Hi All,

Tomorrow morning I am scheduled to pick up the 190D 2.5 that I bought on eBay. I do not know why I put myself through this, I HATE buying cars on EvilBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220072077774

Anyway, since it has been VERY cold back here (low=22, hi=33 F). I asked the seller if he has started it recently and if she fired right up. Here is his reply...

Hi. I started it two days ago and it starts fine in the cold. As usual for a diesel that is not plugged in it fires up and chugs for a few seconds, stalls, after two or three times it continues to run. that is normal for a diesel in very cold weather. It always starts. I will look for your call in the morning and be at the absecon station by 10:40am.

On my previous diesels (two VW Rabbits, and a BMW 524TD) I never used a block heater and they almost always started on the first try even when covered in ice. Yes, they might sputter and kick for a bit but rarely would I have to try her 2-3 times.

Is this just pre-delivery jitters? Is this normal for a 190D in real cold weather or should I be concerned here?

Thanks.