I've had it for more than ten years but I think this might be the end.

I wanted to get 300K out of it and have been letting things go for a few years now (But I still keep the diesel in good shape).

today I drove it in the morning. started just fine. Afternoon I attempt to start and the starter motor just bumps the motor once and goes dead. Lights and battery are strong.

Shifting to neutral makes no difference.

cables on battery are tight.

I smacked the starter from above pretty well and that results in one short little grunt (not even a rev)from the motor when i turn the key. A few more turns bumps when I turn the key and then nothing again.

Is there a way to hot-wire this starter?

I only needed the car to run one more week before I retired (parted) it (out)!

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E