Thanks for taking a look... resolution sounds more complicated for me at this time due to time / work .... Wiring harness head been changed a few years ago per documentation that came with the car and that MB service printed out for me.

Today stuff happened fast so don't remember the details, but I do know the ticking started when I turned the key to start and as I was cranking the starter it clicked away.......

I will access the situation tommorrow ...

thanks again for the detailed explanation.

edit "This is a M104 engine with HFM and EA. The EA module in effect is the cruise control module, but also handles the operation of the entire throttle motor (Electronic Accelerator, Cruise Control, Idle Speed Control, usually abbreviated EA/CC/ISC). I am unsure of the location of this module, it very well may be what is clicking"

I want to clarify, the cruise control amplifer is what is definitely or was ticking.... seems they have them rebuilt I think. Just wondering if it was just a coincidence that was making noise and has nothing to do with the no start now, but seems to be a big coincidence one day its making noise and the next day it doesn't start, starts and turns off two times while that box is ticking away and then no start and no ticking .......

At this point I kinda hope its that box , as expensive as it is, so the diagnosis doesn't have to go any further, and it seems easy to exchange with four torx screws.

thoughts?

thanks