I took the engine mount out as I could never get the ..#@#%%% starter back IN once it fell out.

Sadly, a replacement starter isn't likely your problem. If you get a screech and a clunk, it may be just the over-running clutch on the pinion gear, and that can be replaced. Otherwise, I'm betting you have a damaged ring gear, and that requires removing the tranny to fix.

Note that MB starters DO NOT have a centrifugal Bendix pinion, they are like GM and are solenoid operated. The starter solenoid pushes the gear into the ring gear, then applys power to the windings via a contactor.

The Bendix system moves the armature complete, like a Ford, with a spring to push the armature back when the starter is de-energized. This is why the solenoid for a Ford can be on the fender. The motive force is generated by the current in the winding.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!