I just bought a 1972 220D with automatic trans. The Owner can't remember how to start it and the owners manual is in German. Found the pull switch diagram showing the 3 posions but can't tell what each posion does. Does anyone have info on this model? I got it started with starting fiuld but would like to know the right way to start it.
Thanks

Assuming it has the "stick" on the dash to the left of the steering wheel (I don't really know your car):
The first position is the fuel cutoff for stopping the motor (all teh way in)
The first step out from all the way in is the run position which is where the stick will self loacate after starting.

The next position which you can tell you have found by the lights dimming is the glow plug circuit and you hold the stick in this position for up to one minute depnding upon the outside temp.

At 20 degrees mine needs to be held here for approximately 30 seconds. You can tell if the glow plug circuit is working because the interior and insturment lights will dim when in this position. Also if your glow plug indicator is working which is the salt shaker looking thing directly above the steering wheel you will see the filament in there glowing red.
Finally after holding the glow plugs on for the recommended time you pull the stick all the way out to turn over the engine.
Hope this helps.

__________________
'99 S420 - Mommies
'72 280SE 4.5 - looking to breathe life into it
'84 300SD Grey - Sold
'85 300SD Silver - Sold
'78 Ski Nautique

Pretty good description. If the dash lights don't dim before the starter runs, check the glow plug circuits for continuity -- they are series plugs and a loose or broken connection will make them all inert.

The indicator in the dash should glow orange before you crank. It will go out while the starter is running, but the glowplugs are still running.

Be prepared, that spring is STIFF and your hand will get tired if it doesn't start right away!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Thanks Guys I'll try it that way. I was pulling it all the way out to start. Sometimes it won't even crank, when its pulled all the way out so I may have a solenoid problem also.

Did you get the 220D on Ebay early this week? I looked, but resisted the STRONG urge to bid. I never did see what that car sold for, if at all.