My '87 420SEL won't start. Early this morning, I did get it started but it kinda' made a grinding noise when I cranked it up. Had to pump the gas a little which I usually don't need to do. This afternoon, I cranked it several times with no success. The first two times it made a grinding noise and all the panel alarm lights came on when I turned on the ignition key. After 2 times trying with no success, it then wouldn't even make the grinding noise...but all panel alarm lights came on when I turned on the ignition key.

Recently drove the car about 600 miles. The battery is almost new and when I turn on the ignition key, the lights don't dim.

Could I have a bad starter? Any other possible problems? If it's the starter, is it easy to replace? Very expensive?

Thanks

 

why you dont check the alarm circuit 1 .some have starter cut off relay.if the original alarm try to go to the perssanger side usr your key to sut the alarm by truning the door key cylinda back and for.
you can apply 12v+ at the stater haness at fire wall .if i dont forgot is purple color .if not it on the per.side front near top of the main frame ,have 4 parrelle screw connector bar .one of that is a starter wire.
is not that difficult to change it .if you ot tools.

 

If it is a really terrible grinding, it could be your starter. Some teeth may be broken or worn, and it will need replacement. The price of a starter in aftermarket catalogs goes for around $300, depending on where you look. My 300D had a similar problem, but would start up anyways, so I never corrected it.