My car died while driving on interstate going about 70mph. No acceleration, lights blinking, strong smell of electrical burning. Dealer says I must replace starter before they can evaluate it. Don't want to spend more than I have to. Any help??

It would not have died on the highway because of a starter.

Where do you have the car? If its a MB dealership, find a good reputable indy or prepare to bend over.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

I am curious their reasoning. "I can check the compression, but you must buy new tires first."

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

Did they say what, if anything, was causing the burning smell? Ask them why they want to replace the starter and post their reply.

Did the dealer say "starter" or "alternator"? Alternator would have made more sense.

Still, telling you to get something replaced before they diagnose is atypical of a Mercedes service department.

Definitely find out why they gave you such peculiar instructions...

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car