Mercedes-Benz W204 C-Class Starter Replacement

If your starter is beginning to make clicking sounds and not starting the motor, or it is not turning the motor over as easily as before it may be time to replace your starter before it leaves you stranded at the side of the road. Make sure to check the battery, connections and ground strap before replacing your starter. If you remove the starter most local parts stores will load test it for you for free. Some places can now perform the test with the starter still in the car. The replacement of the starter on the Mercedes W204 involves working below the car. You will have to jack up and safely support the vehicle.

Please see our article on jacking up and supporting your car.

Time: 2 hours
Tab: $160 to $250
Mercedes-Benz C350 (2008-15)
Mercedes-Benz GLK350 (2010-15)
Hot Tip: Make sure you have disconnected the battery
Performance Gain: Car cranks easily again
Complementary Modification: Replace ground strap

[TacticalTom]

Good video but I have advice for the people doing this on jack stands. This will save you a ton of time. On the bell housing side when you’re ready to remove the long stater bolts. There are actually 3 bolts that hold a wire retainer metal bracket in place. Remove or loosen the visible bolt at the highest point on the mount this will make the top bolt of the starter visible and clear of the bracket and wires. The bottom bolt is already visible. Took me awhile to accomplish its extremely crowded and requires patience which ain’t easy laying on concrete. Anyway hope this helps someone and keep up the w204 vids!!

[Infj-]

Thanks for video, is that the same for w204 with om651 diesel engine please? Most other videos say you have to remove it from above

[CC-lwvo]

I can confirm that for 4matic, it is necessary to remove the cat. I was able to unbolt the starter with super tight space but weren't able to slide it down due to small space.. I should have removed the cat at the first place!

[JP-hdvu]

Any tips on removing the catalytic converter?

[Dnasty]

Do you know if this a similar procedure on a w207? I may consider doing this myself if it is as easy.

[amosmezuraj]

My mechanic removed it for 10 minutes repaired it for 20 minutes.it's that true or he lied to me?because he called me after 40 minutes to say that my car now its ok...