First off, I am a novice with no car experiece but I have to admit that despite not understanding half the lingo in most of the postings, this is a fascinating site. I bought a 1979 450sl earlier this year and have really enjoyed using it on the weekends. The first thing I did when I bought it was have an experienced Mercedes mechanic look it over. He replaced the brake pads, all of the belts and told me to enjoy it.

To bad he is in Florida and I am not as I have run into my first problem with her. A few weeks ago it started making a metal on metal screeching noise when I would try to start it. I would try it once, get the noise, turn it off, try it a second time and it would start. It now makes this noise just about everytime I first try to start it and always starts on the second time. Any thoughts on what it could be and how much I can plan on spending to fix it?

Also, does anybody have a suggestion for a TRUSTED mechinic in the NYC area?

I had mine rebuilt by a local shop. My indy R&Rd the unit and the local guy (a bit eccentric) rebuilt it. He did a super job. You might try your local shop and ask them if they have some one who can rebuild. My guy began using this local rebuilder to do the diesel starters because the rebuilt units were not lasting. They need to be robust for a diesel. He's never had a come-back and now I understand why. The starter spins the engine over like crazy. Lots more torque and less cranking time. I was so impressed that I had my 114 starter done by the same guy. Same result.

Your NY rates are probably much more than ours in the NW, but I'd plan on $400, more or less. My rebuild was $135 plus the R&R, FYI a Bosch rebuilt starter is over $200.

FWIW

230/8

A reman Bosch starter from FastLane is under $160.

The gear itself is what's shot from the sound of it, it's worn and not engaging fully on the flywheel on the first go.

Perhaps cth knows of a good mechanic in NY? I don't even know of a good one in MY area (other than myself, that is )

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Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

You are do for a starter rebuild or repair. Just take it to an automotive electrical shop and have them look it over. You can get by with just replacing the bendix probably but they'll tell you if it needs more.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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Thanks Tomguy, could you give a little more detail about the "gear being shot?" Will replacing the starter solve the problem?

How urgent is replacing the starter? ie, Should I have it done immediately or can I rely on it holding up for a few more weekend trips while I track done a mechanic in the area/

I don't think we could say exactly how much longer it will last. Could last two weeks or one more start would be my guess, though I've been proven wrong many times before.

The gear he is referring to is the bendix.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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the wiring at the starter. Probably in really bad shape after 30 years.

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1970 280S M130 engine- good runner
1971 250 M130 engine- #2 rod bearing, gone
1971 280SE (blown engine,parts car)
1977 German 280S W116-only 33 years old

Best thing to do with a starter problem is replace the entire unit. Some early MB's ran the power wire for the distributor through the starter/solenoid. What happens when it fails is that no power goes to your distributor, which for some odd reason prevents spark from reaching your plugs. Nasty, just plain nasty. So whenever you have starter issues, the best thing is just get a complete rebuild and stick with a Bosch rebuilt. Its not just the starter and solenoid that needs to be rebuilt.

Red:

I would recommend you attend to the starter as soon as you can. When your starter begins to fail it will begin to chew the ring gear at certain spots where the engine comes to rest. Also, having your unit rebuilt by a competent shop may be cheaper. The R&R labor is the same to fix a solenoid or bendix as it is to replace the starter.

230/8

I am having a rebuild starter installed as we speak and will pick up the car tomorrow -- will update after taking her on a test run this weekend.

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Ian
1979 450sl