The VatoZone "Lifetime Guaranteed" starter probably wasn't failing, it's probably rebuilt by the same clown that rebuilt the VatoZone special in my SDL. The solenoid will be PACKED with grease (it's supposed to be dry) so that after a couple months of use, the solenoid no longer pulls in all the way and fails to crank the engine.

FWIW, I cleaned the grease (seriously, it was like truck axle grease) out of mine nearly 2 years ago now and it's served daily driver duty without incident since.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 157K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 125K (SLoL)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Gone and wanting to forget:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]