Numerous posts here have referred to starting problems and, at least one post over the years has implicated the ground strap beneath the starter.

So, last week when only (solenoid) clicks occurred upon trying to start a '99 ML320, I initially checked the battery condition and cleaned up the posts and connectors even though they appeared fine. When I still got only the solenoid clicks, I removed the ground strap beneath the starter.

On one end of the strap, there was a little of the greenish powder so I suspected a poor connection between the copper cable and its end fitting. Once a new ground strap was installed on cleaned up mounting points, the vehicle started fine.

I was curious about the condition of the original strap so cut it apart and found no corrosion along the length of the cable. Despite the small amount of greenish powder on one end, the connectors were both well soldered to the copper cable. It seems the problem had been in the contact between the cable end fittings and its two attachment points (bell housing and frame).

When convenient, I intend to look for other ground straps and similarly clean them up and reassemble with generous amounts of dialectric grease.

Especially for any of us driving in salty road conditions, this may be a common cause where the described starting problem occur. Fortunately, the fix is quick and cheap.