Folks:
After many moons of Bosch remanufactured starter problems (yes, five starters installed in about 6 months), I finally found a technologically advanced replacement.

THE STORY:

Over the course of several months, I had installed something like four starters from Bosch remanufacturers. Reports from the vendor indicated that the rebuilders of the Bosch SR67X starter were using significantly cheaper and cheaper materials, "Pakistani and Turkish" solenoids. Long story short, the starts were failing prematurely.

So, another MB freak friend of mine, with something like 50 years of experience with these cars, tells me a little secret about a guy who runs a shop local. I go see him.

I hand him the "essentially brand new bosch SR67X starter" that failed (for the , uh, fourth or fifth time) and he says, "Ok, let me look at it, I'll get back to you."

So the next day, unexpectedly my man calls me and says, "come into the shop, I have something to show you."
Which I do....

He pulls out this 'thing'. Yes it looks just like a Bosch starter only smaller.
He describes this 'animal' as a reduction gear, planetary gear starter, Nine tooth gear, and the tolerances are tighter than the Bosch original..."

I said "Tighter?" "How so?"
He replied, "well, the Bosch is out 2 mm on the gear."
I thought, "Holy ****...that's alot."

Anyway... never the less...So I take this new and improved 'planetary gear, reduction gear starter home. The 83 300D is already up on ramps and ready for the implant. I commence....

This is the excerpt sent to Peach parts the next day....
"...I installed an “unknown” (at least at this point) reduction gear starter in the 1983 300D turbo. Fitment was perfect, the starter is approx. half the weight of the OEM. Wiring identical.
9 tooth planetary gear drive. Fit/start mesh - no problems
Quiet
Turns the engine over quickly, immediate start. No problems.
I’m attaching some photos for your review.

I think I have found a technologically advanced, drop in replacement for the OEM Reman’d Bosch (SR67X).

I’m so F*CK&-ING happy I can scream!!!
This is the, let me see, one, two three, Uh- four, FIFTH starter in this car in just about 6 months.

And I don’t want to even think about the hours involved..."
End of email to Peachparts.

Now I gotta tell ya. The boys at peach parts have been wonderful helping through this debacle. Roy and Phil are Princes among men.

So now, I think I have found a technologically sound, advanced (using todays technology - instead of 30 year old)... drop in bolt in replacement.

The thing works like a charm. Quiet, smooth, powerful, and affordable.

I also believe that this technology is available in a wide range of models; other than the W123. That is to be determined. But this drop in worked so well, I am convinced my starter guy can produce them to "specification."

Oh, and by the way, he never cracked the Bosch SR67X carcass I had brought for him to rebuild. I was SO PROUD OF THIS GUY...

Above and beyond the call of duty.
If anyone wants to know what I have discovered, and wishes to acquire a NEW starter for their W123, please let me know.

You won't be disappointed.

Yours
Christian Colletti
Baltimore, MD
ccolletti65@gmail.com
1977 240D
1983 300D

Welcome to the forum.

First, this should be over on the Diesel forum.

Second, these starters have been well discussed here and are available for sale by the forum sponsors.

Happy Motoring.

__________________
'85 300TD "Puff The Magic Wagon" - Rolling Resto
'19 Mazda CX-9 Signature - Wife's sled
'21 Morgan 3-Wheeler P101 Edition
'95 E300d - SOLD
'84 300TD "Brown Betty" - Miss this one
'81 240D "China Baby" - Farm grocery getter