E30 Zone

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?

bat

cold could have killed it

or check the conections are tight on the starter

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

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.