Tony,

Was there no trouble AT ALL starting before this? Does it sound like your starter is cranking fast enough?

I'd change fuel filters, and test for fuel flow, as has been said.
I would still change your glowplugs. Cheap way to start isolating other causes.

Dunno, but valves seem like they would have given more warning. I'm guessin fuel, maybe something's clogged, never happened to me with temps in the teens and lots of wind.

I'm reaching now, need one of the forum MBologists to chime in!

Greg:

I have small to average hands for a 5'9" guy, and only two were painless for me. The only trick I found was a 1/4" socket set, and working from the opposite side of the engine. That made it a bit easier, but not much. My mechanic agreed, no brilliant ideas either!

Peter
1985 300TD

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Peter
1985 300TD 4-speed 212K
1992 400E 343K
2001 E320 72K