c220 cdi not starting, sometimes!

[popalock]

my w203 c class is playing up on me big time. Now and again, the starter motor won't turn. Now am worried I'll venture out one day and will be left stranded.

the history

a year back the car failed to start, and then eventually breakdown recovery arrived and it started fine. I took the car in for a service with Olly, who gave it a good check and couldn't find anything wrong.

Earlier this year the same thing happened, except it never did restart eventually. A local garage said the starter motor fuse died.
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/168316-w203-c-class-not-starting.html

Now, in the space of a week, TWICE the engine again failed to turn except after waiting 5-10mins it eventually decided to fire up again.

Any idea what could be wrong, what I can do to fix it?

 

[mersum1es]

Grounding between engine block and chassis, starter wires especially 'trigger' wire, corroded SAM connections, EIS faults (hard to check). Started may be going bad, sometimes it fails immediately without warning. You may try knock starter by long rod at same time when attempt to start (helps if worn brushes etc. lack of contact).

 

[popalock]

Thanks mersum1es
Btw, It did it again! Was at a garage (who said there was nothing they could do till it broke down proper) when I turned the ignition on, we all heard the starter click, and then nothing. I took the keys out, tried again and it started fine.

Sign of?

 

[panason1c]

I would try another starter motor, plenty of (cheap) used ones on ebay.... The symptoms you describe and the fact that the starter motor fuse had blown indicates to me that the starter motor commutator windings are breaking down and overheating, all imo.

 

[popalock]

there are some new ones on ebay going for around £65 made by "RTX".. should I go for that or a 2nd hand OEM one? or call up MB?

 

[BAZZER1]

Give Manchester Auto Electrical 0161-873-8300 a call, I have just bought a brand new Starter Motor for my W210 E320CDI for £ 69.99 inc carriage. Main Dealer price £ 780.00.
Well worth looking on the MAS Website and giving them a call.
Best regards
BAZZER1