This is pretty much a useless post, but I replaced my starter with a rebuilt today and MAN!.........I had no idea how toasted the old one was. It cranks way way faster now.

For anyone who thinks they may have a weak starter, you're going to be in much better shape for the winter if you replace it.

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'81 300CD - 180K, cannot be killed by any conventional means
'99 Ford Escort - good MPG

I'm with ya on this. Very slow engine turn over, especially in winter, I was going to replace the battery, among other things, but it tested OK, so I replaced the starter, night and day, difference.

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83 SD

84 CD

I'm still going with a MeanGreen when mine fails.

Hey Forced,
If you manage a Mean Green starter, let me know. I ordered one directly from the company almost a year ago, have never received it, and in spite of 10 months of trying, haven't managed a single response from the company to my multiple phone calls and emails.

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'79 300D, Ivory "Gunther" ......going
'81 300SD, Metallic Blue Silver, The Grey Ghost.....going
'87 300D Turbo ...gone
'05 CDI.... gone

YES!! make sure you replace your starter before the colder months. (If you drive your MB in the colder months) When i first bought my 240D EURO, when it started, it sounded like an old farm tractor starting (at least that's what it reminded me of) It sounded fine to me. Of course i took ownership of it, it was winter and i didn't have another car like i do now. To make a long story short, i was excited to have my Mercedes, and the glow plug relay went out. Well we were going threw a cold spell and i was starting my car every 2 hours to try and keep it warm uintil i replaced the GP relay. Well the starter finally went out, in my friends apartment complex lot. Ne4edless to say, i was on the snow covered grown, in -4 deg. weather, changing the starter out. WOW what a difference that made. It was like you said flounder, completley night and day.

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1983 Euro 240D 277K
2016 Mazda 6
Coming Soon, 2013 Mercedes E350 Bluetec
Formers:
2012- Mazda 3
2007 Outlander- complete pile
1995 E300 Diesel 208K
2007 VW Passat 2.0T 63K SOLD
2003 Jaguar X-type 3.0 Sport Sold 04/11 w/88K
2009 Lexus RX350 9061 miles. Sold 04/09
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS:Totaled Sept.,09 @ 24,000
2003 Infiniti I35 58K Sold
1984 300 turbo diesel 222K

I've replaced the starter on my dad's 300SD and 300D, and it does make a big difference. Mine still starts ok....so I am leaving it alone till it dies. I don't think I'll go with a mean green, too expensive. My dad's starts awesome in the cold with a USA Industries rebuild....which is what I will also use.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

If you don't go with a Mean Green, at least go with the turbo starter. It's a upgraded starter from the NA models and it doesn't cost any more rebuilt.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I used a re-man from ********, so far, no problems.

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83 SD

84 CD

Just did mine last weekend. WHAT A ROYAL PITA!!!!! But it does start real nice now..

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1983 300SD 296K+
1984 300SD parts car

Starter replacement on the W126 is easy, takes like 35 mins or less.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

It was squeezing it out from underneath that was the pain. Barely fit. No room for my big hands to thread the power cable nut. No slack at all in the power cable made it difficult, had to hold the starter in the air while threading that nut. This was just uncomfortable(annoying), not "hard".

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1983 300SD 296K+
1984 300SD parts car

I know, just giving a hard time.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

MAN that job SUCKED ASS on my 87 300D. Must be easier on the earlier models or something. Prob took 10 hrs. I wana beat the guy who designed the bell housing seemingly to prevent any access whatsoever to the starter bolts, and then used the ultra thin bolt heads. I have fore arms like Mark Macquire now.

I didnt know starters gave you any warning. Mine cranked fine 1 day, and didnt do sh.t the next.

Used a Bosch reman from worldpac, which was a bit smaller thank God. Still wondering if bigger was better tho, original lasted 275k miles.

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Paul
Benz-less
I need an SDL !