Out of the blue, my 03 c240 will not start. at the point where the key should make the motor turn over, there is just a loud "click." I took advantage of MB's free jump start even though I knew it was not a battery since everything works when the key is in second position (windows, radio, lights, air, etc.).

I borrowed a code reader from the local autozone. It said the test passed. Now I will have to have it towed 50 miles to have this figured out to the tune of who knows how much! The MB roadside assisstance people were nice enough to remind me to use a flat-bed.

I am 600 miles from my service B. I was planning to do this myself. I even bought an oil extractor. I was looking forward to maintaining the car, which I have not even had for a year, my self. I wonder if this is some pre-programmed conspiracy to force me to take it to a dealer.

 

Could it also be a relay? It's just a single click - not the sound of a bad starter trying to work.

 

this what a starter sounds like,first engage,then krank.
yours makes only klick and the "turnover" is missing,no sound.replace or repair the starter

 

As it turned out, it was only the battery. It was the original and finally would not keep a charge after 5 years. I am embarressed to send a car to the shop for a battery as I have always done some of my own repair and maintenance, but they did a full electrical diagnosis in the process and everything seems ok. So the trip on the flatbed, etc, etc, may have been worth it. By the way, if you live in northern NM, Mozart's garage in Santa Fe was quick, fair, and honest as well as knowledgable.

 

let me know if you have anymore problems with this. I have a 2001 C320 with the same problem, car turns over and cranks but wont start. It's been doing it off and on for like 2 months. The dealership told me it was the battery so I replaced it. A week later... same problem. Then I was told fuel pumps... nope, still have the problem! No pending codes so no one can help me or figure it out. It's been to the dealership and 2 other german car specialists