Alright so now my 89 300E has a new problem, what else is new, this car is unbelievable. What happens is sometimes it leaves me stranded. IT happened 3 times. The key turns but the starter doesn't crank. Nothing happens, all the lights come on but wont crank. Happened 2 times already and i just waited like 10 minutes then it turned over. But yesterday it happened in a parking lot and it wouldnt start. Sat there for 2 hours, and nothing. Came back at night, still nothing. Tried it this morning and still wouldnt start. So i towed it to the mechanics and just my luck when I talked to the mechanics, first try fired up. This car hates me I swear. So now im driving it around but i know in my mind i could get stranded anywhere. So any input please would help..???? Remember key turns all the way but no starter sound, when it does start the starter sounds strong and turns over hard so deff wiring possibly...??? Thanks

Bad ignition switch or starter. When my 190 was doing it, it turned out to be a bad starter. The weird part was when I took it in to have the starter tested, it passed 2 times and failed 3 times.
Installed a rebuilt starter and no problems since.

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible

Neutral Safety Switch is a likely candidate. It permits the starter to operate only if the car is in park or neutral. They don't last forever. In the future, try moving the gearshift from park to neutral, then try starting. If that does it, replace the NSS. It's not expensive, and it's not difficult to replace.

Could also be the starter, corrosion on wiring connections, or even a bad battery. But NSS is a good place to begin looking.

alright thanks for quick and good replies. Battery is forsure out of the question and also i'd like to ad that the previous owner changed the ignition because their prone to breaking so i have 1 key to start the car and another to open the door. Now to do that iits about 100$ cheaper so im thinking that he might of also not replaced those contacts that are like 35$. The dealer told me its about 3 different parts when you replace the ignition. So if the other owner just did a quick fix its a possibility to be those contacts. What do you guys think..... I was thinkking about Neutral safety switch as well and i forgot to move around the shifter and try it in neutral, ill give it another shot if it happens again. But please all input is greatly appreciated thanks

Neutral saftey switch for sure. Been happening to a Chrysler my wife drives. Moving the shifter around after not starting and then having it start up immediately was almost diagnostic.

Nick

Can't believe your mechanic did not mention the NSS. Maybe they want to see you again!

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

Neutral Safety Switch or the Starter/Solenoid is going bad. The car does not hate you, it just needs a part replaced.

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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)

I would start by checking my ground straps, both at the battery and the engine chassis strap for cleanness and tightness.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

100% Neutral safety switch. It happens randomly usually when parked on a hill or something and when it doesn't turn over, i just put it in neutral and it fires right up. Thank you so much everyone for your help. This one is wrapped up.