What is this solenoid and why do I have it?

[scoot]

I'm trying to clean up my piles of parts.  I came across this solenoid and I don't know what it goes to.  It doesn't look like anything under the hood of my 250 SL.  But it does look familiar.   I figure one of you out there can tell me what this is and what it goes to...

thanks
Scott

[garymand]

Its not part of a 250SL 4 speed.  It reminds me of an electric overdive activator. It pulls a lever in the tranny that engages the overdrive only when activated 12Volts are applied. 

[ja17]

Looks like a cold start solenoid on an early MB, 230SL early or 220SEB etc.

[zoegrlh]

Yes I agree with Joe, it is a cold start solenoid.
Bob