Intro

[Anthony Brashill]

Hi just joined,Tony from Brighton East Sussex,2001 2.2 BMW Z3 Dakar Yellow.
Have a problem with starting,had motor for about 3 years,no probs until recent,starter motor spins but doesn't engage and turn engine over,fitted a new 77AH Bosch battery in June last year,but didn't use car for about a month,went to start it last week,when the problem occured,tried jumping it with another car still wouldn't start,battery showing 12 volts+ if I bump start it and go for run,and stop,it does start,could it be the solenoid,or a relay,have tried to give the solenoid a tap but made no difference any ideas.

 

[t-tony]

It sounds like low battery voltage to me. Have you charged it?

Tony.

 

[Nodzed]

 

[Anthony Brashill]

Yep battery good showing over 12 volts,as I say tried jumping it with my mates car but no go,when I got it running,by bump starting and checked all the charging stuff, is ok,also if you try to start it with headlights on there is no noticeable dimming of headlights

 

[Shelly]

 

[Keet]

Hello and welcome to the forum

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hi Anthony welcome to the forum. From reading your first post, your starter motor spins but does not engage with the flywheel and so doesn't turn the engine over? However you can bump start your car. If that's the case I'd say the fault is with your starter motor.
Take it off and check it out.

 

[t-tony]

Yep battery good showing over 12 volts,as I say tried jumping it with my mates car but no go,when I got it running,by bump starting and checked all the charging stuff, is ok,also if you try to start it with headlights on there is no noticeable dimming of headlights

The headlights won’t dim if the starter motor isn’t cranking the engine. Try placing a jump lead between the engine block and a good earth on the chassis and see if that helps otherwise take the starter motor off and test it with jump leads for the drive pinion throwing out.

Tony.

 

[Anthony Brashill]

Yep suspected the starter motor,just checking if there were any other suspects before I take starter motor off,as I might possibly have remove all of the inlet manifold and ancillary equipment,which could possibly be a mammoth task.

 

[Stevo7682]

Hi and welcome from me in Scotland another Dakar owner .

Have to agree with others sounds like your starter.

Stephen.

 

[Antm72]

Hi and welcome from South Yorkshire

 

[MRH1966]

Taking out starter motor is a big job!! It was on the 2.0l I once had!! Just down the road near Lewes if you need a hand

 

[ktnez99]

Hello and welcome Anthony. Good luck resolving your car’s issue.

 

[Anthony Brashill]

Hi guys and girls thanks for the warm welcome,as for the starter problem,I've sort of resigned myself to replacing the starter,when the weather improves, because I havent got a garage,so when I do the deed I'll keep you posted

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Hi Tony, and welcome from me in Cardiff.

 

[t-tony]

Yep suspected the starter motor,just checking if there were any other suspects before I take starter motor off,as I might possibly have remove all of the inlet manifold and ancillary equipment,which could possibly be a mammoth task.

Hi Tony, found this on YouTube, and it is a bit of a rave and not a job for a rainy day.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM6tkfPijFw


But at least you can have a look and prepare.

Tony.

 

[Anthony Brashill]

Yeah see what you mean,definitely a job forthis week,but I am preparing myself for when the weather improves.

 

[Mint]

Hi @Anthony Brashill, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire. Hope you can get your starter motor problem sorted soon. Zedding season is nearly here. Good luck.