An update...

Yesterday was torrential rain all day and I don't *need* my car (despite my wife calling the Benz my second wife.. she's not far wrong ) so I didn't bother touching it, but I did take the original starter to the rebuilder.

I'm not sure on the Bosch specifics (I'd already taken the starter to them before reading this thread again), but they are the top rated rebuilder in the city and have rave reviews from all comers. Dropped the starter off in the morning and picked it up before they shut that afternoon. That's one hurdle down.

Today, we had a beautiful sunny day so I got everything set up to go:


Got on to the lower bolt immediately. That 'ping' when it comes loose was very satisfying after the toil of the previous starter:


All-in-all, it was a very smooth process. I had a bit of trouble with the lower motor mount nut but it came off eventually. I decided to use the opportunity to replace both of those to avoid any future tragedies. A couple of bucks well spent.

After that, the dud starter slid out easily enough and it was back in with the rebuilt one. One hour later and the moment of truth: fired right up!

Sweet relief to get this done after the irritation of the last couple of weeks. I've got to ship the dud back to the US but that's a minor inconvenience (and the shipping is of course covered).

Thanks all for the help and support. Things can get frustrating sometimes but it's good to have the encouragement!

Sugar Bear, it does look like a block heater exists after all:


I've never used it (it doesn't really get cold enough in Vancouver, unlike the rest of Canada!) but good to know it's there and has the hook-up if we do have a cold snap.

Time to go for a drive this evening I think. Apparently tonight is a good night to see the northern lights so an excuse as good as any

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Sold them all but I'll be back...

Congratulations!!

I didn't realize that you too were in Canada.

The dud ACDelco starter I bought for my W123, was from Rok Otto. They sent me a Fedex shipping label and about 3 days later I received a full refund. It actually cost me more for my local rebuild but at least it works! (New solenoid, armature, brushes and drive plus a paint job ) Impressed with Rok, but not ACDElco!

My car starts so much more easily now it has a starter that actually works! Old one would barely turn engine over. Brushes/armature worn out.

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

Haha I didn't realize either! You guys have better shawarma over there - wish we had Shawarma Royale in Vancouver (check it out if you can... it's damn good )

I also got my starter from Rock Auto. I find they're generally cheaper than buying local even with the shipping factored in so I order most of my parts from there. Their "warehouse clear out" section is always good too. I've got belts, etc. for silly prices like $2-3 when ordering other stuff at times. Useful to have extras. They are indeed great with warranty too thankfully - no questions asked, here's a label, we'll refund you.

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Sold them all but I'll be back...

All good news...inspect the cord on the block heater, new cords are not $$$ if they are still available.

Tell your better half the car is your new friend, it drinks, smokes and runs around town

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer