voltage was just under 12.2. i tried jumping it with no avail.

i can end this thread now. after jumping i got nothing, so i tried the good ol hammer trick. whacked the starter and it almost started turning. very slowly. i see cursing and headaches in my very near future.

I would concentrate on the battery (get a new one or give it a real good, long charge). It may be dead enough so that jumping it just isn't cutting it. 12.2 volts isn't much, especially with an old starter. You really need to get the a good battery before worrying about the starter. It sounds like the starter is working, no doubt it's getting pretty tired. A rebuild or new one may be in your future if you plan on a lot of real cold weather starts and don't have a block heater.

even though after knocking on the starter it started moving again?

Not sure. It could be the starter starting to go bad, or it was enough to get it moving with such a weak battery. I would get a good 12.6 volts to it and then see what happens. Unfortunatly jumping it can't always overcome a very depleted battery. Take the battery to a napa type auto store and get it tested for free if you want.

BTW, if a good battery does get you going again, check your alternator to make sure it's charging properly.

well, you were right. i took the battery out and had it checked and it was bad. however, as i feared it didnt fix it. thanks for your help. its why i love places like this. i will probably have to take it to a shop and have someone do the starter. i just dont have the place/time right now.

Glad you got that part solved. Sounds like years of starter abuse killed the battery. Will it turn over and start now with a whack from your hammer? If so, at least you will be able to drive it to the shop.

Too much trouble for me to swap out a starter on a turbo, cost $60.

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84 CD

I would suggest trying to jump the car, if the jump doesnt turn the starter any faster, then your starter is bad, ( there are two bushings in there that get worn out and make it hard to turn and heat it up) get it rebuilt by a local shop, do NOT get one from autozone or kragen of any sort. Get your original REBUILT.

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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

As long as they would add one additional commandment for you to keep thy religion to thyself.
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1981 240d (engine donor 1983 240d) recently rebuilt engine hurray! - No more.. fought a tree and the tree won.

pearl black 1983 240d 4speed (Converted!@$$%) atleast the tranny was rebuilt.

i already tried to jump it. nothin doin. starter doesnt turn at all without hitting it.