I have an '87 300e. when I turn the key to start it, it does not start the first time, but it always starts the second time. It will start the first time if I let the starter run for 10 seconds or so, but I should'nt need to do this. (it seems to do this no matter if the engine is cold or warm. It does not do this when the engine is warm and has been on within the last 10 minutes).

Could this be the cold start valve?

I also seem to notice a bit of a rough idle at the trafic lights, but the car drives fine. (not a misfire, but a bit rough)

Any help would be appreciated.

bump!
No one has had this problem?

new guy,
Try turning the key to II should hear the fuel pump if it runs for a couple of secs then off that is good, do this three times in a row then try and start if she starts first time your fuel system is not holding pressure. I also assume this happens when ever she sits for a while. If no difference the you have probably got a fuel system problem. Could be your cold startvalve or temperature sensor but the system is not enriching the startup like it should. Check your duty cycle make sure she is not to lean.
m

__________________
Martin Ingram
Colorado Springs
2005 320 CDI
2006.5 VW Jetta TDI
1991 560SEL (179000 Sold)
1972 280SEL 4.5 ('The Lead Sled' 320000 miles when sold.)
1972 220D (225000 when sold)

Same thing on my recently aquired ´88 260 E. Will not start on first attempt, but fires right up on the second. Does not seem to make any difference if it is hot or cold. Mildly annoying.

mine does this too...With 250,000 on the clock she is starting to get tired.

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

The 300E tends to do this when I haven't run Techron or other fuel injector cleaner through in some time. Afterwards the problem seems to disappear. I always regarded the problem as leaking injectors or bad spray patterns.

If you haven't run a cleaner through in a long time, you might want to try the infamous double-dose of Techron in less than a full tank of fuel. It is recommended you change the oil and filter afterwards.

The following are obvious but have all of you checked your caps and rotors recently? Plugs? What kind of plugs?

Keep us posted,

Haasman

__________________
'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

Hello list,

I have an '89 300ce with 215k miles and still going strong.

Just recently when I turn the key to start it, it does not start the first time, but it always starts the second time. Also any time starting again after starting 1st time its OK.

This model "CE" has twin fuel pumps, does anybody know if it has the check valve installed like the 300e.

I suspect fuel pressure. Because any time there after its OK.

What keeps the pressure up in the fuel lines, is it the accumulator or the check valve. Can the fuel pumps bleed down?

I have checked the fuel regulator for pressure and its OK. However, I havn't checked it for overnight pressure

Would i need to replace or check the Fuel Accumulator for pressure.

Any help would be appreciated.

Brian

Accumulator is the check valve intended to hold fuel pressure when you shut down. Around a 100 bucks. Easy to replace. Located back by the fuel pumps.

Had to replace on both my former '90 300E and current '92 300E. Symptom was as described in several of the posts in this thread.

Steve

When was the last time you had a tune up?

Hello List,

Just an update on my problem with my 300ce starting problems.

1] Would not start when cranked from cold
2] Turn the key off, would start 1st time there after.
3] Solution for my car, checked idle stop screw, and adjusted [ throttle valve switch ]. The off idle switch was on all the time.

Go figure??

Fixed my problem. Guess the computer got confused with the input.

Now fires up first time, well couple of cranks!

brian