im having the same trouble in my 86 300e. mine has 126k on it and is idling rough and it starts on the second or third crank...

a mechanic at my work had said that to clean out the throtle body and everything start the car get a can of sea foam and disconnect the vaume hose. let the hose suck the sea foam right out of the bottle.....

wanted to get a second opinion before i try this.