275K miles, haven't changed the (Bosch Copper) plugs in a while, could that be it? It's like the engine encounters a strong resistance (for about 0.5 seconds) while the starter is turning it, but it does start on the same turn of the key . Not every time, warm/cold doesn't matter, but getting more frequent . (new, not rebuilt) Bosch starter in 2008. Idle hunts a bit when cold, not much over 1500 RPM . No reverse, doubt that matters but you never know.

__________________
RIP "Betsy" (Oo=*=oO)
'96 E 3 2 0 (W 2 1 0) M 1 0 4 (Totalled)
Spaces in sig so as not to screw up the SEARCH; every time someone searches for that MB they don't want my sig!

2004 Audi A8L
'98 VW Passat 1.8T 5M
'87 Alfa Romeo Milano 2.5L 5M
'67 Impala convertible, 327cid

Spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 miles. If it's been well past that point it would be a good idea to replace them ASAP, then go from there.

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Fred Hoelzle

I don't think it's been that long, but close, thanks for the reply. I have new plugs but I keep waiting for them to install themselves to no avail.

I forgot to mention the red herring... I have BYPASSED the NSS (Neutral Safety Switch) by jumping the gray/rose wires under the hood, that could affect the engine management I assume, though not while starting because the bypass makes the car think it's in P or N.

If this was an old car I'd check the timing. Sounds like an engine with too much advance. No knocking on mid-grade gas though.

__________________
RIP "Betsy" (Oo=*=oO)
'96 E 3 2 0 (W 2 1 0) M 1 0 4 (Totalled)
Spaces in sig so as not to screw up the SEARCH; every time someone searches for that MB they don't want my sig!

2004 Audi A8L
'98 VW Passat 1.8T 5M
'87 Alfa Romeo Milano 2.5L 5M
'67 Impala convertible, 327cid

That engine requires premium grade gas to perform properly. Recommend installing new spark plugs and switching to premium grade gas. The Owner's Manual and the fuel filler cap door advise using premium gas only.

__________________
Fred Hoelzle

May I ask why you bypassed the NSS?

__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

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1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE

Yes you may.
Because it froze rendering the car stranded every time the temps went below freezing; the cowl drain drips off the transmission and onto/into the switch, a common problem if I recall from my extensive searching and yet another thing I plan to fix when I get the trans out to fix reverse. RE the drains, I vacuum each drain with an appropriately sized hose monthly, since the indestructible leaves from our trees clog them; they all (1 ea fender and the upper and lower cowls) seem to be open. My NSS jump (which is temporary) is more fully described here, on page two. W210 starting problem

Could that cause the symptom I described?
You have a valid point, however it happens with both grades; I put mid-grade in last time because 93 was $3.60 and 89 was $3.18, up 60 cents almost overnight. Also, it was only 3/4 tank, but I agree these cars "get mad" with any deviation from the norm. Moment of weakness, please forgive me. Normally use Premium only.

Thanks for the replies gentlemen!
-Tom

__________________
RIP "Betsy" (Oo=*=oO)
'96 E 3 2 0 (W 2 1 0) M 1 0 4 (Totalled)
Spaces in sig so as not to screw up the SEARCH; every time someone searches for that MB they don't want my sig!

2004 Audi A8L
'98 VW Passat 1.8T 5M
'87 Alfa Romeo Milano 2.5L 5M
'67 Impala convertible, 327cid

Hi Tom,

in your post http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=256907 you "jumped from #2 to #4 with a 1 inch long piece of 22 ga wire" of the X22/1 connector whereas Jeremy, who gave you the tip, said "To bypass the NSS, cross the violet and violet/white wires."

that seems unclear to me, crossing #2 to #4 could mean exchanging the two wires while jumping could mean leaving the wires alone and additionally connecting #2 with #4.

Thanks!

__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

---------------------------------------------------------
1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE