ADVICE needed - starter issue E36 318is

[hightower127]

Hi Guys,

need some help, I have a E36 318IS T reg.... i think the starter motor is knackered, the car starts first time, but if i drive somewhere, come back within an hour and try to start, it turnsover but then i hear a spinning noise.

It will eventually turn over but means sitting there for 15 minutes constantly trying to turn over!

Is it a starter motor? how easy is it to do yourself? I can do the basic and don't fancy getting a garage to do, if i can do the replacement myself?

Any ideas/help would be great!!

Cheers

Olly

[roofer]

Sounds more like the starter solenoid than the complete unit. The heat mat be jamming the throw in the bore, but i have seen this when the solenoid had worked loose. Unfortunately, in todays throwaway society, most will just swap the starter, and if your abilities are basic, it may be easier for you to do the same.

Check movement on the starter dog before condeming it, and also check teeth on dog/ring gear.

[gurpsj]

I have had the same problem about 2 months ago, it's very embarresing in public places. Just get another starter, I got mine from a breakers 30quid mate charged 15 to fit.

A garage told me a recon unit plus fitting would be 175, and bmw said 170 just the part that's why I bought an old one ifmine breaks again I still saved money. If u can get under the car then I say fit it urself.

The solenoid is the definite problem like previous reply, if u ain't got a new starter yet, put car in 2nd gear while it's standing. Rock the car alot then start it. It should do trick with the knackered starter, if it's not starting