W210, M104 engine won't start.
 

Just my luck today,
Got dressed to go to the office and get in my car, turn on the ignition and no start. Car gets all lights but the starter is not turning.
Changed back into my shorts and T and got my tools out.
I took the battery out and down to a battery shop to get a new one and they tested it and it was fine.
So now I am wondering what it could be.
Starter?
Any suggestions would be great.

Have you tried starting in N rather than D? Possible worn shifter bushing or shift position sensor.

Can it be that simple?
If it does start, then does that indicate something is going out?
Should I replace anything?

I will try that later when I get home.
Thanks

Is possible for the shifter to be in P but for the sensor to sense it is gear.

Should have said try starting in N rather than P previously (going too fast).

Yes, it can be that simple and most likely is.

Well, I just got home and tried it.
Good news and bad news.
The car does start in N but it won't start in P
I drove around the block and when I parked and shut her down and started again in P, nothing.

SO what does this symptom mean?
What is the problem and what needs to be replaced.
I hope it's not too expensive and hopefully something that I can do myself.
Also, is it safe to drive it in this condition?

Please let me know.

Thanks

It means that your shifter bushing is worn allowing the trans to be in R when the selector appears to be in P, or that the sensor itself is dead.

R & R the bushing on the linkage frist, then sensor.

Click "buy parts" above to find the bushing.

I just had them replaced about 2 months ago because it was squeeking.
Is there another set of bushings there?

Thanks for the info Terry.

It is part number 27 on the diagram. There is only one.

If just repalced recently it could still be a linkage adjustment problem or the sensor itself located in the shifter console.

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=210225&M=606%2E962&GA=722%2E608&CT=GA&cat=23V&SID=27&SGR=095&SGN=09

104 is the gear selector sensor.

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=210225&M=606%2E962&GA=722%2E608&CT=F&cat=45Q&SID=26&SGR=100&SGN=02

It sounds like the sensor. I had the same problem. IIRC the repair was less than $100. Mine would start occassionally in P but always in N. If I pushed the gear shift forward enough it would start in P but I also noticed that having the parking brake set and letting or not letting the car role had an impact.

Greg

Thanks for the help guys,
Will replace it this weekend when I have some time.