Is lubricanting the starter ring gear a simple procedure that I can do myself or is it going to require a trip to the dealer - hence $200?

Also - I installed a new Mercedes battery a few months ago.

Oooo! I forgot about that one! I remember hearing about that too. I think there is a special grease to use though (Willie the Janitor voice: "My precious retirement grease!!!)
Gilly

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Did you happen to notice if the starter motor problem emerged shortly after you replaced the battery? If so, double check your battery cables for tightness. I have experienced a number of head scratching electrical problems with later model MB's all because of a loose connection. Some time back I worked on a 400E that cranked just fine but it would not start, cause: loose negative cable at the battery. One would think, and I did, that high current demand by the starter motor could not be attributed to a loose cable otherwise motor speed is affected, boy was I surprised.

Prior to exploring an electrical complaint I have discovered that time can be saved by checking the battery connections for tightness. This goes without saying for the late model vehicles because they use numerous computers.

I checked the battery connections and everything seems normal. The starting problem is getting worse by the day so I am ready to take the starter out for lubricatoin of the gears.

Can someone tell me how much work it is to do this procedure? Also, do I need any special tools for taking out the startrer?

don't remove the starter, remove the inspection cover in front of the transmission and lube the ring gear from there, you will need to be able to turn the engine to lube the entire gear, which in turn will lube the starter drive.
Ray
mercedessd@cox.net

Is the transmission cover on top or underneath?
If it is under, does the car need to be lifted for this job?