The first (1)H, (13)C, (31)P and (11)B solid state MAS NMR studies of electron-deficient carborane-containing ruthenium and osmium complexes [Ru/Os(p-cym)(1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane-1,2-dithiolate)] are reported. The MAS NMR data from these 16-electron complexes are compared to those of free carborane-ligand and an 18-electron triphenylphosphine ruthenium adduct, and reveal clear spectral differences between 16- and 18-electron organometallic carborane systems in the solid state.