I've had some issues with the first part of your description - the no-start situation.

Next time you start the car keep an eye on the glowplug light immediately after you switch the ignition into position #2.

The glow plug cycle on the CDI's is very, very short but you should always see the light come on for at least quarter second before going out.

If you don't see the glow plug light and the car won't crank/start I've done some diagnosis that might be helpful.

I haven't experienced any of the other symptoms you've described so my info may not be relevant.

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98 Dodge-Cummins pickup (137K)
13 GLK250 (157k)
06 E320CDI (341K)
16 C300 (89K)
82 300GD Gelaendewagen (54K)

Tim- I actually experienced the No Glow plug lite/No crank last winter... Fixed with ECU rebuild and re-program.

This time-- the Glow plug lites do come on every time,,, then no Crank or as explained --random cranks/starts

My Indy does NOT have Star-- but is a legit Mech w/ Some pretty good expensive toys

Got it. Where did you get the ECU? They appear to be totally unavailable even from Mercedes?

I have the Starfinder and wiring diagrams at my shop - do you have access to them? Haven't researched it but I think the starter motor signal comes through the front SAM and utilizes a cube relay to provide the actual starter solenoid signal. I believe the ECU initiates the signal but I'm not sure.

Could be as simple as a flaky relay. Or it could be much more complicated.

Let me know if you want me to dive into the schematic for the starter circuit.

TIm

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98 Dodge-Cummins pickup (137K)
13 GLK250 (157k)
06 E320CDI (341K)
16 C300 (89K)
82 300GD Gelaendewagen (54K)

Thanks- I will let u know