Every once in a while, after a colder night (San Diego - 40 degrees...yeah I know I know.), the car doesn't want to start right away. I figure that its fuel related...

But, I also hear a loud clunky noise. The noise comes from the passenger side of the vehicle...could be inside the passenger side door, just below underneath, or maybe the firewall. The clunking is accomanied by a knock that can be felt as the engine tries to turn over.

Once the vehicle is running, the noise disappears. Only while cranking the starter and trying to get the car started first thing in the morning.

Just wondering if any of you know what's happening, and whether its something to be concerned with?

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)