Well, it finally gave up the ghost! 6 years after I started this thread!

Had been doing a lot of work on car, including chasing interference between new exhaust and chassis. Numerous start, but engine had been starting OK. Then it reverted to the barely turn, just catch, fire and start.(even after overnight charging)

Except then it didn't.

So now, car is dead in garage. I double checked battery, jumped from another car, cleaned grounds and other connections, thumped starter with short broomstick & hammer. Tried remote starter on terminals near battery. Nothing doing - just a click coming from solenoid, I guess.

Time for new starter even although it sounds like it might be the solenoid contacts that are not connecting.

I have been looking for a Bosch SX67X reman here in Canada. US sources like Rok not practical because of core charges. They also are useless if we have a warranty claim.

One alternative, is an AC/Delco. They claim to use Bosch cores. NAPA only have their own brand rebuilts, so unknown quantity.

I may be able to get existing starter rebuilt locally.

I am going to have to get car towed either to a local shop who does not know these cars or to a young friend with hoist who owns a number of the same cars and is wiling to pull the starter.

__________________
Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5