E320 terrible cold starting

bruces670

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E320cdi 2008
Ok so as the title says my car is terrible starting on these cold mornings sometimes up to 10 mins of cranking! I’ve replaced the glow plugs which made no difference so now my thoughts have turned to the relay but I’ve heard people say this engine starts without them?

I also noticed that when doing the glow plugs I have several injector seals gone,I’ve considered this might contribute to the problem but if it’s a compression issue then wouldnt it be down on power when it’s running?

Ive also read that it could be something to do with air getting in the low pressure fuel lines?

TIA for any suggestions!
 

ajlsl600

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clk3202001,sl6002003 with everything regrettably sold ,A class 170cdi auto. NG/TF1800 ML250
What mileage
 
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bruces670

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162k
 

robin.large

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I'd think it sensible to fix any obvious issues. Such as any leaking seals. Also you don't say how cold? You may be based in Dubai? Canada? UK?
With leaking seals then the pressure will bleed out overnight for sure.

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James Debuse

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Mercedes e320 cdi estate w211
Mine has the same trouble. 2007 E320 cdi estate. Changed all glow plugs a short time ago when the light came on. Sorted that issue but still hates starting when cold. Runs fine when warm.
 

mersum1es

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W212/-09/350CDI, W219/-07/320CDI, EX:W220/-01/320CDI, EX:W211/-04/320CDI, EX:W210/-01/270CDI
excessive injector tank leak... what you mean by 'several seals gone'? Black death won't help, especially if you have cracked nozzle holder...
 
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bruces670

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Sorry I’m in the uk so it’s only been -3 ish at most
 
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bruces670

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excessive injector tank leak... what you mean by 'several seals gone'? Black death won't help, especially if you have cracked nozzle holder...

nozzle holder on the injector? That sounds expensive?
 

Wighty

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W211/E320cdi/2009 and CLK200k 2009
Mine has the same trouble. 2007 E320 cdi estate. Changed all glow plugs a short time ago when the light came on. Sorted that issue but still hates starting when cold. Runs fine when warm.
GP Relay Module changed buddy ? How old is the battery ?
 

mersum1es

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nozzle holder on the injector? That sounds expensive?
It is not. perhaps 20 quids, but it cause injector to leak usually on top of the engine too.
 

Uncle Benz

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2008, you have an om642 v6 diesel. These will not start without the glow plugs. At 2008 it's very likely you have the early "fag packet" glow plug module. These are prone to failure. The updated part is a different shape and has a white back.
 
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bruces670

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E8171DC1-6E6D-4170-A160-4D5D0E93123F.jpeg
This is my relay/module
 

andrew056

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1993 SL320 gone but not forgotten , 2004 240 CLK cabrio, 2006 ML 320cdi gone, GLC AMG 43
It's nearly always the relay and that looks like the original so replace it and your car will start like new , I fitted a new one on my ML 320 many years ago , fixed the problem.
 

simmon01

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E 270 CDI, E 220 CDI & C180 Estate E280 CDI
Id love to know what the result was, so many people come on asking for help and you don’t find out if you were any use to them. ‍♂️
 

Noddy 99

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2009 W211 E-Class E280 Sport Estate (OM642 3-litre diesel V6), 3x remapped, now returned to stock
Just noticed, I’m a ‘new member’ since 2011...
Yeah, but with your two posts today you're now up to 9 posts in 10 years. You'll soon be a "senior" like me, who's been here for 7 weeks...
 

Noddy 99

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2009 W211 E-Class E280 Sport Estate (OM642 3-litre diesel V6), 3x remapped, now returned to stock
Mine's just started to be a FRACTIONAL more hesitant; probably just normal but I'll keep an eye on it.

I've got a code-reader so, if it's either the relay or glow-plugs, would they throw a code?
 

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