Starter Motor Failure

[Justino]

800 miles into a 2,00 mile round trip to Klosters, Milan and then Turin, the starter motor failed at 40k miles.

After the first day of the trip, circa 450 miles, the next day the starter sounded lazy - battery was good. The next day I thought it sounded odd, and maybe a whiff of a burning smell. It gave up the ghost in Turin, so a long way from home.

Went to a BMW dealership, but service was closed, and the sales staff weren't interested in trying to help. It was Saturday lunchtime, so even if I used my breakdown cover, the odds of a garage fixing it before leaving Sunday to get back to the UK today would be limited, so made the decision to push start where I couldn't roll, pals in the 996 Turbo with me would push if not on a hill.

Looked at BMW prices, which are £500+, but Valeo or Bosch between £175-£225.

Another option is to have the existing refurbed.

Interested in peoples opinions/experiences.

cheers
Quick vid on one of the passes

[youtube]https://youtu.be/f3BEc0tngd0[/youtube]

 

[MikeyH]

I bought one at Euro parts a few months ago, I think it cost me around £45.00. Fitted it myself, easy job.

 

[beanie]

I’m in Turin if it’s any help, happy to give any assistance with garages or some pigeon Italian if you need it.

 

[Justino]

I’m in Turin if it’s any help, happy to give any assistance with garages or some pigeon Italian if you need it.

That would have been handy knowing on Saturday - I'm back now, thanks for the offer, we resorted to bump starting, and refuelling without turning off!

Turin is mad by the way!

Justin

 

[-Tom-]

Mine also went recently. I went with

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311997378363?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=wdQi9ZlKTLy&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=hvb8PaOyQXS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY or they have their own website too.

I fitted it without removing the intake plenum! My car is under extended warranty, but I couldn’t face seeing Recovery try and manoeuvre the car about behind my garage, as it’s difficult enough with the car running!

Coupled with a new battery, I haven’t heard it start so well in the 8 years I’ve had it!

 

[Joycey]

Must be something in the air at the moment. Mine went on Saturday, went for a branded Lucas starter for £151 (Euros) plus a £60 surcharge till you return the old one. Luckily for me I have a black top N52 so no PCV system in the way, took me around 30 mins to change. Two torx bolts (ally one use) one electrical connection and the main positive.

 

[Justino]

I will be doing this my self, but will probably remove the plenum to avoid scraped knuckles and frustration.

When you remove the old one - can you see the manufacturer details?

 

[Justino]

My car is under extended warranty, but I couldn’t face seeing Recovery try and manoeuvre the car about behind my garage, as it’s difficult enough with the car running!

I was 800 miles from home, so I am envious it went for you where it was an easier fix!

 

[beanie]

That would have been handy knowing on Saturday - I'm back now, thanks for the offer, we resorted to bump starting, and refuelling without turning off!

Turin is mad by the way!

Justin

Good to hear you’re back!

Turin is a great place but driving here is always an experience!