93 190e 2.6 starter motor question
 

I have to replace the starter motor on my car. The local dealership (Calstar in Glendale, CA) wants $800.00 for the job, so I thought I would look into it myself.

After doing a quick visual, I see that sucker is pretty well crammed in there and the upper bolt looks like a real pain, being so close to the firewall. Are there any tricks/special tools involved in this job? If I do it, I would be doing the job in the garage of my complex with jack stands and hand tools.

Enrique at MB Motors in Tarzana gave me a much better quote, but the towing bill would be about $170.00 higher. I don't know of any decent shop (that I can trust) closer (Glendale/Atwater Village). The ironic thing is, the starter quit the day after the local Big "O" Tire shop did an oil change on the car (Filter directly above starter...hmmm).

this might sound silly...but did you try tapping it light with a hammer?

That was the first thing I did. I also disconnected the anti theft system and tried jumping it. All I get is one click.

I should have mentioned that all the grounds are good and I tried a jumper from the battery negative to the engine. Also checked the positive from the battery to the starter and all was well.