She (03 R53 manual) clicks once when trying to start. If i hold the key in the start position it doesnt do any thing else. I bought a new battery and that had no effect. I had to push start it to get home.

Once i got it home it actually started again, but after 30 min it went back to the same one click. The next morning still one click, however, i got impatient and kept turning the key....alot....and it started once and then not again.

Im leaning towards the starter but any help would be appreciated, especially if i dont have to buy a starter

 

I have heard of dead spots in a starter doing this. I have confirmed this in other cars / trucks by having someone tap on the starter housing while I had the ignition key is in the start position.

If it starts up right off while tapping on it, then it's prob. the starter.

Could also check the ground strap by the upper engine mount too. Some have been known to break off and corrode. If you remove it, use a 1/4 inch drive though and not the 3/8 or larger wratchet tool. That metal flange that the strap bolts into on the engine is very thin and will snap right off if you use too much torque when tightening it back down.

Good luck.