Originally Posted by JDWilson

My 1990 MB 500SL starts perfectly when it is dead cold but once the engine has warmed up and you turn the engine off and let it sit for more than 10-15 minutes, the car is difficult to start. The starter spins but the engine doesn't want to ignite for 6-8 seconds. I have had two MB shops look at the car and neither can find the source of the problem. Fuel line is holding pressure, distributors are almost new, spark plugs and wires have been replaced. Coils have been tested. Car has a rebuilt fuel distributor, a new accumulator and other new parts. It will do this for hours after the engine has been turned off until the engine has totally cooled down and then, it will start perfectly (when dead cold; like it does in the morning after it's sat all night). I'm very frustrated because I've never had an automobile (or motorcycle) that has exhibited this behavior. One of the mechanics who checked it out (30 years experience as a MB mechanic) told me that he's seen this before with some other MB of this vintage and that I should just accept this as the way the car is going to behave. I have a problem with believing that statement. Am I wrong? Has anyone else experienced this problem that supposedly can't be fixed?