Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: Rallyus on January 07, 2017, 21:21:28

Title: Starter Replacement - Note to European Users
Post by: Rallyus on January 07, 2017, 21:21:28

Hi all,


So, the starter on the w113 250SL got stuck in the engaged position the other day.

After doing some search, and reading the manual here on sl113.org, I ordered a Bosch  0986010850.

And with this I got a refurbished 280 SL starter, and not the new reduction gear type that is being used as a replacement.

At this exact moment I am halfway in installing the new starter... and what a royal pain in the *ss it is...

This starter is much heavier and bulky than the original starter. My problem at the moment is that due to the weight of the starter I cannot manouver it into position with the wiring connected, because the heavy gauge of the wires makes it very hard to bend them.

I will try installing the starter and then connect the main wiring... somehow... someway. Let's see how it goes.


So, for us in Europe at least, ordering a Bosch  0986010850 might get you the second type of starter. Also my 250 SL has no front bracket to bolt the starter on, so I'm hoping that just the 2 bolts are enough to support this beast of a starter.

I have a John Deere 1630 in wich the starter is about this size... and that is a 3 liter 3 cylinder direct injection engine  :-\

Title: Re: Starter Replacement - Note to European Users
Post by: Tyler S on January 07, 2017, 23:03:31

You may also run into the issue of the new starter does not have the lower hole threaded. May have to use a longer bolt and nut and washer.

Title: Re: Starter Replacement - Note to European Users
Post by: hauser on January 08, 2017, 03:50:27

If this helps there is a video on Youtube on how to change out the starter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrXW4i88zhk&index=3&list=PLtRKk64pu2wr944il3QEC2wBaVKrgpzJh

Title: Re: Starter Replacement - Note to European Users
Post by: Cees Klumper on January 08, 2017, 07:00:44

This is a bit strange, as I swapped out my starter with what seems to have the same part number, and in my case the new starter was a lot smaller and lighter than the original one. See here: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=21743.0

Installing it was fairly easy as I recall.

Title: Re: Starter Replacement - Note to European Users
Post by: Rallyus on January 08, 2017, 21:00:55

Finished installing it this morning.


Connecting the wiring wasn't actually so bad after all.


Cranking power is now much better.

Title: Re: Starter Replacement - Note to European Users
Post by: jameshoward on January 10, 2017, 01:52:19

Quote from: Tyler S. on January 07, 2017, 23:03:31

You may also run into the issue of the new starter does not have the lower hole threaded. May have to use a longer bolt and nut and washer.

Yep. The new model is much lighter and smaller, but doesn't have the threaded fitting, requiring a new bolt as Tyler notes. Much improved cranking, and even better available if bypassing the ballast resistor as I have finally got around to doing.

Title: Re: Starter Replacement - Note to European Users
Post by: likes2laff on January 16, 2017, 21:36:34

Can someone please tell me what a brand new, original starter for the 250SL would have looked like. I have an original starter and am in the process of restoring my car. I realize most folks often go with just ordering a new "updated" unit or a re-manufactured unit but it looks to me like they are often delivered with all kinds of variety in appearance...everything from all black to all silver...some wiith a 2 piece main unit (plus solenoid)...others with a 3 piece main (plus solenoid). If it helps (and as best as I can tell):

1) Chassis: 113043 12 003133
2) Engine: 129982-12-001535
3) Starter: GF-12 V 1.4 PS; Bosch 903; 0 001 313 008

Your help is appreciated.

Title: Re: Starter Replacement - Note to European Users
Post by: Mike K on January 17, 2017, 05:48:43

Here's a pic of the new and old starter motors for my 280SL, which I replaced. I believe it's the same as the 250SL.

Title: Re: Starter Replacement - Note to European Users
Post by: mdsalemi on January 17, 2017, 19:33:56

Likes2laff, why don't you take your existing starter to a good, well known auto electric shop near your home, and have it rebuilt? Specify Bosch parts. I'm sure if they are good, they'll do a fine job with your core.

If you cannot find an auto electric place yourself, try going to an automotive parts store, preferably one specializing in foreign parts. I'm sure they'll give you a reference.

You can then keep your old starter exactly as it was...

Title: Re: Starter Replacement - Note to European Users
Post by: likes2laff on January 20, 2017, 21:27:12

Thanks all.

I am not concerned with putting it in great working condition...easy enough to sort out. But what should it look like in terms of finish. It's pretty obvious from it's current condition that the large cylindrical motor body was black. Beyond that, it is not possible to tell the original:

1) Finish of cast iron pinion cover
2) Finish of rear motor body cap / commutator housing
3) Finish of solenoid cylinder

BTW: Thanks for the pictures

Title: Re: Starter Replacement - Note to European Users
Post by: likes2laff on January 21, 2017, 22:05:33

I think I may have over-complicated my question...it is solely about appearance.