Starter engages immediately on turning key

[oldblue1]

The engine starts as soon as I turn the key to the FIRST click, and not yet to the normal start position, although I can turn it to there as normal and the starter doesn't disengage after letting the key return to the normal "on" position.

At this point I can drive the car, forward or reverse without apparent problems other than the sound of the starter motor running and a nasty sound as I move between reverse and drive...this seems to come from the area of the starter motor, which I must presume is because the pinion gear is stuck in the "start" or extended position.

If I back it off just a bit the power shuts off to the whole car, which is what I would expect.

The car is a 190E, 2.6, 1990.

Any ideas? First and easiest place to check?