I have a cranking/hard starting problem. I'll try to describe it as precisely as possible but first some essential information. My car is a 740 GL, 242K miles,automatic tranny,FI,A/C. It always ran fine. About a month ago I started experiencing what I thought was a starter problem. The symptoms are that when I turn the ignition to start the starter cranks then after a second or so it stops. I try it again and it does the same thing. Usually I have to repeat this procedure several times before it starts although sometimes I get disgusted and give up. I've checked the battery, which seems okay. I've changed the starter and alternator but nothing seems to help. One thing I've noticed on one or two of the times I went through my repeated starting sequences is that when the starter was trying to start the motor it gave a sound much like the sound you get when you forget that your car's motor is running and you engage the starter. I do not know if that is important but it is one of the things I noticed. Is there anyone else who has experienced this kind of problem? I would appreciate any comments. Thanks.

Bill Wayne