1990 190E 2.6 149K

Recently, the front of my 190 got up close and personal with the trailer hitch on a monster F350. There was no jarring impact, just a quick stab and the show was over. The grille, AC coil, and radiator were cleanly puntured. The engine stopped running on its own and, at the time, I did not think anything of it.

I have replaced the coil and radiator but now I'm being forced to think about why it instantly stopped running by itself. When the key is turned to position 1, everything happens as usual. All of the electrical accessories work and I think I can hear the faint sound of the fuel pump for a moment or two. When turned to the starting position I get nothing. No clicking....not even a cough or sneeze. Is there some sort of safety mechanism that needs to be reset after an event like this?

I have checked out everything I know to check and it all seems to be in fine shape, just like it was before the unfortunate event. Any ideas on where I should go from here?

Thanks,

Sam