I have had my 85 380SL in a local shop for two months and the guys there can not find the cause of the stalling during startup. Here's what happens: If the car starts on the first try it will run for a few seconds and then die. If you don't get a start on the first try, the car will just crank and not catch. If you get the car started you can keep it going by reving the engine. The mechanics last try was to replace the fuel pump. Still no good. Does anyone have any ideas on what may cause the car to not start as expected? Anything I can tell the machanics to check or look for. My only other choice is to have the car towed to the Merceds dealer about 40 miles away.
Thanks for any and all ideas.

Just got my 380SL back and repaired similar problem. It would run for about ten seconds and die. Problem was fuel distributor, it was beginning to go bad. Have mechanic check the diaphram in distributor mine was bad. If you need a new dist go online to get it. Dealer charges $3200, most places $1000-$1200. Online at German Star or ********Az $450. Dealer Mechanics suck when it comes to our 20+ year old SL's try to find a good independent Mercedes Mechanic.
Good Luck