Problems with my Starter on a 1989 BMW 525i?

[Jamesd24]

:help Hello, i am new to this site, but i have a problem i guess you can call it.
Every since i have installed a 12'' subwoffer and amp (i went to my local car audio shop to install it) in my car the car has been having some troubles starting because there is to much draw from the battery trying to power the car and the system in my car(that's what i think).

But this isn't my problem, since a week ago my car has been starting to make a really high pitch squeaking noise when i start the car up, but goes away after the car starts up. It really dosent sound good and i think its my starter but im not sure. So i was just hoping some one could help me out by telling me how i could fix it or maby even what the noise is.
I have made a quick video of the noise and have put it up on youtube
so i will put up the link so you guys know what im talking about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRm26oisyxc&feature=channel_page
Thanks for taking the time to read this and hopfuly some one can help me out.

[zubbie]

Hmmm.. very interesting.

If you disconnect your sub does this still happen? The squeal sounds like the starter solenoid is not releasing. either that or an alternator squeal; both electrical issues

How big is this amp? Not sure what your alternator is rated at. You may be unable to supply the starter and the amp with sufficient current. Keep in mind the starter is the biggest consumer of current in your car.

If anyone is interested here is a long, but useful, video on how starter motors work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxjPpytfnv0

[Jamesd24]

I just unhooked my sub and amp and started the car back up and it still makes the same squeaking noise as before.

[zubbie]

It may be coincidence or it may be that the change in current draw has accelerated the wear on the starter. Since your car is an M20 you should be able to get a used starter cheap (tons of old E30's around) if that is what it is.

I would first try to isolate the source of the squeal. Alternators with failing bearings will also make a squeal on startup. They definitely will fail if overtaxed with big loads. I believe the M20 E34's had 115 amp alternators. Not a bad size.

This may sound stupid but take a piece of garden hose and place it near the suspected problem and listen when starting the car. You can stick a funnel on the end to amplify the sound. This will help isolate where it is coming from.

[Jamesd24]

alright i will try all this and hopefully i can get this problem fixed soon.
Thanks for taking the time to help me out.:)

[bdejong11129]

Could it possibly be just a bad drive belt that is slipping a little on start and then digs in a stops squealing? I have heard this on many cars in the past.

Does it squeal at all when you rev the motor?

Ok, didn't see the link to the video, still think it may be a old, bad, loose drive belt. But man that motor sounds like a sewing machine, is this normal for them?

[nmp411]

Hey James!
I'm on this site too, good to see you getting some more figured out!

[Jamesd24]

Could it possibly be just a bad drive belt that is slipping a little on start and then digs in a stops squealing? I have heard this on many cars in the past.

Does it squeal at all when you rev the motor?

Ok, didn't see the link to the video, still think it may be a old, bad, loose drive belt. But man that motor sounds like a sewing machine, is this normal for them?

i will check the drive belt and it dosent squeal when i rev it,
and the motor dosent really sound like that in person i think its just the camera messing with the sound plus i think the fan has somthing to do with "sewing machine" sound haha.

[zubbie]

M20 is a sewing machine "junior" :stickoutt

M30 is the "singer"

[ross1]

The starter drive is not disengaging from the flywheel. First be sure your ignition switch isn't sticking. It's more likely the starter itself which at the very least requires removal, cleaning and lubrication. Replacement is probably a better option.
Then you can get a badly needed valve adjustment.

[sweet e36 pimp]

i agree with ross. the bendix is getting stuck, which happens when the starter gets filthy and or needs a new solenoid. i would pull it out and have it rebuilt.

[Jamesd24]

The starter drive is not disengaging from the flywheel. First be sure your ignition switch isn't sticking. It's more likely the starter itself which at the very least requires removal, cleaning and lubrication. Replacement is probably a better option.
Then you can get a badly needed valve adjustment.

alright thanks,and how much would you think a valve adjustment would cost to do at a shop?