When the engine is being cranked and the gas pedal is held to the floor, the ecu(computer) stops the injectors from injecting fuel. This is to allow one to clear a flooded engine, just like with a carbureted engine. This would not work on a car with the mechanical injection system(k-jetronic). John

Have you checked the temperature sensor under the 3-4 intake runner to make sure it is solidly connected and that it is supplying the correct resistance to the ecu? I had an '83 240 that one of the terminals in the connector wasn't snapped in tightly in the connector. The engine did what yours is doing and once the terminal was secured in the plastic housing and snapped on the temp sensor, the engine ran great for years. The sad thing about this was that repair receipts were found in the glove box that showed a poor starting engine was a problem for a couple of years. The previous owners spent plent of money on tows and various parts trying to fix the problem. I hope it is just a loose terminal on your car, John.

Dan

I have a 85 245 dl with the same problem. I changed the fuel presure regulator valve (on the engine, in line with the fuel line to the injector rail)$75 no help. I have researched the check valve question and I belive this is a solution to no fuel to the engine. A faulty valve will allow the fuel to drain back into the tank and require extra cranking to resupply. The problem we have is excess fuel. I suspect something electrical that allows the injectors to remain open and extra fuel to drain into the cylinders. The wiring harness on my brick is in poor shape. I have not pulled the injectors yet, thats next. Not much help but you are not alone!!!
Bob