E39 Alpina V8 Starter Motor (I think)
Discussion
Have posted this on the Alpina Register but I'm inpatient so thought I'd ask you chaps for help too.
My recently acquired 97 E39 B10 V8 has an intermittent non-start issue.
Seems very random but sometimes I'll turn the key and just hear the solenoid loudly click, no cranking. Often it'll start normally on the next attempt, sometime takes a couple more attempts. Sometimes its fine and starts normally. Seems irrelevant whether the car has been stood for a while or has been driven recently. Basically, random.
So far, I've cleaned the ignition switch though it looks fine and I'm not getting any of the other weird symptoms associated with a switch failure. I've had the earths cleaned whilst the car was in for a gearbox oil change. The guy working on the car was fairly convinced its the starter itself since the solenoid is getting power.
So, would you all agree that its the starter motor? And if so, where do I go for a new one, how much is it going to dent the wallet and how easy to DIY swap it? I assume its a standard 540 starter motor?
My recently acquired 97 E39 B10 V8 has an intermittent non-start issue.
Seems very random but sometimes I'll turn the key and just hear the solenoid loudly click, no cranking. Often it'll start normally on the next attempt, sometime takes a couple more attempts. Sometimes its fine and starts normally. Seems irrelevant whether the car has been stood for a while or has been driven recently. Basically, random.
So far, I've cleaned the ignition switch though it looks fine and I'm not getting any of the other weird symptoms associated with a switch failure. I've had the earths cleaned whilst the car was in for a gearbox oil change. The guy working on the car was fairly convinced its the starter itself since the solenoid is getting power.
So, would you all agree that its the starter motor? And if so, where do I go for a new one, how much is it going to dent the wallet and how easy to DIY swap it? I assume its a standard 540 starter motor?
roofer said:
It sounds like the solenoid is jamming in the bore. It's fairly simple to take the starter off , remove the solenoid and clean/ grease it up.
There's also an arm that links to the bendix,the pin supporting this arm will benefit from a clean and grease too.
I'm not so sure the solenoid is jamming. The metallic click/clunk to me sounds like the ring gear is engaging just not turning. Not 100% sure on that but sounds like the right sort of noise. Maybe worth me doing what you suggest none the less. There's also an arm that links to the bendix,the pin supporting this arm will benefit from a clean and grease too.
TheEnd said:
It's a standard or donor part, so it's a regular 540i starter.
Part number should be 12411736922, same as used on the 4.4 E39's and the 4.0 E34's, and a whole load of others.
Cheers. There's a nearly new one on ebay for £50 so think I might take a punt on that anyway and if it's not needed I'll keep it as a spare. Part number should be 12411736922, same as used on the 4.4 E39's and the 4.0 E34's, and a whole load of others.
Gad-Westy said:
roofer said:
It sounds like the solenoid is jamming in the bore. It's fairly simple to take the starter off , remove the solenoid and clean/ grease it up.
There's also an arm that links to the bendix,the pin supporting this arm will benefit from a clean and grease too.
I'm not so sure the solenoid is jamming. The metallic click/clunk to me sounds like the ring gear is engaging just not turning. Not 100% sure on that but sounds like the right sort of noise. Maybe worth me doing what you suggest none the less. There's also an arm that links to the bendix,the pin supporting this arm will benefit from a clean and grease too.
If ring hear teeth are burred, look forward to spending many hours lying under the car with a small triangle file, going over every one, in the process, smashing your b
d knuckles to bits, freezing your bks off, and having half an engine fall in your eye.Do not ask how I know this
roofer said:
That would indicate burrs on the bendix or ring gear teeth. It called also be as simple as a slightly loose starter . Check the bolts are tight. The torque can change the angle of the throw, and cause it to jam.
If ring hear teeth are burred, look forward to spending many hours lying under the car with a small triangle file, going over every one, in the process, smashing your bd knuckles to bits, freezing your bks off, and having half an engine fall in your eye.
Do not ask how I know this
Ha ha. Thanks (I think!).If ring hear teeth are burred, look forward to spending many hours lying under the car with a small triangle file, going over every one, in the process, smashing your b
d knuckles to bits, freezing your bks off, and having half an engine fall in your eye.Do not ask how I know this
Should get under the car for a poke about at the weekend. Bloody front spoiler is too low for my ramps.
Gad-Westy said:
Bloody front spoiler is too low for my ramps.
Get a couple of lengths of 4x2 (or 3x1.5), about 2.5 / 3 feet long. Position them around one third / halfway up the ramps.Initial gradient reduced, no spoiler contact.
If you have the ramps with the solid, corrugated face, you will require another solution.
Higgs boson said:
Get a couple of lengths of 4x2 (or 3x1.5), about 2.5 / 3 feet long. Position them around one third / halfway up the ramps.
Initial gradient reduced, no spoiler contact.
If you have the ramps with the solid, corrugated face, you will require another solution.
Cheers. I'll give it a whirl. Initial gradient reduced, no spoiler contact.
If you have the ramps with the solid, corrugated face, you will require another solution.
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