starting system

Hi all i am going to help a friend work on his benz this weekend. When he goes to start it he gets nothing, no cranking, no clicking. I have worked on chevy, ford ... but have never looked at a benz. Does the benz use a system like a ford starter(seperate solinoid) or is it like a chevy (all in one).Thanks Roger Edit: sorry its a 83 300sd diesel 5 cyln.

check the safety switch on the trans, seen a lot of wiring issues and switch issues with them. you can always try to start it in neutral. also ignition switches fail. the system is not that complicated, once you see it you will notice that it is still a bucket of bolts and wires just like other cars nothing fancy on an 83.