Urgent! - need to find a starter in Texas by Monday

[roymil]

Hi, just hoping someone out there knows where I could get a new or working-used starter in central Texas for my 280SL by Monday or Tuesday latest?   My Pagoda is scheduled for my daughters wedding Thursday and just hoping someone might have one around or know a place that might?   I figure I can swap it in a few hours.  Appreciate any ideas.   thanks!

[Vander]

Hi, just hoping someone out there knows where I could get a new or working-used starter in central Texas for my 280SL by Monday or Tuesday latest?   My Pagoda is scheduled for my daughters wedding Thursday and just hoping someone might have one around or know a place that might?   I figure I can swap it in a few hours.  Appreciate any ideas.   thanks!

You need "Bosch SR59X". Call your local auto parts stores and see if they can get that part #. Don't tell them the year/make model that will just give them mixed information.

[Lori]

If you can't find the Bosch, there is an Audi starter recommended by Jim Villers years ago which might be easier to find.

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=21743.msg159347#msg159347

https://www.obbstartersandalternators.com/16956n-034-911-023-034-911-023-a-034-911-023-x-p-1324.html

[mdsalemi]

Mark,

Contact your local NAPA dealer, there are a few in Austin.
Bosch remanufactured.
Their part number BSH SR59X. $238.99 https://www.napaonline.com/en/search?text=Bosch%20SR59X&referer=v2
They can usually get the parts fairly quickly...

[BobH]

If all else fails, coincidently this was posted today, although i have no idea how far these are from you

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=39881.msg290845#msg290845

[roymil]

Thanks for all the quick responses!  ( y'all are great!).  Ive been driving 70 miles and just picked up a Duralast 16299 (Autozone) which shows as replacement for Bosch SR59X which I just could not find anywhere close/fast.   I’ll install tonight.   BTW Mercedes quoted $600+ and multiple weeks :0)!  Thanks,  I’ll try to post my experience with the Duralast

[roymil]

Good news to report that the Duralast starter from Autozone hooked up nicely, same as the Bosch, and its smaller too!   Engine started right up.   Problem solved in 1/2 day and most of that was driving 150 miles RT in traffic and stopping for lunch, so I'm chalking this one up as a nice big win. 

Yes, I'm going to order a new Bosch as soon as I can find someplace that it's in stock.   I gave up after trying 5 or 6 of the usual suspects.  I dont expect a rebuilt starter to last that long.   I assume the Bosch are new and not "reconditioned"?

...and by the way, with the right tools, you dont need to mess with pulling the cover to the transmission hump from the inside.   The new side angle power ratchets are small enough and have enough torque to break loose the starter bolts from underneath.  I love tools!  I do need a lift though...maybe for Christmas.  time for a beer

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

A picture of the new bride in the Pagoda would be the topper to this story!

JB

[Merc_Girl]

A picture of the new bride in the Pagoda would be the topper to this story!

JB

Here here! And maybe holding the broken starter motor 🥸

[Cees Klumper]

Here here! And maybe holding the broken starter motor 🥸

That would be one strong bride, those things are heavy!