Strange starter sounds

Lately I've been hearing strange sounds from what appears to be my starter. Here's whats been happening:

When I start my car and release the key I hear a loud "clunck" type sound (its hard to describe) coming from the starter (I think). However, if I start the car and release the key just a split second before it starts (i.e. I am actually anticipating that its about to turn over before I actually hear it turn over) I don't hear the sound. This makes me think the sound is coming from the starter.

At first I thought maybe a starter bolt might be broken. I have not checked yet because it doesn't make that sound if I release the key early. My thought process being that if it is a broken starter bolt it would make that sound every time.

The only other thing I can think of is that I am holding the key too long. However, I really don't think this is the case because as soon as I hear the engine turn over I release the key AND I have not noticed this problem before. I know how to start a car so I don't think I am going crazy here (maybe I am - who knows). Any ideas??

Thanks,

Scott

[Holson Adi]

The same thing happened to my W124 230E.

The cure was to replace the worn out engine mounts... because as the motor comes 'alive' the engine rocks hard against the chassis and the worn engine mounts didn't absorb it.

My engine mounts are definitely bad. In fact, I plan on replacing them along with the IP rack pin in the next month or so. I never would have suspected the engine mounts to be the source of the noise.

Thank you.

Scott