1987 190e 2.3 wont crank

[aescaleira]

turn the key and just lights come on. checked battey and its good. where is the starter fuse? ignition fuse?

thanks

[TeZREX]

Have you checked for current at the starter motor solenoid. These can get full of dust and crud which stops the starter working. You can sometimes give the solenoid a tap with a hammer or similar which will allow the car to start. If this works remove the starter motor and then remove the solenoid. Clean the solenoid and the linkage then use a dry lubricant on the solenoid piston before reassembly, I have used a pencil lead to lube the solenoid, basically its graphite so it works. Before refitting try it on a bench using some jump leads from your battery.
If the car will bump start (assuming its a manual) then its probably the starter, its worth a try as Ive had htis on a few older cars and it saves you some cash if the cleaning method works. While the starter is out its also worth checking that the brushes in the motor are ok. If they are worn change them while its out on the bench.

Hope this works out.

TeZ

[aescaleira]

thanks for your help. i banged on the starter and solenoid but nothing happened. i had the car towed to the shop and they said the starter was shot. got it replaced and car starts fine now.