I have encountered many starter failures with these cars but have never seen one go where it is stuck on and not turning the engine. But the symptoms seem to indicate the problem is within your starter since the starter pinion should jump out to turn the engine whenever the starter is running. I have always just replaced the entire starter even when I was sure it was only the solenoid. I believe the cost difference was not worth the bother when I checked. I usually get the Autozone lifetime warranty starters and have never had to re-do a starter yet.

Also, make sure you get the heavier duty starter that was used on the later turbo 123's I don't think the cost was any different and they should all bolt up the same. I did this on my friends 240 and it was a huge improvement over the old one before it quit. I dont know if its geared differently or what.

Anyway, good luck.

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Ben

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82' 240D 4-speed
85' 300D (cali)
85' 300D (cali) waiting for B2 repair
87' 190D Turbo
87' 300D
2000 VW Passat Wagon 1.8t
99' RAM 2500 5-speed 24V Cummins