This puzzles me. Used daily, the motor cranks for a couple of seconds before starting. Both hot and cold starts; not noticeably different between cold and hot starts. But if the car hasn't been started for several days, say 3 or more, it fires up instantly, like it did when new. Otherwise, the motor runs fine. The injectors are original. New plugs. Regular maintenance. Not great fuel mileage. Car is my W124 with M103 motor (200K on the clock).

What scenarios are consistent with these symptoms? Starts instantly after prolonged sitting, but cranks much longer when driven daily.

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1988 California version 260E (W124)
Anthracite Grey/Palomino
Owned since new and still going strong and smooth
MBCA member

Past Mercedes-Benz:
1986 190E Baby Benz
1967 230 Inherited from mom when she downsized
1959 220S Introduced me to the joys of keepin' 'em goin'

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