My '98 ML320 does not want to start after sitting in cold weather overnight. It takes many tries and sometimes as much as 15 min. to get it started. It will sometimes start and then immediately die. After several of these false starts it will fire up and I will have no more problems after it warms up. If I don't allow it to warm up and try to start it again the same thing will happen. I always let the vehicle sit for a while after several starting attempts so that I will not damage the starter. Any suggestions?

Can't help you with the fix, but my 98 ml does the same thing. Mine did not start until the O2 sensor was replaced.

O2 sensor has been replaced 3 times - last time was fall of '03. Did this last winter as well.

Check 2 things:

Battery condition
Fuel Filter condition

If you have a 98 both may need replacing.

Many of us are in New England or MI, with 0 deg Farenheit during the winter. Starts on first crank

Battery is new - fuel filter and fuel pump replaced this summer. Still does this. I am about at my wit's end over this.

Benzboy, its time for a professional analysis. You could start with simply getting the codes read (Autozone/pepboys will read them for you). Or, just take it in to the dealer to be diagnosed. Once you know what's wrong, you can decide if you want to repair it yourself.

One last inexpensive fix you can try - crankshaft position sensor.
$60 part. 15 mins DIY. Caused the similar symptoms you described on my BMW.

I do not understand why someone would guess about why a problem is occurring. Unless there is evidence pointing to something, why would you replace it? Simply do the diagnosis that is required to determine (or at least point to) the bad part. Replacing the crankshaft position indicator may not be right and you have wasted the $$'s that could have paid for proper diagnosis.

ML320Guy:
Where do you get a proper diagnosis? Oh, you mean the dealer? Those techs who guess and replece parts until the problem goes away? I think the people here are doing the same thing, just a lot cheaper and far less time consuming.
Sorry, negative post, but I'm really not happy with my dealer right now. Wait, I meant ever. Most of the people at my dealer are nice and professional, but the techs I got were just plain stupid. Ok, enough *****ing...

benzboy87:
Try jumping the car with another, it will tell you if it's a battery issue or not (I donn't think it is).
Look for vacuum leaks in the intake system like a broken hose or blown gasket.
Use starting fluid as a tool as well, if it will only start and run with the fluid then you're propably not getting enough fuel. You can spray it into the intake of the airbox, or pop off that resonator box on the intake and spray into there.
I was lucky enough to have another vehicle that has the same Mass Air Flow sensor to swap. I don't suppose you have or know of someone you can swap with?
I wouldn't worry about hurting the starter, but do what makes you feel comfortable.

I have a cold weather issue too. Mine starts fine, but stalls when put in gear. So I wish you better luck than I've had.