I'm not sure if I fully understand your question. But I'll add what I know. I always start my '93 190 2.3 the same way every time since I bought it new...I turn the key all the way to the right and let her crank. When the car started being a little hard to start about 3 years ago, I got a tip from a forum member to clean the throttle body. This made a world of difference. From that point on, it started right up the first time I hit the starter.
Then a few months ago, the starter went out. After replacing the starter, the engine even starts quicker than before.

On a different note, my SLK has tip starting...you just hit the starter once and the engine starts up, I don't have to hold the key in the cranking position.

Dave

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible