1993 300e 2.8L with 82k and in great shape: I've had installed new wiring harness, ovp relay, plugs, and injectors. Car will not start in minor cold weather unless I press on gas first. Sometimes takes 3-4 cranks. Changing gas from premium to midrange didn't work. I'm sick of giving dealer my business: could it be the "cold start solenoid" or simply having a tech change fuel/air mix work???

Try change the spark plug cables, it will make some difference.
Alex

hello-i think the cold start injector (solenoid?) is fired from the ecm on that year-may be wrong, don't have wiring diagrams at home. i think if you pull the coolant sensor harness off, that should fire the cold start injector when you crank the car. could be a misadjustment or improper eha readings, too. sounds like a 3rd party should look at it. good luck, chuck.

This car doesn't have a cold start injector. I would check the fuel pressure regulator for signs of leakage. It will leak internally and send the fuel pressure down.

Also have seen fuel pumps bleed off pressure.

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i was right-somebody who knows what is going on, needs to look at it. sorry 'bout that. chuck.

No cold start problem here.
Temp was minus 20deg last night.
The car was outside since 4 yesterday PM, At 7:30 this morning, I pressed one time on my remote starter and the car fired right up. I am sure the engine did not go a full turn on the starter.
1989-260E, closing on 300K, original spark plug wires, original injectors. Spark plugs, dist. cap and rotor replaced 30K ago.
Can't ask for more
Jackd

I would also say fuel pressure regulator - common failure item - and cheap, maybe $35, and easy to put in. If you don't know the history I would do it just to eliminate it.

Definitely sounds like you have a fuel pressure leak. I had a similar problem. Replaced the fuel pressure regulator, problem gone.

Did you try this - before cranking the engine over in the morning, insert the key in the ignition and turn it all the way to the right but don't engage the starter (position 2 I think) i.e. enough to power things up without actually cranking the engine. This should provide power to your fuel pump (you can hear it under the car) and allow the system to pressurize. Leave the key in this position for a few seconds (10 or so) and then crank the engine over. If it starts right away then you probably have a fuel pressure leak.

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2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

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