So some background info I bought this new to me w201 190D 2.2L last year in august, and its a phenomenal car. I love it.

But the car has had some issues when I bought. It didnt start at all at first and once I dropped it off at my mechanic (who works on older euro spec cars) he said the timing was off and got it running good as new. The car survived the harsh canadian winter of 2015/2016 as well as this passed summer.

Apart from small jobs of changing the serpentine belt and tensioner and the car is my dream car. But in the recent weeks the car developed a 'no cranking' problem. To specify, one day I went to go for a cruise and it didnt start on the first attempt, no use for glow plugs as it was 20+C outside. After a second attempt of cranking it fired up and ran fine. I figured the problem went away until about 3 weeks ago.

The car has developed a no start issue. When I say no start I mean I have to crank the engine about 5 x 15(seconds) in order for it to catch and run. Once it runs its runs great. But whether its a colder or warmer night its the same problem. My dad and me believe that the diesel fuel is not maintaining pressure and returns to the tank or receeds from the injectors.

I already went and fried my starter after a long attempt of cranking and white smoke, suddenly my starter smelled burnt and was smoking hot. I got it inspected and yes, the gears were ground into a metal powder, so I got a new one installed. The new starter is well newer but the "fuel receeding" problem is there, if that can be it.

My glow plugs are fine, filters are all new, done within the last few months. I cannot figure out the issue. Perhaps a cracked or loose fuel line? But I spent all day checking the lines and crawling under my car with no sign of wet diesel spots on engine components or the driveway. Like I said after 4 or 5 attempts of 10s - 15s of cranking the engine sputters, attempts to'catch on/fire' but fails. When all hope is gone to leave/tow it, it will catch on, fire and run like there was never a problem.

Also as a quick P.S. when the car is turned off for more than an appx 5hrs the troublesome cranking has to be performed. But if the car was off for only a couple hours and is semi warm like 1-4 hours, it will start up with no problem.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be great. The entire MB community is fantastic and I would hate to see myself part with a beauty like this. I am a student and will make my best attempt at giving prompt replies. Thanks everyone

P.S.S - I can record a video to show its rough start if possible.

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Video would definitely help us help you troubleshoot.

This is an out of fuel condition. The first thing to do is to eyeball the entire fuel system. Look for pinholes in hard lines, decayed hoses and leaks around the fuel heater. If the top of the injection pump is oily, replace the delivery valve seals. Check the injector bodies for leakage, and the injector supply and return lines.

If you start the glow and let it time out, are you hearing the cycling of the glow plug relay?

Also, when it does start, is there a temporary cloud of unburnt fuel?

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Is your car parked nose high. If so, an air leak in the fuel line might let the fuel run back to the tank. Try parking nose low to see if that helps, and a full tank should also help. I don't know your car, but w210s have this problem on occasion. I bought mine from a neighbor, after I saw a tow truck haul it away three days in a row due to an air leak in the fuel system.

You probably know this now, but after cranking the starter for 10 to 15 seconds, it should be allowed to cool for ten to 15 minutes before using it again. Starters are not built with any cooling, because they are supposed to be used a few seconds at a time.

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'97 E 300 D

A sneaky way to check your glowplugs is to put a voltmeter across your battery. It should read around 12.5V at rest. When you turn the key to glow position, voltage will drop to 10.5-11V if everything is working correctly.

Sounds like a small fuel line leak or opening somewhere but check the condition of the battery.

I had a similar problem with my 1987, the diesel engine would turn over and over again but the engine would not start. I'd try cranking it for awhile, then recharge the battery overnight and try again with no success. As the age of the battery was unknown, I replaced it and that resolved the problem.

I also had a situation where the fuel filter was airbound and the car wouldn't start. Ensure the large fuel filter is completely filled with fuel.

Good luck.