I have a '98 E320 with an electronic key. I have been experiencing starting problems. Initially the problems were very occasional but now they have become more frequent. Teh car tries to start cranks once and the freezes. If I remove the key and try again it usually kicks right over. Most recently, on a couple of occasions, the car kept cranking. I turned it off and restarted it without a problem. The battery is only 6 months old. Is this a starter problem or a solenoid problem? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

Dan

Sounds to me more like the ignition stalk is having fits over the chip on the keyring.

Just a guess...

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

From your description it sounds like the ring-gear teeth may need a bit of lubrication. This has been discussed in this Forum many times. Try doing a search.