My 280 C 97 will not start, after turning the key the starter works for a splitt second ,but the car does not start what is wrong ?

I have the exact same problem on my '98 C280. It is a random occurence for me...and the car always starts on a subsequent attempt. Occasionally it has taken 5 or 6 cranks. I have been told that it could be the security and to try another key...but my other key has the same result. I wouldn't think if it was a key issue that that starter would work at all though. Please post if you ever get this issue resolved. Thanks.

Have the same problem with my 98' C280. I replaced the (suspected to be) original battery shortly after I bought the car used and the problem has rarely occured (but has a couple of times). So, I'm not sure if it was the battery, or if the prob was caused by lack of use (starter-to-flywheel gear use/corosion etc as the car sat on a dealer's lot for more than 6 months before I bought it).