Arrie

I have tried to find info about how big / complicated job it is to change out the starter on my 2010 E550. When I search I get hundreds of posts when I search "Starter change" and none of them seem to be about the topic I try to find. I'm not trying to start a new thread if there is one already but I cannot find it.

My dealer quoted the starter itself at $600+. I checked on the site advertised at the top of the forum front page and they sell it at around $400. AutoZone sells it below $200 (new, non rebuilt). The dealer did not quote with installed yet but I'm thinking it will be close to $1000 total.

For that I would do it myself if I don't have to take half of the car apart underneath.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

ItalianJoe1

Not that bad, it's pretty easy to reach from the bottom. Haven't done it specifically on an E class but on the 216/221 with that engine, labor times are under 2 hours.

sspin1

I did mine a year ago, Its a little difficult to get to underneath. You will have to drop the muffler for sure and a few other parts that I cant think of off the top of my head. Good news is I was successful in changing it so I'm sure you can do it.

Arrie

Thanks,

I'll tackle it myself, just need to get some ramps to lift the car up.

konigstiger

See attachments.

Arrie

Thanks a lot konigstiger!!!

T100T

It's a straightforward job, I didn't move the exhaust. My car is RWD, may be harder on AWD.

Peter

kajtek1

WIS will always give you bulletproof way, but often DIY will find shortcut by flexing some components.
I did the job on my older SL500 and after removing couple of heat shields had good access.
The replacement starter was from S-class, who lifted on junk yard and with belly pans removed took me less than 10 minutes to pull.