Hello everybody,

Any help with my problem greatly received... I am considering buying a (p) reg 1996 or 1997 C250 TD Estate this weekend at what seems a bargain price.
How ever it seems to have a problem sometimes in starting, sometimes it will fire straight away and other times you can be cranking the engine over for several minutes before it will eventually fire, in this case there is a strong smell of diesel from the exhaust so seems fuel is there.... it has covered 200,000 miles with no service history to see other than what has been done in the last 6 months, full service, including all filters, brakes etc.(just inspected car more fully, has new glow plugs fitted. 1 new metal pipe on the injector sytem, new radiator and waterpump..
I desperately would like the car but at the same time dont want to buy a sick pup that could cost ££££ to fix. if anyone can give me some guideance on diagnosing some possible causes would be fantastic, I am not familiar with working on modern cars, how ever I am a trained mechanic from from my youth but this was 20 + years ago
Owner informs me hes sick of spending money onit and just wants it gone, admits that sometimes takes for ever to start. help about to buy it blind and take a gamble its nothing Really serious

What could it be...it has obviously been looked at, and apparently from a specialist garage, they have fitted new glow plugs a pipe and a FULL service and still has the same problem

Thank you in advance

Best Regards Mike