"grinding" noise from the engine during "cold start"

[cj10jeeper]

Thats probably the case

However, that being said, I still haven't had the noise occur when being very careful about when to let go of the key when starting the car...

I'll post again when the sound comes back

Sure because if you time the key release well as the engine picks up it should assist throwing the gears apart, rather than a second too late where the engine spinning faster may actually hold the gears if stiff. Hope that poor explanation works....

 

[Anonymous]

Had a look at the possibility of removing the starter and it looks hard to get at, even if you remove the air filter thing :headbang:

Kryters

 

[*AL*]

Had a look at the possibility of removing the starter and it looks hard to get at, even if you remove the air filter thing :headbang:

Kryters

Believe me it's easier to get at than most modern cars! At least you can see it.

 

[Motto]

Sorry jumping in here a little late but as you probably know I just got my first Z last week and I'm having exactely the same issue, seems to be when starting from cold - I take it it's not something serious to worry about? :?

 

[ZetaTre]

Had this same issue on my wife's Z4 and the dealer replaced the whole starter under CPO.. The tech lubed it all nice...

Anyway, I brought this up cuz a friend has asked if I could take a look and was doing some homework before saying yes...

 

[Mr Whippy]

Just to add to this. I think mine is doing this too, only for half a second, very feint, but it's the same kind of noise you get it you try start a car once the engine is already running...

Does it when cold (like 0 degC)

Turned it off almost straight away, and on again, it did it again.

Third time it didn't do it.


Clearly just sticky and dries out a little bit.

Will remove, lubricate, refit and report back Had a look at access, how easy to get to and work on! Love longitudinally mounted engines

Dave

 

[Medium Dave]

Mine is doing the same thing. Dealer are replacing it under the used car warranty.

 

[Mr Whippy]

That is almost as bad as the windscreen replacement for a dodgy rain sensor gel...

The CV joint in the rear axle is worn, best replace the entire rear axle

There is no wonder people think BMW's are expensive to maintain. The sticky drive gear on the solenoid is quite a common issue on any starter motor. They get dried out and then either stay out or in... it's probably the super smooth nature of the BMW sixes that means you actually notice it over the other clatter on a modern 4 pot etc...

Dave

 

[EdButler]

Mine does this also! Seems like a common problem! Will get them to have a look at it when i have a Service the day before the warranty expires

 

[Medium Dave]

That is almost as bad as the windscreen replacement for a dodgy rain sensor gel...

Maybe so but I end up with a new starter motor instead of a 5 year old one. I won't be telling them how to fix it!

 

[ZetaTre]

Most of the time, if the issue is cough on time doesn't require a new starter. Also a new started might end up doing the same in the long run. The problem there is with the shaft on the gear that doesn't retract on time and grind against the flywheel.

The best solution would be to remove the starter as the problem occur, make sure the shaft is clean (use brake cleaner and a brush if necessary) and apply some brake lube on the shaft (or similar high temp lube).

 

[crooner12]

This is a pretty common problem. Mine does this occasionally when it's cold out too. It's due in part to the lubricating grease on the starter's bendix gear becoming too thick and not retracting properly. Not a huge issue, though it wouldn't hurt to take it into the dealer. I don't think they'll give you a new starter, rather they'll just lube the bendix.

 

[chris]

Sorry to get an old thread, but mine is doing this as its freezing!

So take out, lube and replace then?

 

[grayboots]

Yep, mine does this as well. Same scenario, clap cold and the starters noisy but once warm it's fine.

 

[ranski]

+1 started yesterday

 

[chris]

Brilliant, so quite common then

 

[a11y]

Useful thread

Mine's done this only once or twice over the past 12 months, but good to know what's causing it. That'll be a job for warmer conditions I think...

 

[Adam D]

Mine does the same occassionally, only since the temperatures have fallen though. Is there any chance of spraying lube on ite without removing it ?

 

[a11y]

Mine does the same occassionally, only since the temperatures have fallen though. Is there any chance of spraying lube on ite without removing it ?

+1, if there's a lazy option I'd like to hear it too

 

[Muso]

Thats probably the case

However, that being said, I still haven't had the noise occur when being very careful about when to let go of the key when starting the car...

I'll post again when the sound comes back

This option seems to be working for me too ... No noise since last weekend, and temps have been lower during this week ... so far, so good.