1979 240D, manual - was starting just fine, and suddenly nothing. New GPs, new injector lines, no reason to suspect fuel deliver otherwise. Firstly suspect was the battery - it was pulling maybe 10V when trying to start, and quickly declining on successive attempts (I used a multimeter). New battery resulted in only hearing the starter spin. After extensive reading on these forums (thanks y'all), I suspect it is the plunger failing to engage in the solenoid. So, given the ample room in the 240D, I pulled the solenoid / plunger from the starter. I suspect the solenoid is kaput, mechanically not electrically. (I had also jumped the starter off the battery and tested its voltage as well, all were fine.)

Take a look at the pictures. The first is the solenoid and plunger. Am I correct in assuming the plunger actually cradles the engaging arm, so it can push-pull? (I've inserted a hex wrench where I think the engaging arm would fit; can't find diagrams to confirm this is correct.)

The second is the engaging arm inside the starter.

The third is the plunger out of the solenoid. Now this is what I think is wrong. I have yet to find an image of a 'new' solenoid where the plunger is not part of the solenoid. It appears almost as if the axial rod in the plunger has been sheered off somehow. Is that possible? [Edit - as noted below, the plunger 'floats'.]

Simple question - do I just replace the solenoid and hope for the best?

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