Starting issue/ '81 300d/ Flywheel??

[BioBlue300d]

Hi there,

I have an 81 300d sedan, non-turbo, automatic. I don't know how many miles are on it - the odometer didn't work when I bought it.

Anyways, ever since I've had it, sometimes I'd try to start it and instead of turning over, I'd get a spinning sound - probably from the starter motor. After about 4 tries it would finally catch and the engine would turn over. This has been the case for the last 2 and a half years I've had it - until recently! Now, I have to turn the key, sometimes 15 - 20 times before it finally turns over. Sometimes, during the 15 - 20 attempts, the engine would catch quickly, but not fully turn over - then the spinning sound again. Also, other times I can just turn it over the first time I try, but only 2 or 3 times, then the 15 - 20 attempts happens again.

I'm thinking of 3 possible problems - either the flywheel is missing teeth, the starter, or both. I haven't looked at the tranny or starter yet, but thought I'd check here to see if anyone else has had this problem before.

Any help would be much appreciated!!