@funola....Ha! yes it was. Luckily this is a 240d, so I didn't have to deal with the turbo in my way. It was tested at one of those all in one machines at an O'Reilly's - the kind that do alternators and starters. There was no hint of a failed solenoid. It spun immediately on each test. (The motor itself is fine when it cranks).

Unfortunately, I can't remember the power loss happening in the dark - I am sure it has, but I don't remember if the headlights went out or not - I think the console lights went out, but I am not 100% sure.

I will test the continuity at the ground cable attachment point to the + terminal, but I did loosen and tighten the attachment bolt back again and it was totally clean.

Right now it is immobile....I can't get the car to start at all - no click, nothing. and all the cabin lights are strong (I'll check the headlights when I get home). So I can't jiggle the key to see if I can reproduce the power loss.

The local dealership has the switch in stock at a competetive price (and it's less than a mile from my house), so I am going to go ahead and replace the switch.

Can someone remind me what position the key should be in to unplug it? I remember having it in the wrong position on another car and all the wire leads popped out and it was a b@#$h to get them all back in and in the proper ports.

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Current Mercedes
1979 maple yellow 240D 4-speed

Gone and fondly remembered:
1980 orient red 240D 4-speed

Gone and NOT fondly remembered:
1982 Chna Blue 300TD

Other car in the stable:
2013 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI / 6-speed MT