starter motor noise

Post Sun Jul 23, 2006 8:41 am

When my car is switcched on there is a whizzing noise and a loud screech, but when its on it doesnt have a problem, ive had this problem for over a year now. However, now it struggles to start up, could this be the starter motor?

Thanks
Nas

Post Sun Jul 23, 2006 8:57 am

Post Sun Jul 23, 2006 9:00 am

thanks for the input chris, but is it normal to whizz for an entire year and then show signs for packing up

Post Sun Jul 23, 2006 9:03 am

Not what you'd call normal, but it sounds like it's not been engaging cleanly for some time, wearing it's teeth out, and has now started giving up the ghost completely.

I'd replace asap.

Post Sun Jul 23, 2006 9:16 am

Thanks again,

but just one more question, does a starter motor from an early 325i(big one) fit the later engine?

Post Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:56 pm

AAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHH

Ive just switched the starter over with another second hand one, the whizzing is still there infact its louder, this is fcukin doin my head in,

is there a special way of fitting a starter ?

or,

what else can it be?

Post Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:01 pm

Knackered ring gear? If so, you've let a simple problem develop into a not so simple one.

Post Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:02 pm

i checked the teeth on the ring gear when the starter was off, and they seemed fine