starting woes

[hennabm]

Today my old 320 decided that after starting this morning, any further attempt to start it with the starter was a no go.

After a push start at lunch time it would start immediately after switching off but given 10+ minutes it wouldn't start again.
The same has happened all day now.

When the key is turned there isn't even a click or anything from the starter. I did try whacking the starter and solenoid with a hammer but to no avail. I did notice however that when I turned the key the interior lights did dip slightly indicating to me that a current is trying to turn the starter.

Before I rip off the motor, are there any other possibilities it could be with the old car?

[CG_Maintenance]

bat

cold could have killed it

or check the conections are tight on the starter

[hennabm]

All connections tight and in tact including the earth wire between the solenoid and starter motor. Battery connections fine too.

[hennabm]

Earlier this week I tried to start it with the headlights switched on. Turned the key and the lights did not go out but it didn't turn the starter either.
So I bought a new starter at £82. Today I had a lovely time fitting it . That top starter bolt is a joy to undo and tighten NOT.
Anyway it came to the big start up only for the starter to just turn over. After attaching the jump leads and a boost from the323, it burst into life.
So although it looks like it wasn't the starter's fault there was no way I was going to put the old one back. So down to the factors and a new 60 amp battery at £45. Then after fitting it I left the car for several hours as had happened on Sunday and then tried to start it. It started (hooray) but I have never seen a battery fault like that before. Normally if a battery can't provide enough current for starting, with the headlights on, the lights will dim on turning the key. This didn't happen. Very strange. But after nearly £130 out of pocket I can rely on it again.