I have a 1985 300SD turbo that wil start up in 20 degrees F, but when I get the engine warmed up then turn it off the starter will not enguage. I turn the ingnition key and all the lights come on, the blower in the AC system starts, the electric windows will work but I can get anything out of the starter.

I usually have to wait 15 minutes and then it will work.
Last night I had to wait an hour and 15 minutes. Seeing as how it's getting colder I'd like to be able to depend on my car.

Any ideas?

This happened to me the other day too. In your case I would check out the neutral safety switch. Unfortunately for me I have a stick and this no switch.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Where is the neutral safety switch located?

On the side of the transmission. Follow the shift linkage. Verify the bushings are intact on the shift linkage and no wasted motion in the linkage. BUT, it sounds to me that you have either a poor connection at the starter or a faulty starter.

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81 300CD (sold) 1972 280 SEL 4.5 (sold) 1966 250 S 4 spd (sold) 1974 450 SL (sold) 86 BMW 325ES (sold), 1973 280C (sold) 1988 300 SE.

as a quick check, hold the key in the start position and have someone tap the solenoid on the starter with a hammer or other suitable knocking device. if it engages, replace it.

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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 it doesnt still replace it

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commercial fisherman diesel in my blood in my boats trucks and Dear old Dad has had me drivin them since i got my first license in 1968
1986 300 SDL 427654
1999 Chevy Crew Cab Dually 225423
1986 300 SDL 287000 Dad's
1987 190 Turbo 158000 Mom's (my inheritance)

Check the ground to the starter solenoid. I had hell with this same problem. In the end I had to run a ground from the solenoid ground wire at the terminal in the engine compartment to the engine, which I know is grounded well. I understand that the grounds on my 1975 115/300d all end up under the dash at a common point and that sorting out the proper ground is a 2 or 3 man job and not for the feint of heart.