Mercedes literature specifically states it could require up to 4 sec cranking to start.

 

Cold start or warm start? Any elevated noise level from fuel pump?
By the way, Sergio (considering the "ksing giving up MB post") are you sure you don't want a Toyota instead?
Gives you more time and money for other activities... []
/Alexander

 

MB may state that up to 4 seconds is OK but I know my car and something is not right. Besides, none of the 3 MB's I've owned and the many that I have driven do this. MB also states that oil consumption of 1qt per 1K miles is OK so "theoretically" speaking, my ML would end up with no oil at 9K miles and the FSS tells me the oil should last 10K miles so how would that make any sense?

It only happens during cold start after sitting for several hours. Once it starts, I can turn the engine off and restart with no problems (less than 1 second). That's why I suspect the fuel accumulator.
I don't hear any louder than normal fuel pump noise.
A Toyota is looking enticing but I'm sticking to my guns and hope to ride this out. Most of the "typical" repairs have already been done so I'm hoping the big expenses are behind me now....at least for a while.

Sergio
'95 E320 164K miles

 

A basic check to perform, is to check the time requiered for the fuel pump to build up correct pressure. It could be so, that the "pre run" of the pump (the whzzz-sound heard for a second or so as you switch ignition on) is no longer enough to reach sufficient pressure. When you then crank the engine, the pump restarts, and continues to build pressure in the lines. Use a pressure gauge to check.
A simple test can be to let the pump "pre run" twice or more. Switch the key on/off a couple of times before you crank - does the problem persist?

/Alexander

PS. As for the Toyota... well perhaps not... []
Good luck!

 

Thanks for the tips Alexander.
I don't have a gauge but this morning I switched the ignition to position 2 a couple of times prior to starting the engine. I didn't even hear the fuel pump so it's not noisy. It started fine. I will continue to do this a couple of more times and see if it always starts without problems. Assuming it does, then is this an indication of a bad fuel pressure accumulator?
Thanks again.

Sergio
'95 E320 164K miles

 

You're welcome Sergio!

Like I said, check the pressure properly to find if it's always "off", or if just the build up takes too long.
A constantly too low pressure will cause some fuel starvation, during heavy load on the engine = BAD.
May not be noticed on the performance, as some of the fuel is used for cooling, and is not directly "feeding the horses".
Risk for overheated valves and piston crowns, under full throttle conditions.

Check it properly - measuring is knowing!
Good luck!

/Alexander