Hi All,

I decided to buy an old MB diesel and found a lovely 82 240D 4-speed. It is a perfect specimen, with maintenance records going all the way back. I cannot emphasize this enough. It is a lovely car. That is the good news.

The bad news is that it does not start well when cold. But we are not talking real cold, this AM is was 36F. I now learn the PO regularly plugged it in when cold, but 36F is not cold, and that is not acceptable, so things need to change. I have read every cold start link, so I know there are many options.

But there are also a few things I would like to get some feedback on. I will point out that although it is perfectly kept, it is due for all routine maintenance (180K miles)

- I guess I need a compression test, but I am scared. The car runs like a top after about a minute after starting btw.
- I'll certainly adjust the valves, but I need to fashion some wrenches first.
- The battery is old, 12/21/2000, but only 25K miles. I suppose I should just get one, though I am sure the issue is older than the battery Recommendations r.e. the batt?
- PO uses 20w50. I suppose a lighter weight oil would help. I ordered an oil filter on line but this cannot wait till next week I guess. No idea where to get Mahle filters locally - dealer? ($$$$)
- I checked the glow plug relay. Resistance to all plugs is ~1ohm. Plugs were replaced 11/11/2006, but this was only 3K miles ago.
- primary fuel filter is black. I ordered these online too but maybe should go get one this AM (if it ever starts).
- No idea how to check the fuel itself, again, it runs fine when it gets going.
- At this point, she turns over too slow to get anything going, and without jumpers, I sit and let the block heater/charger do the work. This lovely, perfectly waxed, immaculate 28 year old survivor...and she can't make it out of the driveway on a 35 degree day.

A bit sad...could use some feedback.