No Start. Yet Again

[Rapido5]

So tonight I went to start the car and It tried to turn over, almost started, then a loud PING and nothing. Tried to start the car again and it would not turn over. Two weeks ago I replaced the battery connections. Tonight I tried both jumping the car, which failed, AND replaced the battery with a new one. Dash lights are brighter than they've ever been so I know it's a good strong battery. Struggles to turn over but still no start.

Any thoughts?

This is my fourth no start issue. First time it was a battery drain. Second time I cleaned the connections and it worked for a few months. Two weeks ago I replaced the connections. Now new battery.

[FernandoBunster]

My bet is that's your starter. Try to loosen the wires at the starter enough to rotate them. Then re-tighten. If that doesn't work, I'm still betting it's your starter. Good luck.

[Rapido5]

Thanks. I've been betting it was the starter the last three times. Guess it finally went. How hard is it to replace? I mean I've read the do it yourself section but I'm a guy who took four hours to replace the instrument cluster.

[SUABBYM6]

Thanks. I've been betting it was the starter the last three times. Guess it finally went. How hard is it to replace? I mean I've read the do it yourself section but I'm a guy who took four hours to replace the instrument cluster.
Replacing the starter is very simple but you must have the 15/17mm(I believe)box wrench from the trunk tool kit because that wrench will go onto the lower bolt where no other wrench or socket can.

[Rapido5]

I have a complete tool kit. I believe it's 17mm or at least that's what I read in the DIY section. Should I buy new? reconditioned? used? I believe I've also read with upgrading with a starter from a different BMW model. 5 series, maybe?

[FernandoBunster]

5 series uses a slimmer /smaller unit, easier to install.

[Rapido5]

Is there a certain year 5 series?

[oldskool racer]

the M30 B35 starter from a '89 until '94 aka 735i, 535i, 635CSi

[1986series6]

You can get the top bolt out from the inpection square hole
through the intake. The hole is above the bolt. Looking from the
passenger side with a flashlight you'll see the bolt at the far end of
the square opening. Use a 17mm swivel socket with an extention.
The top of the socket will rest on top of the bolt, to mount the socket fully,
tap the edge of the extention and it will force the socket onto the bottom of the bolt.
It's easier with a 12 point. Add another extention if needed and with
pressure down on the bolt getting the best angle you can go for it.

I read this on line some time back and it worked for me.

Tape the bolt in the socket, it will make it easier to install.

With this method, you don't have to drain coolant.

Good luck

[Rapido5]

the M30 B35 starter from a '89 until '94 aka 735i, 535i, 635CSi

OK. so I did a quick search on autohuasaz
I looked up a 1989 535i starter and compared it to a 1986 635 starter. I just want to make sure I got it right. the 535i is part number SR441X. The 635 is part number SR41X. Stock photos look the same. Just want to make sure they're different.


You can get the top bolt out from the inpection square hole
through the intake. The hole is above the bolt. Looking from the
passenger side with a flashlight you'll see the bolt at the far end of
the square opening. Use a 17mm swivel socket with an extention.
The top of the socket will rest on top of the bolt, to mount the socket fully,
tap the edge of the extention and it will force the socket onto the bottom of the bolt.
It's easier with a 12 point. Add another extention if needed and with
pressure down on the bolt getting the best angle you can go for it.

I read this on line some time back and it worked for me.

Tape the bolt in the socket, it will make it easier to install.

With this method, you don't have to drain coolant.

Good luck

Good to know. I had it in my head that I had to remove hoses from the drivers side and drain the coolant.

[CW6er]

Starter number and Photo:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=23149998#post23149998
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15452&highlight=&sid=261378e6cc63e3e6796a1ecd70b1ad3b

[Rapido5]

Starter number and Photo:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=23149998#post23149998
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15452&highlight=&sid=261378e6cc63e3e6796a1ecd70b1ad3b

Very helpful. Thank you. I'll be ordering the 5 series starter on Monday. I'll keep you guys posted on how it goes.

[Rapido5]

SO it's been awhile since I've really been able to work on the car so I figured I'd give you guys an update. Back in May I ordered a new starter and planned on getting it installed. Never happened. My wife gave birth to triplets. Yup, triplets. so the car sat. And sat. And sat. Finally things have settled down and I'm back on the road. Turns out it was NOT the starter. After replacement it still wouldn't start. So I took at shot at the ECU. Sure enough after giving it a good whack it worked. So a new ECU is in and I'm back on the road. Well as much as one can with newborns. Most drives take place in the new minivan.

[RitchieE24]

Glad to hear!

[86GT635]

Congrats on the troop!

[wmcq6]

My wife gave birth to triplets. Yup, triplets.

Congrats to the newest front line of your team... and glad you found the whack to help locate your troubles..well car troubles for now...

[Rapido5]

Thanks guys.

I'm counting down the days till they can hold a wrench. Without trying to eat it, anyway. :)