Our Mk1.5 1.8TDCi has started suffering from a slight starting problem. I don't know when exactly this began to appear because it only happens in very specific circumstances and these don't happen very often:-

Basically if I turn the engine off then try to start it within a minute or two it struggles to start, coughing, spluttering and then not firing. After several attempts it will start and once running it runs sweetly.

This happens both when the engine is cold and when fully warmed up after a long run. I first noticed it when the wife & I were about to leave one morning. I'd just started it when she dashed back inside for something she'd forgotten. I turned it off and then had real trouble re-starting it when she reappeared a couple of minutes later. It happened again yesterday in a filling station after a 30-mile run when I turned it off whilst waiting for a pump.

It always starts fine when it's been left for a while. It's a bit clattery when the starter is operating but I think that could be the DMF. The car's done 120K. Has anyone any idea what might be causing this?

Anyone???

when was fuel filter last changed/car serviced

It was serviced and fuel filter changed in March. It's done 5K since then.

That's a very odd circumstance tbh...maybe just avoid it? You won't use much fuel waiting a minute or two idling anyway. My 1.6 sounds like a marina after shutoff with all the squeals, tings and clicks as everything self tests and resets so maybe it needs everything to reset over a minute or two? Can't think I've ever needed to switch on immediately after switch off except the occasional stalling haha.

I'll definitely avoid doing it from now on but something's obviously changed because I've often switched it off whilst waiting at a nearby level crossing and never had the problem then. Same when I've stalled it but maybe it's ok if I restart immediately. There might be a critical period when it's susceptible to it.

As we've now had it for 7 years we're looking around for a replacement anyway so it's not worth spending out on getting it diagnosed.