BMW 318i Starter Motor question, HELP!

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Wed 3 Aug 2005 12:54
BMW 318i Starter Motor question, HELP! - mumof3uk
This is a cry for help from yes, a WOMAN!!
We have an F reg (1989) 318i automatic, the gearbox went on us & was replaced with a G reg (1990) one, now however the pinion teeth from the original starter motor are too wide to engage the flywheel on the newly fitted gearbox.
The original starter has 9 teeth, I have no idea if the engine is belt or chain driven, could anyone help me out, we have already bought a starter which turned out to be exactly the same as the original, is there a starter with more teeth out there??
Cheers.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 3 Aug 2005 14:06
BMW 318i Starter Motor question, HELP! - John S
First things first. This engine has a belt driven cam, which does need changing at the recommended interval, but that's nothing to do with the starter motor.

The only way you'll sort this is by getting the dealer or a specialist to examine the parts book to see if the starter spec changed between '89 and '90. That said, surely the firm who changed the gearbox have some responsibility to give you a running car?

JS
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 3 Aug 2005 20:05
BMW 318i Starter Motor question, HELP! - none
Years ago when replacing starter pinions was an everyday job, the number of teeth on the old one were counted, and a similar replacement fitted.
If I recall correctly, it used to be 9 or 11 teeth. Check with an auto electrician.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 3 Aug 2005 22:41
BMW 318i Starter Motor question, HELP! - mumof3uk
The starter motor for the old gearbox was fine, it's just the teeth on the pinion were too few & too wide to engage the flywheel on the new gearbox. Well that's what I understand.
I've been told by a breakers they have one with 10 teeth, so we're gonna order that one & hope it's the right one.

Thanx for all the advice...

Hazel.
Years ago when replacing starter pinions was an everyday job, the number of teeth on the old one were counted, and a similar replacement fitted.If I recall correctly, it used to be 9 or 11 teeth. Check with an auto electrician.>>


There have to be guys out there that can help a damsel in distress!!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide