HELP! Strange Grinding/Grating Noise from engine?

[t-tony]

Connor,that to me sounds as though the starter motor is "stuck in mesh" which basically means it has not returned from meshing with the flywheel ring gear ( which it does to turn the engine over) and consequently the starter motor is being "driven" by the engine! I would suggest the starter motor is faulty, probably terminal.

Tony.

 

[Connor]

That's what I think/hope. Going to ring the BMW specialist to see if they can come out and look at it. They are only 5 minutes away so should be possible.

 

[zedonist]

Good call tony did you get that from the video, just checked and you are correct it sits at the top right at the back below the intake manifold, it is held on with external torx bolts, so you will need some torx sockets to remove. I had dismissed it as i thought it was sitting at the bottom left of the engine.

 

[oldcarman]

That was what I got from the vid Tony. The starter is not kicking out and as you said is being driven by the motor. Using a piece of broom stick or a big screwdriver and placing it on each component and listening close to it will pick out the problems. Your starter will be heating up and possibly be dying which would prevent it from cranking until it has time to cool down if it hasn't already expired. As Zedonist pointed out you may also have a coil problem as well. Hopefully the BMW boys will give you answers! Good luck, hopefully it's something simple. JIM

 

[t-tony]

Good call tony did you get that from the video, just checked and you are correct it sits at the top right at the back below the intake manifold, it is held on with external torx bolts, so you will need some torx sockets to remove. I had dismissed it as i thought it was sitting at the bottom left of the engine.

Yes mate, if that's what it turns out to be, it's my best guess.

Tony.

 

[zedonist]

Once you get a listening stick on it, it will become clear.

 

[Connor]

UPDATE..

It was the starter motor. The car now starts and the grinding noise is now gone.

RESULT! Thanks for the help

Connor.

 

[zedonist]

Fantastic news, glad it was simple fix

 

[Connor]

Me too!

 

[zedonist]

To be honest the 1.9 is bomb proof if you look after it and service regular.

 

[FRANKIE]

It won't start at all now, even a bump start didn't work. So not sure at all what to do.

It could be possible that the bearing in the Alternator pulley has progressively failed. In doing so, failed to run the alternator properly and not charge the battery. Just a guess from 3000 miles away. Remove the alternator belt and examine the pulley with your hands. If it is loosely attached to the shaft of the alternator, then you found both problems. If it is tight, remove the alternator and have it tested at an automotive shop. They usually do it for free. Frankie

 

[handsomejackuk]

Yes mate, if that's what it turns out to be, it's my best guess.

Tony.

got a feeling this is my issue too....