the bugger, an 83 240d with manual tranny, exhibits the following. every once in a while when i attempt to start, i can hear what i assume is the solenoid engage. but the starter does not turn the engine over. i get my trusty tire iron out and smack the starter once or twice. try the starter again and all is well. bad brushes? thank you.

ebonics not appreciated at this site? aka, bump.

Sounds like bad brushes to me.

thank you, sir.

It could also be a bad solenoid or bad connection quality somewhere in the vicinity of the starter.

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1961 190Db retired
1968 220D/8 325,000
1983 300D 164,150

It sounds like worn brushes, and they are one of the only wear items in the starter, aside from the brass bushings.

Janko,

I have the same Mercedes as you and had the same problem. A friend who used to own a shop gave me a tip. Unhook your battery ground before doing anything. Then remove the power cables from the top terminal on the solinoid. Then carefully loosen the second nut and turn the copper bolt a half turn and reinstall and tighten the nut. Replace the power cables and install the second nut. Then hook up your battery ground.

What this operation does is provides a new clean contact point for the solinoid. Good luck. This beats the hell out of buying a new starter and installing it.

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Ed
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'81 300 CD
'83 240 D four speed (sold)
'85 BMW 524td
'96 BMW 328is