w116 350se won't start :(
 

hasn't been run for about 1.5 weeks, radio + lights work but starter will not engage. I can hear the starter solenoid but the motor does not fire.
Tried jumping but had no effect. Motor started fine previously. help!

Replace the starter, or smack it with a hammer and a long punch. What year is your SE? And it is a 116 chassis?

Try tapping the starter lightly with a wrench or hammer, sometimes the solenoid gets "stuck." Otherwise, sounds like you might need a new starter...

it's a 1980, 116 chassis. 116 3.5 litre motor. Just to clarify; I can hear the starter solenoid clunk, (though after 2 goes it gives up) but the starter motor itself does not engage.
I tried jumping it with my 124 diesel, but didn't help (though my jump leads aren't the best...)
The radio still turns on, exterior lights are dim and dip when trying to start.
Foxing me as it was fine less than 2 weeks ago.
Only service items I've changed are fuses and spark plugs.

This car and chassis is new to me, being used to the 124 before- whereabouts is the starter located on these cars?

FYI, 116 engine is a 3.8 or 380.
Starter is on Right Hand side, under exhaust manifold.
Give it a good smack when someone is holding the key over

ok, i'll try the smack!

It is the 3.5 litre btw, note my location- you guys would call it a euro... :)

just an update- thanks for your suggestions- turned out to just be a flat battery- swapped it with the one in my 124 and it started fine:)