typically when an air mass goes bad, it will turn the light on, mostly because self-adaptation values have hit their limits. I don't think a bad air mass will keep it from starting.

I had one awhile ago that would crank but not start, I think the AAM was the culprit but I am definitly unsure, it was waaaaay back and my memory is not as good as it should be. Jumping the contacts for the (starter?) relay while cranking with the key would get it to start.

I've also had ones with corrosion on the ground strap (directly under the starter to the frame) causing too much of a voltage drop for it to start. I think the starter would only click in those instances though.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350