Black smoke, should I be worried

I have noticed recently that when I start my 300tdi 90 I get a puff of black smoke. It happens hot or cold and clears immediately.

I'm sure it didn't do it when I bought it in Dec Dec 2010.

Starting is not a problem it fires as soon as the starter is turned and is returning good (33+) MPG figures.

Should I be worried or am I just being paranoid?

Don't know what it is but my 200 does the same

Its normal, it overfuels on start up, hence the black smoke.

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It's getting worse, there's now a big black cloud when starting. It still starts first time hot or cold and the smoke clears immediately. Performance is unaffected.

Can anyone shed any light on why this is happening?

don't panic it is just excess fuel on start up

fanatic said:

don't panic it is just excess fuel on start up

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I guess I sort of knew that, but I want to understand what is happening and why? What's changed to make it happen?

air filter blocking?

Blocked air filter,worn injector,overdue a service or it could just be its a landy,my disco does it,always has always will.