This week when starting the car after it has sat - the peak RPM on initial start-up seems to be higher than normal. When I turn the key to start the car, it starts right away and the RPM peak is about 2500 and then it immediately settles back to normal (1100 for a bit, then down to ~700 or so).

When it's warm - the peak RPM on start are only like 1500 or maybe 2000. I could swear the cold start wasn't any different but maybe I'm losing my mind.

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

my 1997 E420 (w210) just started doing the same thing. Upon starting the car from cold, RPM's go real high and then settle back down.
any ideas? I'm about ready to junk the car... frustrating...