AoxoMoxoA

One phenomenon I noticed with my newly acquired '03 C230K Sport (109,000 miles) was on the first start of the day (after an overnight in the driveway) whereas the engine would immediately "shake & sputter" - running unevenly for about the first 30-seconds (like it was fuel-starved), then smooth out and run perfectly for the remainder of the day.

After a few mornings of this, thinking it may be fuel related, I decided to turn the key to the second position, listen for the fuel pump to cycle itself on - then off (about 4-seconds), then turn the ignition on. Since starting the car in this fashion, that issue has disappeared, which leads me to conclude that this, while not "serious," is fuel system related.

1. Is this common to the C230Ks?
   
   
2. Am I possibly losing fuel pressure at the rail? I'm not smelling a fuel leak anywhere.
   
   
3. Should my first action be to replace the fuel filter?

Thanks for your insight as I learn the ins & outs of this vehicle.

Plutoe

That's a good first start---however!!