Starter Motor dead?

[PeteE30Tourer]

Got into my car tonight to come home - turned the key - loud click but nothing else. Starter motor not turning over at all. So i'm assuming it's dead.

Two quick questions:

1. How much are they roughly?
2. How easy to replace?

[andyp]

sounds like it might be the battery mate, if you need a starter ive got a spare one

[Quaser]

I had a similar problem

Get the wheel wrench out of the boot and tap the starter whilst someone keeps the key turned

Free'd my starter up a treat

good for emergancies!

Q

[PeteE30Tourer]

Andy - i dont think it's the battery as i put the headlights on and they're at full brightness and dont dim after a while. I may well take that starter motor off you if it proves to be terminal - thanks for the offer. Where are you based?

Quasar - good tip thanks - i'll give that a try. Not even sure where the starter motor is yet though - on the driver's side of the engine i think?

[andyp]

pm sent

[Quaser]

look under the brake servo - at the back of the engine, on the passenger side.

or... behind the dipstick - should be a cylindrical black thing with a few thick wires comming out of it.

Make sure you have no loose clothing that can get caught on the alternator belt!

Q

[A1BMW325iSport]

yup had same prob in the past, its the starter motor.

Matt

[PeteE30Tourer]

pm sent

PM not received yet!

Thanks Quasar - i'll look at it tonight.

[andyp]

ok pm sent again, with my number but it shows as being in my out box not sent box so not sure wot is going on if you still got my number pete give me a ring.