Its L not S. I have started mine easily on the short but steep hill in front of our house several times. I roll in neutral until I hit about 25-30mph, then throw it in L, and it starts right up in 2-3 seconds.

If tow starting you'd better have a powerful tow vehicle. These cars are heavy! A 300SD can't start a 300D....we've tried. It takes all the car has just to get the other car up to 30mph....then when the car-in-tow goes into L suddenly its like an anchor is being dragged....and all the speed disappears....with no start. 420SEL or higher required as the tow vehicle.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I have never had an issue with using a non-turbo 300D as a tow vehicle for starting other 300Ds. I purchased a non-running 300D a year ago, got the Mrs to tow me home, and while driving along, slipped it into S and she started right up without GPs.
The Mrs didn't even notice the additional load at srating, but did comment how well her car went up the hill to our house, considering that she was towing another car. I ended up telling her that I had started the engine on the new car and was asked why I didn't stop, unhook, and drive up without the tow rope in place.
:LOL:

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Tony from West Oz.
Fatmobile 3 84 300D 295kkm Silver grey/Blue int. 2 tank WVO - Recipient of TurboDesel engine.
Josephine '82 300D 390kkm White/Palamino int.
Elizabeth '81 280E, sporting a '79 300D engine.
Lucille '87 W124 300D non-turbo 6 cylinder OM603, Pearl Grey with light grey interior


Various parts cars including 280E, 230C & 300D in various states of disassembly.