Help! Car not turning over.
 

I just got a 1975 240D, I started it earlier today without problem. I came back to start the car a few moments ago and its not starting or turning over. Lights work, so its not the battery. Please help.

Sticky solenoid is likely culprit. Smack it with hammer using surgical precision to loosen it up so car will start. Friend of mine with BMW where manifolds need to be pulled to replace starter used solenoid/hammer method 2 yrs every day to start the car.

Where is the solenoid? what does it look like? and what should I hit it with?

My old tractor needs a smack in the starter now and then, then its starts fine for a while. Clean the battery terminals up even tho you have lights.

It's small can attachment on starter motor where wires attach. Dont smash it, just rap it firm with hammer. There's device inside that sticks when oughta be kickin starter gear to engage flywheel teeth. It's generally cold weather problem that sloowly gets worst and worst until yer using hammer technique every day.

Here's the drill: first warm up glow plugs, smack solenoid then try the key to start the car. Carry the hammer with you in driver's seat for when it happens again.

Could be a number of things:
Bad connections somewhere (battery, starter, ground)
Bad ignition switch
Bad starter

Are you getting any sounds or lights on the instrument panel? If you are getting nothing, it like the problem I'm having right now with my 79 240D.

Where is the ignition switch? Is it underneath the instrument panel?

I am having the same trouble now. You sure the car is in park?


Once it engages can it slip? Sometimes I just get the whrrr.... and then the next time I get like a small nudge of the engine before it goes whrr... after a couple of tries it starts right up. It does it after driving for 30 mins or in the morning first thing. I clean the battery cables and the rings at the terminal on fender next to battery.

Can the solenoid be pulled apart with the starter on the car??

If automatic transmission, could be neutral safety switch. Try wiggling the shifter in park, and also trying starting while in neutral.