1989 300E Hard Start! 68,800 miles!
 

I have read many posts about this issue and how frustrated and expensive some how found it to be trying to cure it.

The engine (hot or cold) would take several seconds to start and then it would stumble, cough and hesistate for a few more seconds but would run perfectly afterwards. This condition started a few years ago and recently began to worsen.

One post suggested a simple solution by replacing the platinum spark plugs installed 24,000 miles ago (1997) with the recommend copper plugs. I pulled off the boots and replaced the plugs. Boots came right off without much effort and the plugs came out without a problem. What's up with that? I read many horror stories about trying to replacing frozen boots and plugs too. After the new plugs were installed the engine INSTANTLY started up like it was brand new. I could not even remember that happening in recent memory. Let's see if that solves the problem.

Please keep us advised.
 

thanks

Dielectric grease on the spark plug boots makes removal easier. A dab of Anti-Seize on the spark plug threads makes removal easier. Always use copper spark plugs in that vintage engine.