My m103 does the same thing. Sometimes I can "goose" it right after starting and it will stay running. Starts fine when warm. I just did an ignition tune up, and that's when the problem started

I am behind the gasser learning curve. I don't even know what this mixture BS is that everyone talks about. I am a little reluctant to mess with stuff. I am starting to wish I would have held out for an m104.

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08 R320 CDI current

Past
95 E420
87 300D Turbo 5spd
90 300TE
83 300SD
85 300TD
92 400E
85 190D

Yep...it's burning off something real quick on the first crank that is in a Cylinder(s) from leakage. Best way to tell is if it starts up on first crank when warm and second or third crank when cold. I replaced my injectors which helped a lot with idling and a little with starting. But after the head gasket replacement, it started cold or warm on first start.

Same exact thing here. Never had an actual problem getting it started, just have to crank for a second longer. It started after an ignition tune up and fuel filter change. I've never thought much of it.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

One simple thing that can cause this is using premium fuel, believe it or not. If you are running premium, try midgrade just to check it out, some engines do not start as well on premium.

But on a 103 my first guess would be crapped up spark plugs caused by worn out valve stem seals, when it's time for valve stem seals this is how you know, a couple "false starts" in the morning. Look for heavy yellowish-brown deposits on the spark plugs.

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Thanks for the input. I just changed the valve stem seals and spark plugs. Fairly new dist cap and rotor. I like the idea of midgrade gas. I've always used premium. I'll try that first and the engine temp sensor next. The EHA is pricey >$200. I will wait on that. I might just go ahead and replace the injectors since the car has 190k if the above doesn't work..

I will think about injectors as well. When my old plugs came out they were bone dry. And there is a history of the valve stem seals being replaced, could perhaps use it again. I will have to do more research into the cold start valve thingy.

EDIT:

I mean engine temp sensor

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08 R320 CDI current

Past
95 E420
87 300D Turbo 5spd
90 300TE
83 300SD
85 300TD
92 400E
85 190D

Worst case scenario on trying midgrade is the car doesn't run as well for a tankful.
Best case scenario is it starts better and might even run better on midgrade.
Alternative positive outcome is the engine still false-starts but you might find it runs just as good on midgrade and might continue to use it and save some gas money.

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Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

Yes...save your $$$ on the EHA until you've ruled all else out (good luck!). Try new plugs first and get the non-resistor copper recommended...I think NGKs. These cars like the cheap plugs better. Run a can of Seafoam through the tank and see if you notice any difference. I did.