I have the exact same problem on my '98 C280. It is a random occurence for me...and the car always starts on a subsequent attempt. Occasionally it has taken 5 or 6 cranks. I have been told that it could be the security and to try another key...but my other key has the same result. I wouldn't think if it was a key issue that that starter would work at all though. Please post if you ever get this issue resolved. Thanks.