How can I tell if my flywheel is borked?

[e24mpwr]

I've had some starter issues. I've replaced the starter and there are still some strange noises that sound like some teeth might be worn/etc. Any way to check? I'm guessing the answer is remove the starer and spin the motor while watching the teeth, but wonder if there's another way. (any tip on how to spin the motor is appreciated as well)

If I need to replace the flywheel, any thoughts on something better/lighter than stock? (I saw this one in Shipper's thread)

[Bert Poliakoff]

Lee, just take off the inspection plate at the bottom of the bellhousing and have some one "goose" the starter along. You can see the flywheel teeth well through there with a flash light. You dont need a custom flywheel as you arent going to be turning up a zillion revs like Shipper will be doing and finding a good used one will not be an issue nor very expensive. It could be the teeth on your starter are boinked. Cross your fingers that it is only that. And at the same time you can put in the earlier smaller and more powerful starter from a mid 90's car. for around $125

[de Witt]

If you want to spend some bucks on a flywheel contact JB Racing in FL or Frank Fahey in CA. No affiliation, really like the JB Racing flywheel on my S38B35.

[Shipper]

Lightweight flywheels work brilliantly. You spin up quicker and gain a few horses. I've just bought this for my 633. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BMW-Chro...97.m4902.l9144

[TJC1]

Lightweight flywheels can be fun and racy but just remember for every day driving you lose some of that "inertia" from the weight of a standard flywheel and taking off from a dead stop can sometimes become tedious with having to rev the engine a bit higher and sometimes needing to slip the clutch to accomplish a smooth takeoff. They also tend to lose their appeal in heavy traffic. Just a couple of things to consider depending on what type of driving you do most often.

[88m53453]

in addition to bumping the starter with the inspection plate removed, use a nice flat blade pry bar or screwdriver and turn it over a few teeth at a time. Makes it a bit tedious, but also, makes for more careful observation

[e24mpwr]

Lee, just take off the inspection plate at the bottom of the bellhousing and have some one "goose" the starter along. You can see the flywheel teeth well through there with a flash light. You dont need a custom flywheel as you arent going to be turning up a zillion revs like Shipper will be doing and finding a good used one will not be an issue nor very expensive. It could be the teeth on your starter are boinked. Cross your fingers that it is only that. And at the same time you can put in the earlier smaller and more powerful starter from a mid 90's car. for around $125

The starter is new, so isn't the teeth on that - I eyeballed it before I installed it.

Fahey did my motor - will have to see if there's a non-stock flywheel in there...

It is an intermittent thing, and now hasn't happened in several drives. Drove the car today, and it was awesome