1998 E300 suspect its glow plug time

[smacmoyle]

I just bought a 98 E300. I put over 2500 miles on it already. I love it. It just started giving me trouble starting. If I wait longer before cranking it helps. I suspect it needs new plugs. It looks like the intake manifold needs to come off. I havnt got any books yet for it but can anyone tell me if manifold removal is straight forward or are the things I need to know ? Is glow plug removal as simple as it seems also ? I own and work on a Nissan SD33 diesel (for sale) and a 6.2 Chevy diesel but this is my first Mercedes so I would be gratefull for any tips

Scott