buy and install a block heater and a heated battery wrap.
I struggled with my SD for two years before I finally installed the two items. Should have done it as soon as I bought the car.

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Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

I put in a new starter (Bosch Factory Rebuild) in my previous 300D in the Summer of 2004. I since got a new (to me) 300D and put that starter into the new car (after the previous car sat idle for several months). Now this 18 month old starter does exactly what you describe. My theory is that the grease in the solenoid has gummed up and doesnt slide well at cold temps. (25F or below). In most cases when the temps are in the 20 - 25 range, there is only a one second or so hesitation. But if its real cold (5F), there may be a several second delay. So I usually turn the key hold for a couple of seconds, then turn off and try again and invariabley, the thing turns over!!! Exactly as you describe. I think that the solenoid heats up when it doesnt engage, melts the grease, then starts fine. If this condition is not fixed, I assume the solenoid will burn out. I plan on fixing this soon....I did buy a new solenoid which I will put in...(I dont want to clean solenoid, regrease with synthetic, and re-install only to find the same behavior, although I am very curious to do this!!...thats why I got the new solenoid) I will check the condition of the grease in the old solenoid and if its gummed up, I will clean it and install on a spare starter with bad solenoid (from previous car). I will post followup.

Mark

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1984 300TD Wagon, 407,800 mi (current daily driver)
1985 300DT Sedan, 330,000 mi (gone to that great autobahn in the sky)