starter solenoid?
 

The starter in this 95 E320 has started acting up first thing in the morning. It spins but does not fully engage the engine. I let it spin down and it engages on the next start attempt. It did this very occasionally in the summer but now that it's getting colder it does it almost every morning.

Is there something I can service in there? (packed sticky grease) Or should I start pricing starters? If so, how big a job is this?

As always, thanks for your advice!

If the starter motor "runs" but does not engage the flywheel, then the drive gear (Bendix) is the problem.

Thanks
 

Thanks Doc.

Do you think I should just replace the whole starter?... It looks original. Maybe that answers my own question. :)