Forget the get-rich scheme. Somebody walked away from this car for a reason. The chances of getting it to start and drive without further work are just about zero.

But it's always fun to gamble. You will be in it at least $450 to get it to turn over (starter is about $150). Then you may discover one or more unpleasant things about the engine, which could easily cost several hundred or several thousand more. Then if it will drive there are endless ways it could need more money.

So, decide what you are willing to lose and avoid the temptation to keep betting to cover your losses.

One thing you might do is put a socket (26mm?) and ratchet on the balancer bolt and see if the engine will turn a full two rotations (cw from the front). It would be a true bummer to buy and install a starter and find that the problem was a stuck engine.

Personally, if the engine will turn, I'd give it a shot.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe