1992 500E No Start

[TargetCGR]

Sorry that my first post is a plea for help. My high mileage 1992 500 E (276k) has a strong battery, but the starter won't fire- no click, nothing. Something like this has been "coming on" for a few weeks - occasionally a delayed response after turning the key to the start position, for example. Other times, the starter has been a bit sluggish, but it has not failed to start before. This is my daily driver so any help or work-around that avoids a flatbed would be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[sheward]

There are others here better qualified to help you but they will likely ask if the lower wiring harness has been replaced. If the starter has been sluggish I suspect it considering the mileage.

drew

 

[gsxr]

Assuming the battery is good and the battery terminals are tight... I agree with Drew, it's a good bet the starter finally died, especially if it's original. (!) If the lower harness is original, replace that at the same time you replace the starter (trust me).

Another possibility is a bad ignition switch, but that is much less likely. There are additional diagnostics possible to determine if it is the starter, but you'd need to be handy with a VOM and electrical schematics. I assume you've checked all the fuses already, for grins?

BTW - welcome to the forum!

 

[TargetCGR]

Thanks for the help - you fellows were right, the starter pitched. About a $500 swap-out at my Indianapolis independent, Autohaus Merkle, who have looked after it for about 15 years. They said the lower harness looked OK, it may have been changed once already.