You're running regular old diesel in there, right? Ever put veggie in the tank? Heat would definitely have an effect on how that is injected. Anyway, filters in good shape? I realize I'm way out of my league with you fancy Benz owners (mine's a 617, 85 vintage), but does that thing have a rack damper?

Prior to head replacement (yeah, I know, this story is starting off bad) my 617 would crank up well in 32F+ and idle better cold and hot as opposed to mid temp. My theory, cold is when the oil is thicker and gives a little extra compression. Hot is when the rings are expanding and add better atomization with heat, and you've got a little higher compression and smoother idle. Mid temp, neither one is helping.

Like Brian suggested, starting with injectors is a good idea. But maybe you've got slightly low compression, possibly due to a valve not seating properly. Again, I'm way out of my league here speaking to an SDL owner, so I don't even know if your valves require adjustment. But I wish you luck. There ain't nothing better than a good running diesel Benz.

BTW, I'm from the Crescent City. How's the weather? Hot as hell yet? I really miss drinking beer and sucking crawfish heads at Cooter Browns!

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1998 E300D, 287k, barely broken in.