EDIT: Turns out this is normal. Phew!

I'm about 5500 miles away from service #2 (22,500 on the ODO) on my 2006 MCS.

For the past week, starting the car every morning takes an extra crank. It takes a second or two before the engine starts to run smoothly. It seems like the issue happens regardless of the car being warm or cold.

Is this a case of the fuel/air filters getting old because I'm so close to a service, or could this be something else?

 

I have/had the same issue (I'm at 22,800 miles on my 03 MCS). I've done a few things that have improved the startup, but haven't eliminated the need to crank twice during long periods of inactivity.

Changed plugs: idles much better and smoother
Cleaned out intercooler: had some oil in the intercooler - cleaned it out and car started much easier
Injector cleaner: I've run about half a tank thus far and it's seeming to help a lot.

One of theories here is that when the injectors are dirty they leak a little. This leaking "wets" the plug and causes you to crank a couple of times to start things up. This may be true, but I'm not sure. What I do know is that the car is starting much easier now (about 50% one crank and 50% two).

Good luck!!!

ED

 

I had a similar issue. The car just did not want to start on that first crank whenever it had set for a few hours. I actually dropped my octane from 93 to 89...despite the recommendation, and it starts like a champ now. I even got 2mpg better average, and i'm saving 10 cents a gallon at the pump, lol.

since ur so close to service, have the dealer check this out for you. it seems a few people have conquered this issue by the dealer doings some update to the ecu.