3.0si strange start up sound

By the way, I also start the car with the clutch pedal pressed down, as it means the starter motor doesn't have to work as hard.
 
It comes up on the forum now and again. http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3747

I take it to be a characteristic, not a sign of a problem. My Dad had a 1 series that did it too. I don't know enough to be sure of what caused it, but plenty of people have it.

I always switch off with the clutch pedal down now.
 
The video in the link sounds identical to what I'm hearing! Will just put it down as another Z4 foible! Haha.

Thanks for your help, appreciate it.
 
I am going through similar thing. It would happen now and than but usually pretty often. The issue is solenoid.

It wouldn't disengage the starter bendix from the flywheel soon enough. That's why you get the sound when you are starting the engine.
Solenoid could also "stick" or become stuck on a dead point. Resulting the car won't even start. Won't even do a "click" when starting or turning the ignition. A few light thumps on solenoid and the car starts.

Remedy? A new starter motor with new solenoid. It's not worth changing just one of them. Since one of two went they probably did they life cycle of 50.000 engine starts or is getting close.
 
Also get this sound on every couple of cold starts... I'd say 2 or 3 times a week at most.

Will look into getting the starter motor and solenoid done near Christmas if it can end up causing a serious issue.
 
ChrisN53 said:
What parts did you use, and how much did it cost to change both?
Click to expand...

I just bought a complete set from Valeo. I traded in my old motor and solenoid - OEM BMW made by Denso (Made in Italy). I got a really good price, but rebuild unit by BMW is sold for around 300€ and aftermarket ones for around half of that price.
If you decide to replace only solenoid (which would cost you around 100-130€ from BMW) I would still advise you to check the starter motor also. For wear and tear of brushes and coils. BMW's technician can repair or rebuild your motor replace worn parts. But that will also cost at least 100€. Do the math and decide :)
 
Can someone explain the different between starter motor and solenoid? I thought they were one and the same? In that the solenoid was within the starter motor?

I can't find a starter solenoid for the Z4 separately on www.EuroCarParts.co.uk
 
Solenoid-operated-Delco-MT-series-starter-motor.jpg


The solenoid is the thing on top.
It both switches the main current to the startermotor (the keyswitch only switches the solenoid current as it is to weak to switch the large startermotorcurrent), and the solenoid also pushes the drive pinion onto the flywheel (that has gearteeth on the outside).
(the z4 startermotor is a little bit more complicated than the picture above as it has a planetary gearsystem in it, so it can be a high revving motor and thus smaller in size)

The part that makes the noise in the first video is the overrunning clutch in the drive pinion.

I disassembeld my startermotor (I had the same noise only not as bad) and lubricated all parts that needed lubrication and it has been running fine since (4 years now). I did that when I installed my supercharger, because access was really easy back then.
This is basically what's in there (this is already cleaned):
demonstarter9.jpg
It's about 1-2 hours work to disassemble, clean and assemble the loose startermotor.
 
Hi,
The solenoid is part of the starter motor, it can be changed if that is giving trouble... e.g. not closing to allow voltage through to the starter (brushes).

Guidok ...beat me to it with a much better explanation ^^
 
How easy is it to swap out the starter motor on a N52 (3.0Si)?

And if I were to order a Bosch starter motor (http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_Z4+Coupe_3.0_2006/p/car-parts/car-electrics-and-car-lighting/electrical/starter-motor/?402110410&1&75eae4590f10dfc8d7ae31ce56b54e591d8387a8&000308) would that include both solenoid and starter motor?
 
Brilliant, thanks. So my question is then...how difficult?

Appreciate all the help guys. Want to get it sorted before it starts getting cold and I end up stuck somewhere.
 
Been quoted £313, £312 and £335 from three local BMW independents for a Bosch unit, including parts and labour. Is this something that is best left to a BMW specialist, or can I attempt it myself?
 
MHZ4C said:
Hi,

With regard to the second sound when you turn the engine off... Try turning off with the clutch pedal pushed down. It's common to have a clunk when turning off with the clutch pedal not pressed down. Something to do with movement in the clutch, but not a sign of problems.

I always turn off with the clutch pressed down to avoid it.
Click to expand...

Thanks to you, whenever I turn my engine off now I no longer get that horrible clunk noise :thumbsup: great advice.
 
ChrisN53 said:
Brilliant, thanks. So my question is then...how difficult?

Appreciate all the help guys. Want to get it sorted before it starts getting cold and I end up stuck somewhere.
Click to expand...

Did a search for you, see below....

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42622&p=814167&hilit=N52+starter+motor#p814167

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=64308&p=950858&hilit=start%C3%A9r+motor+n52#p950748
 
Thanks fixit man. I would imagine removing the manifold is pretty straightforward, just worried about the fitting and adjustment of the motor its self.
 
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