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M113K Starter Motor Replacement

andy27168

MB Enthusiast
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Joined
Nov 27, 2004
Messages
4,800
Location
Southampton
Car
65 Plate E350 CDI Convertible, 2006 CLS 55 AMG, 1997 C230K, 1999 C43/55 AMG
Hi Guys,
My starter on the CLS has always sounded very labored unless the battery was 100% charged, always bothered me a bit but just assumed it was a symptom of the overly power hungry electrical system in these cars.
I was updating the software, clearing codes etc on STAR the other day and as always I had the engine running whilst doing this, and as I was clearing each code which involved switching ignition on/off (starting engine on/off) i noted that the starter was laboring more than normal, but there was now a pronounced squeaking sound and cut out in the starting cycle, turning off ignition and starting again cured it though starter was still laboring, this happened approx 4 - 5 times, and now has done this once in normal use.
Anticipating having to replace the starter I have bought a new starter, planning on replacing it over the Christmas period.
According to WIS it seems a simple enough task and apparently is less than an hour book time to do.
I have had a quick look underneath the car and it appears very obstructed and difficult to access the area, can anyone offer any advice on changing it.
Any assistance/advice appreciated.
 
I can't fully remember from when I changed mine out. But I am quite sure removing one side of the exhaust made it a heck of a lot easier to get the starter out.

My old starter would take a few more turns than usual to fire up the car (I assume it's due old age), so that's why I changed it out. I got a refurbished Bosch one from eBay and the starter is much stronger and fires up a lot quicker.
 
Hi,
Besides the squeaking and the random starter cycle timing out it will no longer labor when starting with anything less than a fully charged battery.
I have read that the 203/209 55's you need to remove the exhaust system and the engine mount to change the starter, but there is no such instructions for this on the CLS, I can see why you would remove the exhaust in this area to gain more access as the primary CAT is huge and is in exactly the wrong place, I would prefer to try to avoid its removal especially as its meant to be able to be done without it but I will bare it in mind.
I think its looking harder than it should do due to being on my back with the car only inches above my nose.
 
I am a bit lucky to have my own 2 post lift so made the job so much easier.

Oh yes, removal of the engine mount is required, so it's quite a big job for just a simple starter :wallbash:
 

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