I am going to try that...have been at the local repair shop, and they are baffled to the point of being really curious. No codes, but I wonder during the start cycle, and when the engine is in closed loop or cold mode, if the injectors are even firing. Which really opens up a can of worms...Crank sensor, the auto-start not sending enough voltage for start ups, am going to try to put a test light on the injector wire loom to see if I get any current blinking at me during the crank up. I have a feeling the shop I am dealing with is relying too much on their scanner (no use pointing at the cut wire..computer says it isnt there.....). I will try the coolant temp test directly after posting this. Otherwise, this being my first Mercedes, love the car (was driving my old car when this one was in the shop, a 94 Olds LSS...always thought that was a decent car til I got back in it..lol.