Thanks for all the help and the explanation. That is precisely what my Indy said, crankshaft bearings. Too much slop so it moves for and aft until oil pressure builds.

The car is going to the dealer for the 3rd time for this issue next Thursday. This time, I'm going to be there when they start it up 1.5 hours after I drop it off....

Will let you know what happens.

For the sake of argument, say I had no warranty and was going to do this job myself, say over the winter. What would I tell the parts department to get the proper bearings I need? Give them my casting numbers and say "do math". Reference a TSB? Which bearings exactly have to be 1 size smaller? The top crank?

thanks again!

__________________
93 300D 2.5 Turbo, Black/Palomino 273K
09 E350 Black/Black 41K