The car will not start. The starter makes a whirling sound as if it's going to take off and fly. I tried to jump the car off and when you attach the cables the starter whirls. This happens with the ignition off as well?

I purchased a starter to install, but now I'm wondering if this is the problem. Never had any issue before yesterday.

have someone tap the solenoid on the starter when you crank it, if it engages, theres your problem.

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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

If the starter whirs but the engine doesn't crank, either the solenoid isn't thrusting the bendix gear towards the flywheel or the starter ring on the flywheel lost some teeth or fell off the flywheel.

Do you hear a distinct click when you first apply power to the starter? Can you disconnect the big cable to the starter and listen for the click?

Give the engine a half turn using a 27mm socket to the crank pulley. Does the starter engage now?

Does the ring gear appear to be in place? I think you can see it if you look through the grating at the bottom of the flywheel.

Sixto
93 300SD

The starter drivegear is stuck on the shaft and won't allow the solenoid to mesh it with the flywheel.

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DDC/MTU....Setting the pace
1985 300cd
1983 300d...aka "The Yummymummymobile"....Wifes ride
2006 Wesmac 38' Sportfisherman, Single DDC/MTU 12V-2000 1500 hp