1977, 450SL, was running great. When I try to start it, the starter doesn't make a sound (not even clicking). The battery is fine (lights come on full force + tried a boost just in case). The starter has not given any hint that it was going bad. With the key on, you can hear the fuel pump running.
Is there possibly something simple to check? Like a fuse, relay or resistor by chance?

Thanks,

Mike
77 450SL
87 560 SEC

It could be the neutral safety switch. Try moving the shifter (with the brake on)while turning and holding the key. See if the reverse lamps function whith the shifter in R. Other than that, it's just a matter of tracing current from source to consumer...
Regards,
Randy D.

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W.R.Durrance
ASE Master Tech
Mercedes Tech 20 Years
68 250SE
68 SAAB 96 Ice Racer
69 300SEL 6.3
70 300SEL 3.5
81 300TDT

Mike, I have a 77 450SL also and just went through the same problem. About drove me nuts as it was intermitten and evry time I took it to the dealer, it would work fine. I went to pick up the car for the 3rd time from them when low and behold THEY couldn't get it to turn on either!!!!! They quickly determined that it was in fact the nuetral safety switch. Replaced it in about 30 minutes and haven't had any problems since!!!!!
Good luck!
Mike Tracy

I have had this happen twice in a 1980 model. The first time it was the fuel pump relay and the second time it was the starter. In both cases, there was no gradual indications that something was about to go out. Both failed all at once.

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