Hello all. I have a 2006 Z4 3.0i and I'm having a weird problem related to starting. Over the past month or two it started turning over slower. As soon as I turned the key the starter would almost stall but as soon as it made the first revolution it started every time. On rare occasions the car would start as if nothing was wrong. Temperature did not matter for when it would or wouldn't start. The slow start got worse and worse until this week. It tried to start and the starer stalled before it could make the first turn. I tried again right after and it was extremely slow but it started. I had the battery tested at auto zone and they said it was good. Today it started once and then didn't start again. Tried multiple times with no result. I would turn the key and absolutely nothing would happen, no turn, no click, but everything else in the car worked. Ended up roll starting it to get it home but of course that isn't a reliable solution. I figure it's either the starter or an electrical connection but I wanted to know if someone else had any insight. If there is another post with this problem point me in the right direction please, because I couldn't find this exact problem. Any contribution would help, Thanks guys.
Starting Issues
- Thread starter seth45177
- Start date
Starter motor sounds like its given up, the slow starting was a clue to it going bad, had this on my 2.5 earlier in the year but had no warning of it going bad, it just died. Ignition lights on ok but nothing from the starter when key turned to start. It was easy to take out just two bolts held it in, found that a ratchet ring spanner was best to use in the space between the firewall and the top of the bellhousing where the starter is mounted. Disconnect the battery before you start taking it out and remove the cable connections before pulling the motor out. Replacement for mine was a rebuilt unit from one of the online discount car parts for just over £50 sterling.
Fitted the replacement and first turn of key starting was restored.
Fitted the replacement and first turn of key starting was restored.
Had same symptoms. New starter sorted it. With new one on, no hesitation in starting. I changed the starter myself and I am an amateur DIYer. Some advice, if you decide to tackle it yourself, it can be done from the top. No need to mess around with the manifold, however, you might want to remove some of the air hoses e.g from MAF onwards to get a bit more room, held on by jubilee clips..