So I've had the starter stick a couple times, and I am going to replace it before it leaves me stranded . As im also going to be doing the water pump and alternator voltage regulator , will this make the starter easier to get out ? or pass engine mount and possible exhaust will still need to be removed ? I also want to replace the starter wire but i'm having trouble sourcing it . Pic below of the wire, anyone happen to know mb's term and/or a part # for it ? Any other wires off the starter that could cause an issue down the road ? figuring while im in there do it once kind of thing .

 

Found the correct # for that starter cable for an 05 e55 is 211-540-1310 . I do see some corrosion on the outside of the cable - who knows whats going on inside . Could be the whole issue with the starter actually. Is that fairly common on the 211's. Im sure some resistance in that wire will cause some starting quirks .

 

The starter died at around 138k miles on my C55. I thought it was the CPS at first because it would have long cranks when trying to start the car hot. But one morning it just wouldn't start at at all. The starter itself was a PITA to replace, I had to disconnect the exhaust at the primary cats, didn't have to remove engine mounts of anything else though. I haven't replaced the starter on my E55 but I would hope there's more space down there than the C

 

Gotcha yeah there's some space but looks tight as well. This is acting similar , at times ill get a click from the starter solenoid then a short delay and it starts . I saw some corrosion on the starter wire but hard to tell if its superficial . Will have to look into it further when I have time .