How to replace the STARTER Step by Step DIY with Pictures

Last updated: October 26, 2026

In this guide (9 sections)

1. Symptoms of a bad starter
2. Parts Needed
3. Tools Needed
4. Step-by-Step Instructions on how to replace the starter in a Mercedes-Benz with Pictures
5. Torque Tightening Specifications
6. Related How-to video
7. What Scanner Can I Use to Troubleshoot Starter Mercedes-Benz Problems?
8. Reference Part Number
9. Applicable Models

In this repair guide, we will show you how to replace the starter on a Mercedes-Benz. These instructions should apply to several Mercedes-Benz models, such as the C, E, ML, CLS, SLK, CLK-Class, and S-Class. In this case, we replace the starter on a C-Class W203. If you have a Mercedes-Benz with a V6 or V8 engine, these instructions will help you. The C-Class is the most difficult of all the other models because there is very little room in the engine bay. Once you remove the starter from the engine block, most mechanics and also the Mercedes-Benz dealer remove the exhaust to get the starter out. Removing the exhaust is a nightmare and adds unnecessary time and cost to this repair. This article will show you a better way to remove the starter without removing the exhaust system.

In our case, the starter was drawing too much current and continually kept blowing the Starter Fuse No. 52. If the starter fuse blows repeatedly, do not install a higher-rated fuse. Replace it only with a fuse of the specified rating and diagnose the cause of the excessive current draw.

If you are stranded in the middle of a desert and suspect that your starter is the problem, we have a tip for you. As a temporary diagnostic measure, lightly tapping the starter housing with a suitable non-damaging tool may sometimes restore contact in a worn starter. Do not strike the starter aggressively, and keep clear of moving components. If the starter responds after tapping, treat this as an indication of a possible internal starter fault rather than a repair in your case.

The cost to replace the starter on a Mercedes-Benz is between $650 and $1000 when a mechanic or the Mercedes-Benz dealer performs the work for you. You could purchase a starter for less than $100 in some cases; see link below and save a lot by replacing the starter yourself.

Symptoms of a bad starter

• The car won’t crank. All dash lights turn on, but you don’t hear a click.
• The engine doesn’t turn.
• The engine turns very slowly.
• Dash lights dim when you start the car. It could also be a discharged battery, which is cheaper and far more common, so check the battery first.
• The starter fuse blows repeatedly.
• Dead silence on the key turn.
• You hear a single click, but the engine won’t turn.
• The engine starts, but it makes a noise. Starter/solenoid stuck.

Brush and commutator wear are common causes of starter failure, but starters can also fail because of solenoid, electrical, mechanical, or gear-reduction problems. Not every no-crank is the starter, though. If the dash goes dark or the key does nothing at all, the ignition switch and EZS or EIS module are worth ruling out, and a Mercedes that will not start walks through the other causes before you commit to this job. In this picture, you can see that the brushes are entirely used. You can open up the starter and replace these brushes if you like, but this post aims to show you how to replace the starter with a new one.

A no-crank condition does not automatically mean the starter is defective. Before replacing it, verify battery state of charge, battery-terminal condition, voltage drop in the starter circuit, start-command voltage at the solenoid, and the applicable starter relay/authorization circuits. Correctly troubleshoot the problem because changing the starter on a Mercedes-Benz is not easy. If you get a click or several clicks when trying to start the car, you may have a weak battery or a bad connection at the battery terminal. Double-check the battery or try jump-starting the vehicle to see if the car will start.

• Female Torx E Set
• Stubby Short Ratcheting Toolset

Step-by-Step Instructions on how to replace the starter in a Mercedes-Benz with Pictures

1. On the W203 shown in this guide, the battery is located under the cabin air-filter housing. Battery location varies by Mercedes-Benz model. Tip: It is located on the passenger side.
2. Disconnect the Negative battery terminal and prevent accidental reconnection. This is the step not to skip on this job in particular: the thick cable bolted to the starter runs straight from the battery positive post and is live at all times, whatever the ignition is doing. With the battery still connected, a wrench that touches both that terminal and anything metal puts the battery across a dead short, which means hundreds of amps, an arc, a welded tool and a ruined cable. Taking the negative terminal off removes that possibility.
3. Raise the car using your jack and make sure to use jack stands. Do not rely only on the jack. Always use jack stands when working under the car.
4. Remove the plastic panel under the engine. You must remove several 8 mm bolts that hold the panel in place.
5. Disconnect the starter’s main B+ battery cable. The bolt is typically 13 mm. It is a challenge to get to the bolt, but it can be done using several 3/8 extensions and a 3/8 universal joint
   
6. Disconnect the smaller starter-solenoid control wire. The bolt should be 10 mm.
7. Remove the two starter bolts shown below. The upper bolt will be a little more challenging to remove, but using 3/8 extensions and a 3/8 universal joint make the job a lot easier.
8. On the W203 used in this example, additional clearance can be obtained by removing the applicable engine mount. Depending on the exact vehicle and engine, the manufacturer’s procedure may instead call for removal or repositioning of other components. The dealer and most mechanics remove the exhaust, but we have a better solution. You can remove the engine mount on the passenger side, giving you room to remove the old starter and install the new one. On other models, such as the S and E class, you may have enough room to pull out the starter without going through this trouble. To remove the engine mount, you will need a stubby ratcheting wrench like the ones shown below. The bolt on top of the engine mount can be removed using a 16 mm or a 5/8 inch short ratcheting wrench.Short Ratcheting Wrench Set
   
9. Remove the 16 mm bolt on top of the engine mount. It is located under the exhaust, so it will be difficult to see the top of the bolt, but having the proper wrench turns this task from almost impossible to easy.
10. On the bottom of the engine mount, there should be a 13 bolt that you will need to remove as well.
11. If the engine must be supported while an engine mount is removed, use a suitable engine-support fixture or an appropriately rated support method designed for the vehicle. Never place a jack directly against vulnerable components such as the oil pan unless the manufacturer’s procedure specifically permits it and a suitable load-spreading adapter is used.
12. Remove the engine mount. Motor mounts look like this.Mercedes-Benz Engine / Motor Mount
13. Remove the old starter now that you have room. Replace with the new starter.
14. We recommend installing the motor mount before you start fastening the starter bolts. This way, the engine weight is not on the wooden block and jack you put underneath the engine earlier. Suppose you would rather have more room to work on the starter; that is fine. Remember that the engine is only supported via the jack on one side, and there is a risk of physical damage if the engine comes off that support.
15. Fasten the two bolts that hold the starter in place using a Female Torx E Socket.
16. Connect the two electrical cables that go to the starter. Typically, the heavier gauge wire is a 13 mm nut, and the solenoid start wire is held in place by the 10 mm nut.
17. Once you fasten the starter bolts, tighten the engine-mount fasteners to the vehicle manufacturer’s specified torque. Install everything else in reverse order.
18. Reconnect the battery’s negative terminal and replace the battery cover or air filter housing.

Torque Tightening Specifications

Torque specifications shown below apply to the W203/example configuration used in this guide. Always verify the correct torque specifications for your exact VIN/engine.

• Positive cable to the starter, typically a 13 mm bolt. 15 Nm
• Positive cable for the starter solenoid, typically a 10 mm bolt. 6 Nm
• Two E-Torx bolts hold the starter to the engine block. 40 to 45 Nm

Related How-to video

Here is a video on replacing the starter in an A-Class. We wish it were this easy in the V6 and V8 Mercedes-Benz engines. The procedures are similar; the only challenge is getting the starter out, but using our tip on removing the engine mount instead of the exhaust will make this job easier.

What Scanner Can I Use to Troubleshoot Starter Mercedes-Benz Problems?

If you’re experiencing problems with your Mercedes-Benz, a YOUCANIC full system diagnostic scanner can help you troubleshoot the issues. This advanced diagnostic tool can read and interpret the fault codes stored in your car’s computer system, providing detailed information about any problems with the engine, transmission, brakes, or other critical systems.

The YOUCANIC scanner can also perform diagnostic tests on various systems, including the ABS, airbag, and steering systems, to help pinpoint the root cause of any issues. With this information, you can make more informed decisions about repairs and maintenance, saving time and money on costly repairs.

Reference Part Number

Replaces these part numbers:
ARROWHEAD	SBO0172
BOSCH	0-001-108-197, 0-001-108-403, 0-001-108-404
BOSCH REMAN EUROPE	0-986-019-500, 0-986-021-280
CARGO	113282
CHRYSLER	5097072AA
J & N	410-24055
LESTER	17852, 17965
LETRIKA (ISKRA) AFTERMARKET	IS 9424
MERCEDES BENZ	005-151-65-01, 006-151-05-01
REMY REMAN	SR107253
WAI	2-2556-BO, 2-2992-BO

Applicable Models

Applications:

MAKE MODEL YEAR ENGINE CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2004 320 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2005 3.2L(195) V6 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2006 3.2L(195) V6 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2007 3.2L(195) V6 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2008 3.2L(195) V6 MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2001 280 MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2001 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2002 2.6L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2002 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2003 2.6L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2003 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2004 2.6L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2004 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2005 2.6L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2005 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2006 2.5L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2006 3.0L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2006 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2007 2.5L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2007 3.0L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2007 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2008 2.5L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2008 3.0L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2008 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2009 2.5L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2009 3.0L MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 2009 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ CLK CLASS 2001 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ CLK CLASS 2002 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ CLK CLASS 2003 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ CLK CLASS 2004 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ CLK CLASS 2005 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ CLK CLASS 2006 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ CLK CLASS 2007 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ CLK CLASS 2008 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ CLK CLASS 2009 350 MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 2001 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 2002 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 2003 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 2004 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 2005 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 2006 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 2007 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 2008 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ E CLASS 2009 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ ML CLASS 2001 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ ML CLASS 2002 3.2L MERCEDES-BENZ ML CLASS 2003 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ ML CLASS 2003 3.7L MERCEDES BENZ ML CLASS 2004 3.7L MERCEDES-BENZ ML CLASS 2005 3.7L MERCEDES BENZ ML CLASS 2006 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ ML CLASS 2007 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ ML CLASS 2008 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ ML CLASS 2009 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ R CLASS 2006 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ R CLASS 2007 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ R CLASS 2008 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ R CLASS 2009 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS 2006 3.7L MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS 2001 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS 2002 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS 2003 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS 2004 3.2L MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS 2005 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS 2006 3.0L MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS 2006 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS 2007 3.0L MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS 2007 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS 2008 3.0L MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS 2008 3.5L MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS 2009 3.0L MERCEDES BENZ SLK CLASS 2009 3.5L

TAGS: C 240 C 320 C 32 C 55 E 320 E 430 E 500 E 420 CLK 320 CLK 500 CLK 320 S 430 S 500 S55 CLS500 CLS55 AMG CLS550 SLK 320 SLK 350 ML CLASS Crossfire