e30 starter problem

[liveon2legs36]

Hello everyone,

I'm writing because I recently put a new starter in my 1987 325e.

I turn the key and can hear the fuel pump...but no click or attempt to start.

I believe I have it wired correctly. Big black cable from battery and red from alternator on the long bolt terminal...and the yellow and black wire connector connected to the smaller "clip" terminal.

What is that larger clip terminal for?...I don't believe there is a wire that attaches to it.

I can cross the terminals on the back of the solenoid with the key in the on position and it will start right up.

What does this mean?

If it's the neutral safety switch or the starter relay...where can I locate and how can I test these? I don't have a relay diagram and nothing is labeled in the fusebox.

Thanks,

Jim.

[Stück]

Sounds like you are trying to install a late model 3 wire starter, you need a early one.

[liveon2legs36]

I got the starter (SR43X) designed for the models produced before 11/86. It has the same connections as the one I removed.

The SR443X is supposed to be for models produced after 12/86.

Does this help?

[liveon2legs36]

basically...should I have four wires? I don't remember from when I removed the starter two weeks ago.

[robmpulse]

Did it do this before you replaced the starter?

[liveon2legs36]

nope.