The current path is from Start on the ignition switch, through the Park/Neutral safety switch on the trans, then to terminal 50 on the solenoid.

So start if you have current on the violet wire at the starter, then you probably have a bad solenoid. If you don't have current, then work your way back to the ignition switch.

Another possibility is that the ground strap between the starter and frame is broken or severely corroded.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe