For my '98 E320, the intermittent starting problem I described (every 20-30 times the starter or solenoid would just click, but would eventually start normally after 2-4 tries) persisted after replacing the starter and after replacing battery. We have just learned to tolerate the problem over these past 5 years.

As for replacing the starter, this is one of the only jobs I have given to the dealer. I had no success and no one dared come within 100yards of my garage while I was cursing the thing: it looked like an easy R&R but turns out you need to remove the engine (well, not really, but the mounts do need to be slackened) to get the thing out. I am convinced that when they built this car they started with the starter motor and built everything else around it!

Good luck,

g

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64 230sl, my daily driver
94 E500, sold
98 E320, family and dog hauler
04 C240, safe machine for teen drivers, but a poc
08 audi a4, yes we have gone to the dark side