Agreed, almost has to be fuel. The '96 is fly-by-wire: the IP has an electrical shut-off and if it isn't working the engine will get no fuel. The ignition switch and everything downhill from there could be the cause of the failure to start. Check ALL of the fuses, not just the ones under the hood. Check the K40 relay in the electrical box on the right (passenger) side of the engine compartment, about where the battery would be if it weren't under the rear seat.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970