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Intermittent Starter Motor Noise

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RustyZ4
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Intermittent Starter Motor Noise

Post by RustyZ4 » Tue Jan 30, 2018 6:28 pm

Once in a while when I start the car, I get what can only be described as a "graunching" noise, it doesn't do it often, probably 3 times in 4 months, but I just wondered what it could be, the car is under BMW warranty and wondered if I should get them to check it out, or if this is a common problem with no issues,
Thanks in advance for any advice
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mcbutler
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Intermittent Starter Motor Noise

Post by mcbutler » Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:16 pm

Well, its certainly not 'normal'. you may have a tooth or two missing from the flywheel!!
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ph001
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Intermittent Starter Motor Noise

Post by ph001 » Wed Jan 31, 2018 4:00 pm

Does it only make the noise when the car actually starts and you let go of the key or does it do it whilst turning over on the starter before it's fired?
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Intermittent Starter Motor Noise

Post by Smartbear » Wed Jan 31, 2018 4:45 pm

RustyZ4 wrote: Tue Jan 30, 2018 6:28 pm Once in a while when I start the car, I get what can only be described as a "graunching" noise, it doesn't do it often, probably 3 times in 4 months, but I just wondered what it could be, the car is under BMW warranty and wondered if I should get them to check it out, or if this is a common problem with no issues,
Thanks in advance for any advice
My 3.0si did this, it seems the starter can get coated in clutch dust which gums it up enough to graunch a bit (usually in cold weather)
Removal & cleaning is supposed to sort it out :thumbsup:
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ph001
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Intermittent Starter Motor Noise

Post by ph001 » Wed Jan 31, 2018 5:29 pm

2007 E85 Z4 3.0Si manual :driving:
19" CSL's | Eibach Springs | Aeroskirts | Z4M front bumper | Clear brake light | ZHP | RCH+| Stubby

2004 E46 M3 coupe manual - gone but not forgotten.

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RustyZ4
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Intermittent Starter Motor Noise

Post by RustyZ4 » Wed Jan 31, 2018 7:00 pm

ph001 wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2018 4:00 pm Does it only make the noise when the car actually starts and you let go of the key or does it do it whilst turning over on the starter before it's fired?
It only does it from a cold start, and yes whilst turning over
Z4 Mineral Grey, 28i MSport Auto, lots of goodies
Z4 E85 3.0, gone but now with son :D
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RustyZ4
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Intermittent Starter Motor Noise

Post by RustyZ4 » Wed Jan 31, 2018 7:01 pm

ph001 wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2018 5:29 pm Yep.. see here https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.ph ... r#p1481386
Thanks for that, I think as its under warranty I will get BMW to check it over for me :thumbsup:
Z4 Mineral Grey, 28i MSport Auto, lots of goodies
Z4 E85 3.0, gone but now with son :D
Growing Old is Mandatory But Growing Up is Optional

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RustyZ4
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Intermittent Starter Motor Noise

Post by RustyZ4 » Fri Feb 02, 2018 10:36 am

ph001 wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2018 4:00 pm Does it only make the noise when the car actually starts and you let go of the key or does it do it whilst turning over on the starter before it's fired?

It did it again last night, I actually noticed the noise it right at the end of start up, might be coincidence, but it always when its really cold out
Z4 Mineral Grey, 28i MSport Auto, lots of goodies
Z4 E85 3.0, gone but now with son :D
Growing Old is Mandatory But Growing Up is Optional

mcbutler
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Intermittent Starter Motor Noise

Post by mcbutler » Sat Feb 10, 2018 11:03 pm

At the end of start up the engine speed exceeds starter motor speed and the gear that engages the flywheel when you press start is thrown out of mesh. It lands against a spring on the shaft of the starter motor. May be a broken spring rattling??
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Intermittent Starter Motor Noise

Post by RustyZ4 » Mon Feb 12, 2018 6:34 pm

mcbutler wrote: Sat Feb 10, 2018 11:03 pm At the end of start up the engine speed exceeds starter motor speed and the gear that engages the flywheel when you press start is thrown out of mesh. It lands against a spring on the shaft of the starter motor. May be a broken spring rattling??
thanks mcbutler, going into the stealers tomorrow, ill se what they come up with
Z4 Mineral Grey, 28i MSport Auto, lots of goodies
Z4 E85 3.0, gone but now with son :D
Growing Old is Mandatory But Growing Up is Optional

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