my 97 E420 merc is completely dead

don't know what happended but started the car this morning
but forgot it was in idle and restarted the car while it was in idle and then

flash/ snap the car just shut off completely

when i turn the ignitor i don't even see anything come up

no lights anywhere
even when i open the door, no lights anywhere

Addendem:
thanks for post #1- i did check my batt terminals and they look ok,

i was able to jumpstart my car and the car starts and runs but

if i shut off the car, disconnect the booster cabels and try to restart the car,
the same thing happens - no lights and car won't start

so i think i fried the battery or the alternator?

 

Check your battery terminals

 

RE my freaky incident,
I was able to jump start my car ..

and after driving it around i think i recharged the battery sufficiently

i think the starter discharged or fried the batt

i may need a new batt pretty soon...

 

I Repeat
Check the Battery Terminals
If you can jumper a car and it starts , there is a good chance that the battery terminals are dirty where they connect to the battery.. That is why the battery does not charge back to starting capacity.
Or.. if you have a lot of $$$, go buy a new bat, alternator, and regulator,,, and then check the terminals..