The startup problem that I've described in previous posts was due to a faulty K40 relay. I got lucky and bumped the relay and then my glow plugs energized and diesel-flow was allowed for combustion. A few more failures and a few more knocks to K40 confirmed the diagnosis.

K40 costs about $87 at the local dealership and takes less than 5-minutes to change. K40 is a black box that contains a circuit board, 3-relays, and 3-fuses. I inspected K40 and no problem could be seen (I even used a magnifying glass). K40 is located in another black box at the passenger's side / back of engine compartment (there are a few other items in this black box - I think they're the computer and N35).

From what I understand, K40 can lead to strange symptoms for both diesels and gasoline models.

I could not have located the problem w/out clues from this forum. This is the type of intermittant problem that can cost big money to fix even if you're lucky enough to have a mechanic with honesty and intergrity. Thanks to all on this forum.

__________________
Neil
1997 E300D - naturally aspirated
280,000 miles (as of November 2015)